Qualys vs Orca Security: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Qualys and Orca Security comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Qualys wins this matchup. ESET is our overall Vulnerability Scanning pick. Malwarebytes is our free Vulnerability Scanning pick. Pick Orca Security if you need security.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Qualys
Cloud security and compliance platform
Best for you if:
- • You want enterprise vulnerability management
Orca Security
Industry-leading cloud security solution for multi-cloud environments.
Best for you if:
- • You want cloud security platform
| At a Glance | Qualys | Orca Security |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $199/year per asset VMDR | Custom |
Category | Vulnerability Scanning Compliance Management | Security Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.2/5 G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.0 · Trustpilot 3.2 202 reviews | 4.7/5 G2 4.7 · Capterra 4.8 373 reviews |
Free plan | No | No |
Watch out for | n/a | Pricing scales with compute assets, potentially increasing costs. |
Choose Qualys or Orca Security?
Choose Qualys if
- You want enterprise vulnerability management
- You want good scanning
- You work in vulnerability scanning, not security
Choose Orca Security if
- You want cloud security platform
- You want agentless scanning
- You work in security, not vulnerability scanning
In-Depth Analysis
Qualys
Cloud security and compliance platform
Qualys is enterprise-grade vulnerability management.
Strengths
- Pro: Enterprise vulnerability management
- Pro: Good scanning
- Pro: Cloud-based
- Pro: Comprehensive
- Pro: Industry established
Weaknesses
- Con: Very expensive
- Con: Complex platform
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Per-asset pricing
- Con: UI dated
Key features
Orca Security
Industry-leading cloud security solution for multi-cloud environments.
Orca Security's 'Custom' pricing for their CNAPP Platform, based on compute assets, is typical for enterprise-grade cloud security solutions.
Watch out
Pricing scales with compute assets, potentially increasing costs.
Strengths
- Pro: Cloud security platform
- Pro: Agentless scanning
- Pro: Good visibility
- Pro: Multi-cloud
- Pro: Active development
Weaknesses
- Con: Expensive
- Con: Enterprise focus
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Complex platform
- Con: Per-asset pricing
Key features
Pricing: Qualys vs Orca Security
| Plan | Qualys | Orca Security |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $199 year per asset VMDR | Custom CNAPP Platform |
| Tier 2 | $1995 year for 25 apps Web App Scanning | N/A |
| Tier 3 | Custom Enterprise TruRisk | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Qualys pricing and Orca Security pricing.
Key Takeaways
Qualys
- Our pick for this comparison
Orca Security
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (373 reviews)
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Qualys wins this matchup. ESET is our overall Vulnerability Scanning pick. Malwarebytes is our free Vulnerability Scanning pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qualys or Orca Security better in 2026?
Qualys wins this matchup. ESET is our overall Vulnerability Scanning pick. Malwarebytes is our free Vulnerability Scanning pick. Pick Qualys for vulnerability scanning workflows (main strength: enterprise vulnerability management). Pick Orca Security for security workflows (main strength: cloud security platform).
What are Qualys and Orca Security used for?
Qualys: Cloud security and compliance platform. Orca Security: Industry-leading cloud security solution for multi-cloud environments.
What does Qualys cost vs Orca Security?
Qualys's paid plans start at $199/year per asset (VMDR). Orca Security pricing is on their site.
What's the main difference between Qualys and Orca Security?
Qualys's main strength: enterprise vulnerability management. Orca Security's main strength: cloud security platform.