Qualys vs Wazuh: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Qualys and Wazuh 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Qualys
Cloud security and compliance platform
Best for you if:
- • You need vulnerability scanning features specifically
- • Qualys is a cloud security and compliance platform for enterprises
- • It provides vulnerability management, compliance monitoring, and web app security
Wazuh
Open-source security monitoring
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need security monitoring features specifically
- • Wazuh is an open-source security monitoring platform
- • It provides threat detection, compliance, and incident response
| At a Glance |  Qualys | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $199/year per assetVMDR | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Vulnerability Scanning | Security Monitoring |
Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Qualys or Wazuh?
Choose Qualys if
Cloud security and compliance platform
- Enterprise vulnerability management
- Good scanning
- Cloud-based
- Your work is vulnerability scanning-shaped, not security monitoring-shaped
Choose Wazuh if
Open-source security monitoring
- Open source SIEM
- Good features
- Self-hostable
- You want a fully free tool (Qualys requires payment)
- Your work is security monitoring-shaped, not vulnerability scanning-shaped
| Feature | Qualys | Wazuh |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.1/5 90 reviews | ★4.5/5 63 reviews |
| Categories | Vulnerability ScanningCompliance Management | Security MonitoringVulnerability Scanning |
In-Depth Analysis
Qualys
Cloud security and compliance platform
Strengths
- +Enterprise vulnerability management
- +Good scanning
- +Cloud-based
- +Comprehensive
- +Industry established
Weaknesses
- -Very expensive
- -Complex platform
- -Learning curve
- -Per-asset pricing
- -UI dated
Key features
Wazuh
Open-source security monitoring
Strengths
- +Open source SIEM
- +Good features
- +Self-hostable
- +Active development
- +Free
Weaknesses
- -Complex setup
- -Learning curve
- -Resource intensive
- -Documentation gaps
- -Enterprise features paid
Key features
Pricing: Qualys vs Wazuh
| Plan | Qualys | Wazuh |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $199 year per asset VMDR | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | $1995 year for 25 apps Web App Scanning | Free Cloud |
| Tier 3 | Custom Enterprise TruRisk | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Qualys pricing and Wazuh pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Wazuh is free. Qualys is paid.
Go with: Wazuh
Want the highest-rated option?
Qualys: 4.1/5 (90 reviews). Wazuh: 4.5/5 (63 reviews).
Go with: Wazuh
Value user reviews?
Qualys: 90 reviews (4.1/5). Wazuh: 63 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Qualys
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Qualys is paid. Wazuh is free. Go with Wazuh if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Qualys is a vulnerability scanning tool. Wazuh is in security monitoring. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Wazuh is rated higher: 4.5/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
Wazuh
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.1/5
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Qualys
- Larger review base (90 reviews)
- Better fit for vulnerability scanning
The Bottom Line
Wazuh is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qualys or Wazuh better?
Wazuh is rated in our evaluation. Qualys is paid and Wazuh is free.
What are Qualys and Wazuh used for?
Qualys: Cloud security and compliance platform. Wazuh: Open-source security monitoring.
What does Qualys cost vs Wazuh?
Qualys is a paid tool. Wazuh is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.