Trivy vs Nessus: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Trivy and Nessus 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:
Trivy
Vulnerability scanner for containers
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need something completely free
Nessus
Vulnerability assessment scanner
Best for you if:
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | 88/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Trivy | Nessus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Security | Security |
Understanding the Differences
Both Trivy and Nessus solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Trivy positions itself as "vulnerability scanner for containers" while Nessusfocuses on "vulnerability assessment scanner". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Trivy
Trivy makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 88/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Nessus
Nessus is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Trivy lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Trivy
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Trivy handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Trivy
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Nessus takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Nessus
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Trivy is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Trivy higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Nessus more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Trivy Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Nessus If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Trivy (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Trivy scores higher in our analysis, but Nessus might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trivy or Nessus better?
Based on our analysis, Trivy scores higher with 88/100. Trivy isfree while Nessus is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Trivy to Nessus easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Trivy and Nessus offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Trivy is completely free.Nessus is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.