Wazuh vs Kandji: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Wazuh and Kandji 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:
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
Kandji
Unified endpoint, identity, and compliance management
Best for you if:
- • You need security features specifically
- • Unified platform for endpoint management, identity, and compliance with a single agent.
- • AI-powered automation and context-aware security across devices, users, and apps.
| At a Glance |  Kandji | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security Monitoring | Security |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Wazuh or Kandji?
Choose Wazuh if
Open-source security monitoring
- Open source SIEM
- Good features
- Self-hostable
- You want a fully free tool (Kandji requires payment)
- Your work is security monitoring-shaped, not security-shaped
Choose Kandji if
Unified endpoint, identity, and compliance management
- Unifies endpoint, identity, and compliance in one platform, reducing tool sprawl
- AI-powered automation saves an average of 50 hours per month per team
- High customer satisfaction with a 4.75/5 G2 rating from over 700 reviews
- Your work is security-shaped, not security monitoring-shaped
| Feature | Wazuh | Kandji |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 71 reviews | ★4.8/5 465 reviews |
| Categories | Security MonitoringVulnerability Scanning | SecurityCompliance |
In-Depth Analysis
Wazuh
Open-source security monitoring
Wazuh's pricing is exceptionally generous, offering a full-featured open-source SIEM/XDR solution for $0.
Watch out
Cloud tier pricing is custom, not transparent
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
Kandji
Unified endpoint, identity, and compliance management
Kandji's pricing is entirely opaque, with all tiers listed as 'Request a quote' and only annual billing, suggesting enterprise-level cost that could be expensive for small teams.
Watch out
Annual contract required, no monthly option
Strengths
- +Unifies endpoint, identity, and compliance in one platform, reducing tool sprawl
- +AI-powered automation saves an average of 50 hours per month per team
- +High customer satisfaction with a 4.75/5 G2 rating from over 700 reviews
Weaknesses
- -Pricing is not publicly listed, requiring a demo or quote request
- -May require significant initial setup to fully integrate all three domains
Key features
Pricing: Wazuh vs Kandji
| Plan | Wazuh | Kandji |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | Request a quote Workforce Identity |
| Tier 2 | Free Cloud | Request a quote Endpoint Management |
| Tier 3 | N/A | Request a quote Endpoint Detection & Response |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Request a quote Vulnerability Management |
| Tier 5 | N/A | Request a quote Compliance Automation |
| Tier 6 | N/A | Request a quote Trust Center |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Wazuh pricing and Kandji pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Wazuh is free. Kandji is freemium.
Go with: Wazuh
Want the highest-rated option?
Wazuh: 4.5/5 (71 reviews). Kandji: 4.8/5 (465 reviews).
Go with: Kandji
Value user reviews?
Wazuh: 71 reviews (4.5/5). Kandji: 465 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: Kandji
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Wazuh is free. Kandji is freemium. Go with Wazuh if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Wazuh is a security monitoring tool. Kandji is in security. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Kandji is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Wazuh
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Kandji
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.5/5
- Larger review base (465 reviews)
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Wazuh is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wazuh or Kandji better?
Wazuh is rated in our evaluation. Wazuh is free and Kandji is freemium.
What are Wazuh and Kandji used for?
Wazuh: Open-source security monitoring. Kandji: Unified endpoint, identity, and compliance management.
What does Wazuh cost vs Kandji?
Wazuh is completely free. Kandji is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.