Wazuh vs qsa.sh: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Wazuh and qsa.sh 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: Wazuh wins this matchup. ESET is our overall Vulnerability Scanning pick. Malwarebytes is our free Vulnerability Scanning pick. Pick qsa.sh 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:
Wazuh
Open-source security monitoring
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (qsa.sh requires payment)
qsa.sh
External port and vulnerability scans from your terminal
Best for you if:
- • You want zero installation, just run curl; no agent or software to deploy
| At a Glance | qsa.sh | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free Free plan |
Category | Security Monitoring Vulnerability Scanning | Security Terminal Tools |
Rating | 4.5/5 G2 4.5 71 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Wazuh or qsa.sh?
Choose Wazuh if
- You want a fully free tool (qsa.sh requires payment)
- You want open source SIEM
- You want good features
- You work in security monitoring, not security
Choose qsa.sh if
- You want zero installation, just run curl; no agent or software to deploy
- You want transparent and auditable, uses only public open-source tools, no black box
- You work in security, not security monitoring
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.
Strengths
- Pro: Open source SIEM
- Pro: Good features
- Pro: Self-hostable
- Pro: Active development
- Pro: Free
Weaknesses
- Con: Complex setup
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Resource intensive
- Con: Documentation gaps
- Con: Enterprise features paid
Key features
qsa.sh
External port and vulnerability scans from your terminal
The pricing is generous for casual use with a free tier that covers the top 1,000 ports, but the $5/mo Full Pro tier is a steal for continuous scanning of all ports, while $7/scan for Deep is steep for occasional use.
Strengths
- Pro: Zero installation, just run curl; no agent or software to deploy.
- Pro: Transparent and auditable, uses only public open-source tools, no black box.
- Pro: Strictly limited to scanning your own IP, with consent gate and opt-out for operators.
Weaknesses
- Con: IPv4 only, IPv6 connections are refused.
- Con: Free scan limited to one per 24 hours and only top 1,000 ports; Full and Deep require payment.
Key features
Pricing: Wazuh vs qsa.sh
| Plan | Wazuh | qsa.sh |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | $0/mo or Free Free |
| Tier 2 | Free Cloud | $5/mo Full Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $7/scan Deep |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Wazuh pricing and qsa.sh pricing.
Key Takeaways
Wazuh
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
qsa.sh
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Wazuh wins this matchup. ESET is our overall Vulnerability Scanning pick. Malwarebytes is our free Vulnerability Scanning pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wazuh or qsa.sh better in 2026?
Wazuh wins this matchup. ESET is our overall Vulnerability Scanning pick. Malwarebytes is our free Vulnerability Scanning pick. Pick Wazuh for security monitoring workflows (main strength: open source SIEM). Pick qsa.sh for security workflows (main strength: zero installation, just run curl; no agent or software to deploy).
What are Wazuh and qsa.sh used for?
Wazuh: Open-source security monitoring. qsa.sh: External port and vulnerability scans from your terminal.
What does Wazuh cost vs qsa.sh?
Wazuh is free. qsa.sh's paid plans start at Free (Full Pro).
What's the main difference between Wazuh and qsa.sh?
Wazuh's main strength: open source SIEM. qsa.sh's main strength: zero installation, just run curl; no agent or software to deploy.