Wazuh vs Qualys: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Wazuh and Qualys 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 Security Monitoring pick. PRTG is our free Security Monitoring pick. Pick Qualys if you need vulnerability scanning.
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 (Qualys requires payment)
Qualys
Cloud security and compliance platform
Best for you if:
- • You want enterprise vulnerability management
| At a Glance | Qualys | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | $199/year per asset VMDR |
Category | Security Monitoring Vulnerability Scanning | Vulnerability Scanning Compliance Management |
Rating | 4.5/5 G2 4.5 71 reviews | 4.2/5 G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.0 · Trustpilot 3.2 202 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Wazuh or Qualys?
Choose Wazuh if
- You want a fully free tool (Qualys requires payment)
- You want open source SIEM
- You want good features
- You work in security monitoring, not vulnerability scanning
Choose Qualys if
- You want enterprise vulnerability management
- You want good scanning
- You work in vulnerability scanning, 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
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
Pricing: Wazuh vs Qualys
| Plan | Wazuh | Qualys |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | $199 year per asset VMDR |
| Tier 2 | Free Cloud | $1995 year for 25 apps Web App Scanning |
| Tier 3 | N/A | Custom Enterprise TruRisk |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Wazuh pricing and Qualys pricing.
Key Takeaways
Wazuh
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.2/5
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Qualys
- Larger review base (202 reviews)
- Better fit for vulnerability scanning
The Bottom Line
Wazuh wins this matchup. ESET is our overall Security Monitoring pick. PRTG is our free Security Monitoring pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wazuh or Qualys better in 2026?
Wazuh wins this matchup. ESET is our overall Security Monitoring pick. PRTG is our free Security Monitoring pick. Pick Wazuh for security monitoring workflows (main strength: open source SIEM). Pick Qualys for vulnerability scanning workflows (main strength: enterprise vulnerability management).
What are Wazuh and Qualys used for?
Wazuh: Open-source security monitoring. Qualys: Cloud security and compliance platform.
What does Wazuh cost vs Qualys?
Wazuh is free. Qualys's paid plans start at $199/year per asset (VMDR).
What's the main difference between Wazuh and Qualys?
Wazuh's main strength: open source SIEM. Qualys's main strength: enterprise vulnerability management.