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.
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
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
| At a Glance |  Qualys | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $199/year per assetVMDR |
Best For | Security Monitoring | Vulnerability Scanning |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Wazuh or Qualys?
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
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
| Feature | Wazuh | Qualys |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 63 reviews | ★4.1/5 90 reviews |
| Categories | Security MonitoringVulnerability Scanning | Vulnerability ScanningCompliance Management |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
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.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Wazuh is free. Qualys is paid.
Go with: Wazuh
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Wazuh
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Wazuh
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Wazuh is free. Qualys is paid. Go with Wazuh if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Wazuh is a security monitoring tool. Qualys is in vulnerability scanning. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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 Wazuh or Qualys better?
Wazuh is rated in our evaluation. Wazuh is free and Qualys is paid.
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 completely free. Qualys is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.