Acunetix vs Qualys: Which is the best choice for you? [2026]

If you’re evaluating Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools in 2025, you’ll inevitably encounter Acunetix and Qualys Web Application Scanning (WAS). Both platforms offer automated vulnerability detection, but they are built for different needs, target distinct markets, and come with contrasting architectural philosophies.

While Acunetix focuses on providing deep-dive web application scanning, Qualys WAS is part of a much broader cloud platform designed for unified IT security and compliance management. Choosing between them depends entirely on whether you prioritize a specialized scanner or a suite-based solution.

This guide pits Acunetix against Qualys WAS, highlights their core strengths and weaknesses, and introduces a modern alternative built for DevSecOps agility: Beagle Security.

Acunetix vs Qualys at a glance

An alternative web & API penetration testing platform: Beagle Security

Both Acunetix and Qualys WAS are strong legacy options, but they often struggle with the pace and complexity of modern DevSecOps, especially when dealing with complex login flows (like 2FA), GraphQL APIs, and fragmented pricing models.

Beagle Security is a next-generation DAST platform built to eliminate the overhead of traditional scanners. It is an AI-powered automated penetration testing tool that mimics real-world attacker behavior to find business-logic and context-specific flaws that are often missed by signature-based tools. With predictable, concurrent test-based pricing, it is a flexible and cost-effective alternative.

TL;DR – Why choose Beagle Security over Acunetix & Qualys?

• AI-enabled automation: Features AI-based login handling and business logic detection, which both Acunetix and Qualys lack.

• Flexible pricing: Uses a concurrent test-based model instead of the restrictive, escalating per-FQDN (Acunetix) or per-target (Qualys) licensing.

• Developer-first reports: Provides contextual remediation guidance tailored to the user’s tech stack, which is more actionable than the basic reporting offered by Qualys.

• Modern support: Offers full GraphQL support and out-of-the-box testing for 2FA-enabled applications and complex SPAs.

Acunetix vs Qualys vs Beagle Security: Feature comparison

Acunetix features

Acunetix is positioned as a comprehensive DAST solution known for its effective scanning of traditional web applications.

• IAST integration: Offers AcuSensor IAST integration for deeper insight into source code execution during DAST scans, combining black-box and white-box methods.

• Compliance ready: Provides HIPAA and PCI DSS compliance-focused reporting.

• Coverage: Excellent detection of common flaws, including the OWASP Top 10.

Acunetix weaknesses & limitations:

• Rigid licensing: The per-FQDN pricing model can become restrictive and expensive for organizations with many applications or dynamic environments (like Dev/Staging/Prod).

• Limited modern support: Struggles with intelligent crawling for complex, modern web technologies like SPAs and GraphQL.

• Authentication challenges: Multi-step or token-based authentication often requires extensive manual configuration.

Qualys WAS features

Qualys Web Application Scanning is a module within the larger Qualys Cloud Platform, making it a natural fit for organizations already using Qualys for vulnerability management.

• Integrated platform: Seamless integration with other Qualys modules for asset discovery and vulnerability management across IT assets.

• Compliance focus: Strong dashboard and policy compliance coverage, highly suitable for environments with heavy regulatory requirements.

• Broad scanning: Capable DAST engine with scan scheduling and a unified dashboard for alerts.

Qualys WAS weaknesses & limitations:

• Complex User Interface (UI): Users frequently report that the interface is outdated and unintuitive, leading to a steep learning curve.

• No AI or business logic: Lacks AI-driven features for advanced logic detection or automated login handling.

• Limited DevSecOps: Offers only limited CI/CD integration and requires manual tuning and configuration to avoid false positives.

Acunetix vs Qualys vs Beagle Security: Pricing comparison

*Acunetix pricing according to AWS Marketplace

Which is best for you?

While Acunetix and Qualys serve established security programs well, they carry the baggage of legacy licensing and architecture.

If your priority is building a modern, agile AppSec program that scales with your development team and budget, a next-generation solution like Beagle Security is the smarter investment.

Written by

Febna V M

Cyber Security Engineer

Contributor

Nandagopal S

Marketing Associate