Burp Suite is a well-known tool for application security testing, particularly manual penetration testing, but it is not the only option available. As the cybersecurity landscape grows we’ve considerably more players in the market than ever before that may the ideal Burp Suite alternative.
If you’re looking into next-generation solutions that offer increased flexibility and improved support for modern applications, the options can be quite confusing.
This guide will provide an overview of the leading platforms available today to help you find the best fit for your team’s specific needs. We will explore both traditional and modern alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
Software | Starting prices | Strengths | Best for |
---|---|---|---|
Beagle Security | $119 per month |
| Agile teams and modern applications with complex login flows |
Rapid7 InsightAppSec | $175 per month |
| Organizations already using the Rapid7 Insight Platform |
Tenable WAS | $7,434 per year |
| Large enterprises with a focus on comprehensive exposure management |
Qualys WAS | Custom quote |
| Organizations already using the Qualys Cloud Platform |
ZAP | Free |
| Individual developers, small teams, and budget-constrained projects |
Invicti | Custom quote |
| Organizations prioritizing DAST and ease of use |
Checkmarx | Custom quote |
| Organizations needing a full-spectrum, enterprise-grade AppSec solution |
Veracode | Custom quote |
| Large enterprises with a long-term AppSec strategy |
HCL AppScan | Custom quote; $295.87 per scan |
| Enterprises needing a flexible, comprehensive solution with on-premises options |
AI-native DAST: Offers automated, AI-powered penetration testing.
Pricing: Starts at $1,188 per year, with a concurrent test-based pricing model.
Reviews: Has a G2 rating of 4.7/5 and is praised for its intuitive user interface, AI-based engine, and developer-centric reports.
Beagle Security is a platform for automated penetration testing that utilizes AI to simulate real-world attacks and identify vulnerabilities in applications and business logic.
It supports API security for REST and GraphQL and provides contextual, developer-friendly reports with remediation guidance tailored to your technology stack.
The platform also integrates smoothly with CI/CD pipelines and can handle complex login flows, including 2FA.
Performs context-aware testing and handles complex login flows, including 2FA.
Simulates real-world attacker behavior to test business logic.
Provides full API security support for REST and GraphQL.
Offers contextual, developer-friendly reports with remediation guidance specific to the tech stack.
Integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines.
Beagle Security uses a tiered pricing structure with plans starting at $1,188 per year. Enterprise plans begin at $8,500 annually for 5 concurrent tests. A 14-day free trial is available.
With a G2 rating of 4.7/5, users praise its intuitive UI, AI-based test engine, and developer-first reports.
Integrated DAST/IAST: Combines DAST with lightweight IAST capabilities.
Pricing: Starts at $175 per month, based on a per-application model.
Reviews: Users on G2 rate it 4.3/5 and value its integration with other Rapid7 tools.
Part of the Rapid7 Insight Platform, InsightAppSec provides a robust security solution by combining DAST with IAST functionality.
The platform offers features such as scheduled scanning, vulnerability tracking, scan blackouts, and visual dashboards.
While it integrates with CI/CD tools like Jenkins and Azure DevOps, it may not be as flexible for highly dynamic applications.
Offers DAST with lightweight IAST capabilities via agents.
Includes scheduled scanning, scan blackouts, and vulnerability tracking.
Provides visual dashboards and customizable, compliance-focused reports.
Integrates with CI/CD tools like Jenkins and Azure DevOps.
Rapid7 pricing starts at $175 per month for a single application, using a per-application pricing model. This can be costly for organizations with many applications. A 30-day free trial is available.
Rated 4.3/5 on G2, users appreciate its integration with other Rapid7 tools. Common complaints include a steep learning curve and performance issues.
Risk-based approach: Prioritizes vulnerabilities according to their exploitability.
Pricing: The annual starting price is $7,434 for 5 FQDNs.
Reviews: On G2, Tenable WAS is rated 4.5/5, with users praising its comprehensive vulnerability coverage and intuitive dashboards.
Tenable Web Application Scanning is included in the Tenable One Exposure Management Platform. It offers DAST, API scanning, and vulnerability intelligence.
The platform uses a risk-based methodology to prioritize vulnerabilities. It is noted, however, for its lack of advanced web-specific capabilities, such as context-aware reporting and dynamic AI-based business logic testing.
Provides DAST, API scanning, and vulnerability intelligence.
Utilizes a risk-based approach to prioritize vulnerabilities.
Comprehensive vulnerability coverage.
Tenable WAS pricing starts at $7,434 per year for 5 FQDNs. A 30-day free trial is available, but it is often limited in functionality.
With a G2 rating of 4.5/5, users praise its comprehensive vulnerability coverage and intuitive dashboards. Some reviewers mention that the initial setup can be complex and scan times can be lengthy.
All-in-one platform: A component of the Qualys VMDR platform, it includes integrated vulnerability management.
Pricing: Quoted on a case-by-case basis and priced per target.
Reviews: Holds a 4.3/5 rating on G2, earning recognition for its robust asset visibility and integrated vulnerability management.
Qualys WAS is part of the comprehensive Qualys VMDR platform, which assists organizations in discovering and continually monitoring their web assets for vulnerabilities.
The platform incorporates DAST with its patented TruRisk™ prioritization engine, CI/CD integrations, and reports designed for compliance.
Some users have pointed out a challenging learning curve and a higher rate of false positives compared to other tools.
Employs DAST and includes a TruRisk™ engine for prioritizing vulnerabilities based on risk.
Offers seamless integrations with CI/CD pipelines.
Generates reports that help meet compliance standards.
Provides integrated capabilities for vulnerability management and asset discovery.
Pricing is determined by a custom quote and is based on a per-target model. A 30-day free trial is available for prospective users.
Rated at 4.3/5 on G2, the platform is frequently commended for its extensive asset visibility and effective, integrated approach to vulnerability management.
Open-source & free: This is a no-cost, open-source utility supported by its community.
Pricing: It is completely free to use.
Reviews: With a 4.7/5 G2 rating, ZAP is celebrated for being effective and user-friendly for all skill levels.
ZAP by Checkmarx is an open-source DAST solution that facilitates both automated and manual security testing.
The tool’s automated scanner is capable of detecting common vulnerabilities like XSS and SQL injection, and it produces reports aligned with the OWASP Top 10.
The platform is accessible to users of various skill levels and includes support for API, scheduled, and SSO testing. However, be aware that filtering false positives requires manual intervention.
An automated scanner that identifies common vulnerabilities such as XSS and SQL injection.
Generates comprehensive OWASP Top 10 reports.
Its design makes it approachable for users of all experience levels.
Offers support for API security testing, scheduled scans, and SSO.
As a free and open-source tool, ZAP does not have any associated costs.
The platform has earned a G2 rating of 4.7/5. It is highly regarded for its effectiveness and accessibility, although users have noted that the initial setup can have a learning curve.
Scalability & Automation: The platform is known for its automation and scalability, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes.
Pricing: A custom quote is required, as pricing is not publicly available.
Reviews: The platform is highly rated on G2 (4.6/5) for its ease of use and ability to automate security scanning.
Invicti (formerly Netsparker) is an automated DAST solution designed to find and report vulnerabilities in web applications and APIs. Its approach focuses on dynamic and interactive scanning to identify a wide range of security flaws. Its key strength lies in providing a scalable and automated process for web application security, which helps teams to integrate security testing into their development workflows and improve overall efficiency.
Automates web vulnerability scanning for applications and APIs.
Combines dynamic and interactive scanning techniques.
Provides a scalable solution that fits organizations of all sizes.
Integrates into development lifecycles to streamline security workflows.
Pricing for Invicti is based on a custom quote, and you will need to contact their sales team for a personalized plan.
On G2, Invicti is highly regarded for its user-friendliness and its powerful automation capabilities, which simplify the security testing process.
Comprehensive suite: Provides a full range of solutions, including SAST, DAST, and SCA.
Pricing: Custom quotes are provided upon request, as pricing is not publicly disclosed.
Reviews: The platform is rated 4.2 on G2, and users often commend its user-friendly interface and valuable vulnerability fix suggestions.
Checkmarx delivers a comprehensive application security testing platform with SAST, DAST, and SCA solutions. This robust suite is designed to help organizations meet their application security needs and secure their software development processes from end to end.
Offers a complete suite of security solutions, including SAST, DAST, and SCA.
Integrates with popular development tools such as GitHub, Bitbucket, and GitLab.
Checkmarx provides a variety of plans tailored to different levels of application security maturity.
Pricing is not publicly listed; for a personalized quote based on your specific requirements, you must contact their sales team directly.
They offer plans named “Start with SAST,” “Start with SSCS,” “Essentials,” and “Professional.”
Details of what is offered in each plan can be found below:
With a G2 rating of 4.2/5, Checkmarx is praised for its intuitive user interface and helpful suggestions for fixing vulnerabilities. However, some users have reported delays in support, occasional false positives, slower scan times, and some issues with IDE integrations.
Full-spectrum platform: Offers a wide array of security solutions, including SAST, DAST, IAST, SCA, and IaC security.
Pricing: Based on a custom contract; pricing details are not publicly available.
Reviews: With a G2 rating of 3.7/5, it is well-regarded for its extensive scanning capabilities and dedicated customer support.
Veracode is a comprehensive, cloud-native platform that integrates static and dynamic testing to serve as a complete solution for enterprises that prioritize secure development. It offers a full range of application security solutions, including SAST, DAST, IAST, SCA, and IaC security.
Combines static and dynamic testing capabilities for comprehensive coverage.
Integrates seamlessly with popular IDEs and CI/CD pipelines.
Provides AI-generated suggestions for fixing code vulnerabilities.
Utilizes a patented binary code analysis method.
Veracode’s pricing information is not publicly accessible. The company uses a tiered pricing structure that is based on the number of applications and scans required.
To get a clear understanding of the costs, you must schedule a demo and speak with one of their sales representatives.
With a G2 rating of 3.7/5, Veracode is appreciated for its comprehensive scanning and reliable support. However, some users have found the platform to be complex to implement, and they note that the pricing model can be expensive.
Full suite: Offers a comprehensive set of technologies, including SAST, DAST, IAST, SCA, and API testing.
Pricing: The cloud version starts at $295.87 per scan.
Reviews: With a G2 rating of 4.1/5, it is recognized for its ease of use and the accuracy of its scan results.
AppScan provides a complete suite of application security testing tools with options for SAST, DAST, IAST, SCA, and API testing. It leverages AI to enhance accuracy, which helps in reducing false positives and effectively prioritizing risks.
The platform features centralized dashboards, integrates with developer workflows, and provides actionable reports with clear recommendations for fixes.
Offers a full suite of technologies for comprehensive application security testing, including SAST, DAST, IAST, SCA, and API testing.
Employs AI-driven accuracy to minimize false positives and prioritize risks more effectively.
Provides centralized dashboards and reports with actionable fix recommendations.
Integrates smoothly with existing developer workflows.
While pricing for HCL AppScan is typically provided via a custom quote, a pay-per-scan option is available for the cloud version, starting at $295.87 per scan (with a minimum of five scans). A 30-day free trial is also offered.
HCL AppScan holds a G2 rating of 4.1/5. Users often praise its accurate scan results, though some have noted challenges with the installation process and a lack of detailed documentation.
Pricing can differ significantly between different solutions. It is important to evaluate which pricing model, whether it is per-application, based on concurrent testing, or a custom quote, best fits your budget and the number of applications you need to test.
The value of a tool is often linked to its usability. Look for platforms with intuitive interfaces, seamless integrations with your CI/CD pipelines, and developer-friendly reports that provide clear and actionable guidance for remediation.
Modern applications need advanced features like AI-powered logic testing, support for complex login flows, and API security for technologies such as GraphQL and REST. Make sure the alternative you select can handle your specific technology stack.
Some solutions, like ZAP, are community-driven, while others, like Beagle Security, offer dedicated customer support. Consider your team’s expertise and whether you need hands-on assistance to implement and use the platform.
While Burp Suite is a powerful tool for manual penetration testing, the market offers a wide range of alternatives that may be a better fit for your team.
Whether you are looking for an open-source tool like ZAP, a comprehensive enterprise solution like Veracode or HCL AppScan, or a modern, AI-powered platform like Beagle Security, an informed decision can help you build a stronger, more agile security program.
Consider factors such as pricing, features, and integrations, along with your organization’s needs. This will help you select a platform that not only meets your current needs but also scales with your organization as it grows.