Top GitLab DAST alternatives [2026]

As organizations increasingly embed application security into their DevSecOps pipelines, GitLab’s built-in DAST capabilities may not always meet every requirement. Whether you need deeper scanning, richer API/GraphQL support, better developer workflow integration, or enterprise-scale reporting, many teams evaluate GitLab DAST alternatives.

This article compares ten leading Gitlab DAST alternatives, alongside a comparison table showing starting pricing, strengths and use-cases. Use this guide to find the right tool to complement (or replace) GitLab’s native DAST.

Comparison table

Top GitLab DAST alternatives [2026]

1. Beagle Security

Beagle Security is an agentic AI-powered web application and API penetration-testing platform that brings DAST-style scanning into modern DevSecOps workflows. It supports web applications, APIs (including GraphQL), authenticated business-logic flows, and integrates into CI/CD pipelines for continuous testing. The tests yield actionable remediation guidance tailored to your technology stack and map to compliance frameworks like ISO 27001 & SOC 2.

Features

• Agentic AI-driven crawl and attack simulation

• API & GraphQL scanning support

• CI/CD pipeline integration

• Authenticated business-logic flow testing

• Compliance-mapped remediation reports

G2 review summary

Users report the setup is rapid, the portal intuitive, and the reporting clear, making it a strong pick for teams that want developer-friendly DAST without the heavy enterprise overhead. G2 reviews show a rating of 4.7 stars with comments such as “easy to set up” and “detailed and understandable report”.

Pricing

• 14-day free trial (no credit card)

• Entry tier $119/month

• Advanced tier $359/month

• Enterprise tiers quoted by vendor (custom)

2. Acunetix

Acunetix is a longstanding web application and API vulnerability scanning solution chosen by many organizations for foundational DAST coverage. It supports modern web frameworks, SPAs, JavaScript-heavy applications, and includes both cloud and on-premises editions.

Features

• Web app & API vulnerability scanning

• SPA & JavaScript framework support

• On-premises and cloud editions

• Weekly vulnerability database updates

• Integration with DevOps pipelines

G2 review summary

Acunetix has a review on 4.1/5 on G2. Users highlight that Acunetix offers good value and is easier to adopt for small to mid-sized teams, but some note that advanced features (authenticated flows, APIs) may require manual configuration and integration effort. They find it good for getting started with DAST but point out feature limitations compared to high-end enterprise tools.

Pricing

• Starting at approximately $1,995/year for 3 targets.

• Licensing tiers up to $26,600 for larger packages.

3. Invicti

Invicti (formerly Netsparker) is a mature, enterprise-grade DAST platform with emphasis on accuracy, proof-based findings and automation across web applications and APIs. It integrates with CI/CD pipelines and supports both on-premise and cloud deployment models.

Features

• Proof-based vulnerability validation

• Web app & API scanning

• CI/CD pipeline integration support

• On-premises and cloud deployment

• Low false-positive rate claims

G2 review summary

Invicti has a rating of 4.6 on G2. Verified user reviews show good satisfaction around ease-of-use, low false positives, and broad vulnerability detection. Some mention slower performance on large scans and limitations on endpoint testing/2FA flows. Users also note that some advanced API or 2FA test scenarios may require additional setup.

Pricing

• Example listing: $7,000/year for 5 targets.

• Larger enterprise quotes available per vendor.

4. Rapid7 InsightAppSec

Rapid7 InsightAppSec is Rapid7’s cloud-based DAST solution designed to integrate into the broader Rapid7 “Insight” platform. It aims to provide dynamic testing of web applications and APIs, integrate with ticketing systems (Jira, ServiceNow), and fit into DevSecOps workflows.

Features

• Cloud DAST for web & APIs

• Risk scoring & dashboards

• CI/CD integrations and automation

• Supports scheduling and blackout windows

• Integrates with Rapid7 Insight platform

G2 review summary

Rapid7 has a rating of 4.3/5 on G2. Users report that InsightAppSec is easy to adopt, works well for scanning multiple applications, and is especially helpful if an organization already uses Rapid7’s security tool-stack. They also highlight good integration capabilities, and effective scanning workflows. On the flip side, as the number of applications grows the cost can scale quickly.

Pricing

• Entry example: $175/month per application (publicly referenced)

• Full pricing by quote.

5. Burp Suite

Burp Suite by PortSwigger is a widely-used tool in the AppSec community that combines manual and automated web application security testing. While not purely automated DAST in the same sense as pipeline-integrated DAST scanners, many organizations adopt its “Burp Scanner” automation module to complement CI/CD scans. It is particularly suited to skilled AppSec engineers conducting deeper interactive testing, custom exploitation and business-logic vulnerability discovery. For a team using GitLab’s native DAST, adding Burp Suite can provide manual-plus-automated depth and flexibility for complex applications.

Features

• Manual + automated web app testing

• Deep interactive/exploitation capabilities

• Extensible via plugins and scripts

• CI/CD integration optional via API

• Business-logic vulnerability focus

G2 review summary

Burp Suite has a rating of 4.8/5 on G2. It is highly regarded by AppSec professionals for flexibility and power but less suited for teams seeking fully automated pipeline-driven scanning only. They also note the learning curve and cost. Users appreciate the rich feature-set but report that licensing and configuration can require time.

Pricing

Professional edition and enterprise editions quoted by vendors (not widely publicly detailed).

6. ZAP by Checkmarx

ZAP by Checkmarx (Zed Attack Proxy) is a free, open-source dynamic application security testing tool maintained by the OWASP community. It is a highly flexible scanner with support for web apps, APIs and scripting via its plugin architecture. For organizations using GitLab and looking to supplement its built-in DAST, ZAP can serve as a cost-effective alternative, especially for smaller teams or those with security engineering capability to manage configuration. While lacking some of the enterprise controls, UI polish or vendor support of commercial tools, ZAP remains a robust tool for pipeline integration, custom scans and scripting.

Features

• Free/open-source DAST for web & APIs

• Plugin and scripting support

• CI/CD pipeline integration possible

• Supports intercepting proxy & passive scanning

• Community-driven vulnerability updates

G2 review summary

ZAP by Checkmarx maintains a 4.7/5 on G2. It is praised for being cost-free and flexible but users note the manual configuration effort and sometimes higher maintenance overhead in large organizations.

Pricing

Free (open-source).

7. Bright Security

Bright Security is a developer-centric dynamic application and API security testing (DAST) platform that emphasizes automation, low false positives and seamless integration into development workflows. It supports web applications and APIs (REST, GraphQL) and can work inside CI/CD pipelines and IDEs.

Features

• Developer-centric DAST for web & APIs

• Low false-positive claims with AI

• CI/CD and IDE integrations

• REST/GraphQL API support

• Automated security testing of business logic

G2 review summary

On G2, reviewers highlighted near-real-time vulnerability detection and effective automation, rating it around 4.7/5. Users appreciate the developer focus, automation and scanning accuracy. Some note onboarding/configuration can be a little heavy for small teams.

Pricing

Quote based.

8. Tenable Web App Scanning (WAS)

Tenable Web App Scanning (WAS) is part of the Tenable portfolio and provides dynamic application security testing for web applications and APIs, with integration into Tenable’s risk-based vulnerability management ecosystem. It is designed to support modern web and API architectures and provide visibility of application-level risk alongside network/infrastructure risk. While Tenable is better known for network vulnerability management, the WAS offering gives a strong bridge between infrastructure and application security.

Features

• Web app & API DAST scanning

• Integration with Tenable risk-management

• Modern web framework support

• SaaS + on-premise flexibility

• Role-based dashboards & prioritization

G2 review summary

Generally positive, especially for organizations already embedded in Tenable’s ecosystem. Some users find application-scanning capabilities less mature versus pure DAST specialists. One limitation noted by users is that some advanced business-logic scanning features may still lag dedicated app-security tools.

Pricing

• Entry: approx $7,434/year for 5 FQDNs (public reference)

• Tiered pricing beyond this via vendor quote.

9. Veracode DAST

Veracode DAST is part of the Veracode Application Security Platform, offering dynamic scanning of web applications and APIs within a broader ecosystem of SAST, SCA and governance capabilities. Built for enterprise-scale organisation, Veracode DAST emphasizes compliance workflows, large application portfolios and integration with threat metrics and risk dashboards. This makes it a strong contender for organizations seeking governance, compliance and AppSec program maturity beyond GitLab’s default DAST.

Features

• Enterprise dynamic scanning for web & APIs

• Integrates with SAST/SCA under one platform

• Policy-driven workflows & compliance support

• Large application portfolio management

• Reporting for governance and audit

G2 review summary

Users appreciate the enterprise strength, compliance readiness and broad coverage while some comment on slower UI and higher complexity/licensing. Users also report that while Veracode provides robust enterprise features and scale, the user experience may be less developer-friendly and costs higher than lighter DAST alternatives.

Pricing

• Entry: approx $15,000/year (public benchmark)

• Enterprise: Custom quote required.

10. HCL AppScan

HCL AppScan (formerly IBM AppScan) is a mature, full-spectrum application security suite offering DAST, SAST, IAST and SCA. Its DAST module supports deep scanning of web applications and APIs, multi-step business-logic flows, authenticated testing and large-scale enterprise use-cases. For organisations with large portfolios, legacy infrastructure, multiple languages and regulatory demands, HCL AppScan delivers breadth and enterprise readiness.

Features

• DAST + SAST + IAST + SCA suite

• Cloud and on-prem deployment options

• Complex web flows & authenticated scanning

• Compliance-ready reporting and audit logs

• Enterprise-scale portfolio management

G2 review summary

Reviewers recognize AppScan’s depth and enterprise credentials, but many users note that implementation and configuration complexity can be higher compared to more nimble DAST tools.

Pricing

• Single scan: $29.99, discounted from a $299 list price, for a choice of DAST, SAST, or SCA 50 scan pack: $699, discounted from list price, for frequent users needing multiple scans

• Enterprise: license costs custom quoted, often reaching tens of thousands annually

Things to consider when choosing a GitLab DAST alternative

When you’re evaluating a replacement or complement to GitLab’s built-in DAST, keep these key decision factors in mind:

Final thoughts

GitLab’s built in DAST can be a good starting point, but many organizations find value in a dedicated DAST solution that better aligns with their application stack, DevSecOps practices, and security maturity. For lean DevSecOps teams and modern web and API architectures, tools like Beagle Security or Bright Security offer developer friendly coverage built around CI/CD workflows.

As you evaluate alternatives, prioritize fit over feature checklists. Consider your asset types, scanning frequency, pipeline integrations, and budget rather than choosing based on the longest features list.

If you think Beagle Security is the right fit for your team, start a 14 day advanced free trial or explore the interactive demo to see how it fits your workflow.

FAQ

Is there a free alternative to GitLab DAST?

ZAP by Checkmarx is fully open source and free. Burp Suite offers manual testing capability at no cost through its Community Edition, though its automated Scanner module requires a paid Professional or Enterprise license.
How much does a GitLab DAST alternative typically cost?

Pricing varies widely by category. Open source tools like ZAP are free. Developer focused platforms like Beagle Security start around $119 per month. Enterprise platforms like Veracode DAST and HCL AppScan often start in the thousands per year and scale with application portfolio size.

Is ZAP better than Burp?

If you want automated DAST in a pipeline at zero license cost, pick ZAP; if you have budget and want best-in-class scanning plus manual pentest tooling, pick Burp.

Written by

Gincy Mol A G

AI Engineer

Gincy enjoys teaching AI new tricks, especially when those tricks make applications more secure. She works at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, building smarter solutions that stay one step ahead of evolving threats. If there's a better way to solve a security problem, she's probably already asking AI about it.

Reviewed by

Pooja B

Product Marketing Specialist

Pooja believes a good outfit can fix a bad day, and a good story can fix a boring topic. Between chasing creative ideas, styling things just right, and convincing herself one more edit won't hurt, she spends her days creating content at Beagle, turning creative energy into blogs, social posts, and stories that bring cybersecurity closer to people.