The cybersecurity landscape in 2025 demands vigilance and adaptability. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud-native applications, APIs, and distributed architectures, their attack surfaces continue to expand. Threat actors have become more sophisticated, leveraging automation and AI to identify vulnerabilities faster than ever before. In this environment, penetration testing has evolved from a periodic compliance exercise into a cornerstone of continuous security assurance.
Penetration testing tools now integrate with CI/CD pipelines, automate complex attack simulations, and generate actionable insights for developers and security teams alike. Organizations are no longer asking if they should conduct pentests. They are deciding how often and on which platform. Whether your priority is accuracy, automation, or scalability, the right solution can drastically improve both your security posture and operational efficiency.
In this article, we review the top 10 penetration testing tools in 2025, comparing their features, pricing, and user feedback to help you make an informed decision.
Comparison table
| Tool | Key features | G2 rating | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beagle Security | AI-powered testing, API coverage, CI/CD-ready, zero false positives | 4.7/5 | $119/month |
| Rapid7 InsightAppSec | DAST + IAST integration, analytics, REST/SOAP API support | 3.9/5 | $175/month per app |
| HostedScan | Cloud-based, lightweight, quick setup, continuous scanning | 4.3/5 | $39/month |
| Qualys WAS | Enterprise DAST, VMDR integration, compliance automation | 4.5/5 | Quote-based |
| Tenable WAS | Risk-based DAST, VPR prioritization, Tenable.io integration | 4.5/5 | $7,434/year (5 FQDNs) |
| Checkmarx DAST | Unified AppSec, SAST/DAST integration, CI/CD automation | 4.2/5 | Quote-based |
| Invicti | Proof-based scanning, automation, accurate validation | 4.6/5 | Quote-based |
| Burp Suite | Manual + automated testing, BApp extensions, advanced proxy | 4.8/5 | $475/year |
| Veracode DAST | Enterprise AppSec platform, multi-scan orchestration | 4.2/5 | Quote-based |
| Checkmarx ZAP | Open-source, customizable, CI/CD integration | 4.7/5 | Free |
Beagle Security
Beagle Security is an AI-powered penetration testing platform designed for modern web applications and APIs. It combines automation with deep contextual analysis, helping security and development teams identify vulnerabilities that traditional scanners often miss. The platform excels in validating real exploitable weaknesses rather than generating false positives, making it especially effective for DevSecOps pipelines.
Built for scalability and developer usability, Beagle Security seamlessly integrates with tools like GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, Jenkins, and Bitbucket. Its continuous testing model enables organizations to run automated pentests throughout the development cycle, ensuring rapid identification and remediation of issues before production deployment.
Key features
AI-powered vulnerability detection and validation
API security testing with business logic analysis
CI/CD native integration with major development tools
Detailed remediation guidance with contextual insights
Compliance-ready reporting (ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, HIPAA)
Ratings and reviews
Beagle Security holds an impressive G2 rating of 4.7 out of 5, with users frequently praising its intuitive dashboard, strong API testing capabilities, and high accuracy in vulnerability detection. Many appreciate how it reduces false positives while integrating smoothly into CI/CD pipelines. Reviews often highlight the balance between automation, usability, and affordable pricing for teams of all sizes.
Pricing
Essential plan: $119/month
Advanced plan: $359/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing for large-scale testing
14-day free trial available
Rapid7 InsightAppSec
Rapid7 InsightAppSec is part of Rapid7’s Insight cloud platform, offering robust DAST and IAST capabilities for enterprise teams. Its biggest advantage lies in integration, combining with other Rapid7 tools like InsightVM and InsightIDR to deliver unified visibility across vulnerabilities, assets, and attack surfaces.
It supports both traditional and modern application architectures, providing advanced analytics, risk prioritization, and customizable dashboards. Its automation and reporting features make it particularly suitable for organizations with compliance and audit needs.
Key features
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) with IAST support
REST and SOAP API coverage
Executive dashboards and analytics
Jenkins, Jira, and ServiceNow integrations
Automated scan scheduling
Ratings and reviews
With a G2 score of 3.9 out of 5, Rapid7 InsightAppSec receives recognition for its deep analytics and ability to pair DAST with IAST testing. Users commend the platform’s clarity in reporting and its flexibility for enterprise use cases. However, some note that setup and initial tuning can require more hands-on configuration compared to lightweight alternatives.
Pricing
InsightAppSec: $175/month per application
Enterprise packages: Quote-based for multi-application testing
HostedScan
HostedScan is a cloud-native vulnerability and penetration testing platform built for small businesses and startups. Its simplicity and affordability make it a go-to solution for teams without dedicated security resources. The platform automates scanning and alerting, ensuring security coverage without adding operational complexity.
It provides both surface-level and deeper scans for web applications, APIs, and IPs. Reports are easy to interpret, helping developers quickly act on findings without needing advanced security knowledge.
Key features
Automated vulnerability scanning for web apps and APIs
Continuous monitoring and alerting
Slack and email integrations for notifications
Simple, intuitive reporting
Cloud-based deployment. No setup required
Ratings and reviews
HostedScan achieves a solid G2 rating of 4.3 out of 5, standing out for its simplicity and quick onboarding. Reviewers often emphasize its ease of use, clean reporting, and suitability for small to mid-sized organizations that need reliable web scanning without complex setup. Some users mention a desire for deeper automation and integrations, but overall, feedback highlights its value for price.
Pricing
Free Plan
Basic: $39/month
Premium: $109/month
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Qualys WAS
Qualys Web Application Scanning (WAS) is an enterprise-grade DAST solution integrated with the broader Qualys VMDR platform. It is best suited for large organizations that require continuous vulnerability management, compliance readiness, and governance at scale.
WAS combines dynamic scanning with asset management and reporting capabilities, enabling security teams to manage thousands of applications through a centralized dashboard. Its integration with the Qualys Cloud Platform makes it ideal for teams looking for unified risk visibility.
Key features
Enterprise-level web application scanning
VMDR integration for unified vulnerability management
Detailed compliance and policy-based reports
Scalable scanning for large environments
Automation through APIs and scheduling
Ratings and reviews
Qualys Web Application Scanning maintains a G2 rating of 4.5 out of 5, with enterprise users particularly valuing its comprehensive DAST coverage and compliance automation. Many reviewers note its reliability at scale and strong vulnerability management integration through the Qualys ecosystem. A few users mention a learning curve during initial configuration, but once set up, it delivers consistent and actionable results.
Pricing
- Quote-based depending on application volume and integration scope
Tenable WAS
Tenable Web Application Scanning (WAS) is a risk-based DAST solution that integrates directly with the Tenable.io ecosystem. Known for its Vulnerability Priority Rating (VPR) system, it helps teams focus on high-impact vulnerabilities with actionable prioritization.
Tenable WAS offers deep coverage of modern web applications, leveraging Tenable’s extensive vulnerability intelligence. Its dashboards and visual reporting simplify risk management for large organizations.
Key features
Risk-based prioritization via VPR
Tenable.io ecosystem integration
Comprehensive vulnerability database
Automated discovery and scanning
Compliance-oriented reporting
Ratings and reviews
Tenable Web Application Scanning is rated 4.5 out of 5 on G2, receiving strong feedback for its accuracy and integration with Tenable.io’s broader vulnerability management suite. Users appreciate the contextual insights from its risk-based prioritization system, which helps focus on high-impact issues. Some note that the interface can feel dense for new users, but overall satisfaction remains high among security teams.
Pricing
Annual license: $7,434/year (5 FQDNs)
Enterprise: Quote-based for broader coverage
Checkmarx DAST
Checkmarx DAST, part of the Checkmarx One platform, delivers automated application testing across web and API assets. It integrates seamlessly with CI/CD workflows, providing early-stage vulnerability detection within the development lifecycle.
Its combined SAST and DAST approach gives organizations comprehensive coverage, aligning with modern DevSecOps practices. With robust reporting and automation, Checkmarx DAST is favored by enterprise teams prioritizing code-level security visibility.
Key features
Automated DAST with SAST/DAST integration
CI/CD integration for continuous scanning
Developer-focused remediation guidance
Compliance reporting and governance controls
Ratings and reviews
Checkmarx DAST holds a G2 score of 4.2 out of 5, appreciated for its unified AppSec approach and seamless integration with both SAST and CI/CD workflows. Users highlight its automation capabilities and central visibility across multiple testing layers. A few reviews mention performance overhead in large-scale deployments, but overall, the sentiment is positive for enterprises seeking consolidated testing.
Pricing
- Quote-based enterprise pricing
Invicti
Formerly known as Netsparker, Invicti is an enterprise DAST platform known for its proof-based scanning approach. It automatically validates findings, eliminating false positives, a major differentiator in large-scale testing environments.
Invicti supports both cloud and on-premises deployments, making it adaptable for organizations with strict data requirements. It offers rich reporting, automation, and scalability suited to complex infrastructures.
Key features
Proof-based scanning for verified vulnerabilities
API and web application coverage
Ticketing and CI/CD integrations
Cloud and on-premise deployment options
Executive and technical reporting
Ratings and reviews
Invicti earns a G2 rating of 4.6 out of 5, praised for its proof-based scanning approach that verifies real vulnerabilities to eliminate false positives. Users describe it as reliable, enterprise-ready, and automation-friendly. Reviews often note how Invicti streamlines the validation process, saving teams significant time during remediation cycles.
Pricing
- Enterprise: Custom quote-based pricing
Burp Suite
Burp Suite, developed by PortSwigger, remains the industry standard for manual penetration testing. Trusted by security professionals globally, it combines a robust proxy with an extensive suite of tools for in-depth testing and exploit validation.
The Professional edition includes automated scanning and an active extension ecosystem, while the Community edition offers core functionality for basic use. It is particularly valuable for experienced testers who prefer hands-on control.
Key features
Comprehensive manual testing toolkit
Automated scanning with low false positives
BApp Store extensions for customization
Advanced crawling for modern web apps
Real-time traffic inspection and modification
Ratings and reviews
Burp Suite consistently receives one of the highest user ratings, with a G2 score of 4.8 out of 5. Security professionals commend its flexibility, manual testing depth, and rich extension library through the BApp Store. Reviewers appreciate how it balances powerful automation with granular control, making it a trusted choice for professional penetration testers and researchers.
Pricing
Community Edition: Free
Professional: $475/year per user
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Veracode DAST
Veracode DAST is part of the Veracode Application Security Platform, offering scalable testing across web, mobile, and API applications. It is best suited for regulated industries that need enterprise-level governance and compliance features.
The platform excels in managing large application portfolios, with comprehensive reporting and policy enforcement mechanisms. Veracode’s multi-scan orchestration supports parallel testing and integrates with common CI/CD tools.
Key features
Enterprise-scale DAST coverage
SAST, IAST, and SCA integration
Role-based access and compliance reporting
CI/CD automation and workflow integration
Ratings and reviews
Veracode’s DAST solution holds a G2 rating of 4.2 out of 5, earning praise for its enterprise-grade coverage and orchestration across large application portfolios. Users frequently highlight its detailed reports and compliance-ready outputs, which are well-suited for regulated industries. Some reviewers mention longer scan times, but most agree it delivers dependable and actionable results.
Pricing
- Custom enterprise pricing based on application volume
Checkmarx ZAP
Checkmarx ZAP, previously known as OWASP ZAP, continues to be a trusted open-source tool now managed by Checkmarx. It combines manual and automated scanning capabilities with a strong community-driven plugin ecosystem.
It is particularly favored by developers and small teams who want a flexible, no-cost testing solution. Checkmarx’s stewardship ensures ongoing updates and CI/CD compatibility, making ZAP a robust entry point for secure development practices.
Key features
Free and open-source vulnerability scanning
Manual and automated test modes
CI/CD and plugin integration
Extensive community support
Continuous updates under Checkmarx
Ratings and reviews
Checkmarx ZAP achieves an excellent G2 rating of 4.7 out of 5, with users valuing its open-source accessibility and continuous updates. Many appreciate its high degree of customization and CI/CD compatibility, which makes it a popular choice for developers and small teams. Feedback often mentions its impressive capabilities for a free tool, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable and community-supported DAST option.
Pricing
- Free open-source edition
Conclusion
Penetration testing tools in 2025 have become an integral part of maintaining secure, compliant, and resilient applications. Each platform offers unique advantages, from Burp Suite’s precision in manual testing to Invicti’s proof-based automation and Qualys WAS’s enterprise governance.
For enterprises seeking deep integrations and risk-based prioritization, Tenable WAS and Qualys WAS are solid choices. Developer-focused teams emphasizing automation and CI/CD workflows may prefer Beagle Security, Checkmarx DAST, or Checkmarx ZAP. Security professionals conducting in-depth manual testing will continue to rely on Burp Suite for its flexibility and control.
However, for organizations seeking a balance of AI-driven testing, accuracy, developer-friendliness, and affordability, Beagle Security stands out as the best-balanced choice in 2025.
In short:
For large enterprises needing integrated governance, Qualys WAS and Tenable WAS excel.
For developer-first pipelines, Beagle Security and Checkmarx DAST shine.
For hands-on testing and research, Burp Suite and Checkmarx ZAP remain favorites.
For end-to-end coverage without enterprise overhead, Beagle Security offers the optimal balance.
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