10 Best Vulnerability Management Tools for IT Professionals

Searching for the best vulnerability management tools in the market today? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve done all the research, compiled data from leading review sites, such as G2 and Capterra, and created this comprehensive guide on what to look for when selecting the best software vulnerability management tools for your business.

Table of Contents

10 best vulnerability management tools.

1. Syxsense
2. Arctic Wolf
3. Tenable Vulnerability Management
4. Qualys VMDR
5. InsightVM
6. Automox
7. VulScan
8. Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management
9. SanerNow
10. NinjaOne

How to use this guide on best vulnerability management tools

When using this guide, it’s important to remember that vulnerability management, as a category, is essentially comprised of two functions:

• Vulnerability assessment which includes scanning devices and endpoints for any potential technical flaws; and
• Vulnerability remediation which involves patch and non-patch strategies to maintain the health of your IT network.

It’s worth noting that many companies specialize in one or the other function of vulnerability management. That is, they may only perform continuous and regular scanning or implement automated patch management software to update business applications within an endpoint device.

Deciding which vendor is most suitable for you depends on what you need your vulnerability management tool for. Ideally, find software that enables you to proactively address weaknesses, strengthen your current IT defenses, and reduce your risks of cyber attacks.

10 best vulnerability management tools for IT professionals

All G2 & Capterra ratings data as of January 2025.

1. Syxsense

Syxsense is an automated endpoint and vulnerability platform that reduces your management burden while improving your security at the same time. Its solution gives you endpoint visibility and control with real-time alerts, risk-based vulnerability prioritization, and an intuitive orchestration engine. It also offers built-in compliance and security reporting for PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO, SOX, and CIS benchmarks level 1 to 3, among others.

The unified solution offers automated endpoint and vulnerability management capabilities so organizations can reduce their risk and improve security in a centralized platform. Its software also offers real-time alerts, risk-based vulnerability prioritization, and an intuitive orchestration engine.

See how Syxsense compares with NinjaOne or read a more in-depth review of Syxsense alternatives.

Use cases:

• Centralized management. Syxsense offers a unified solution that consolidates vulnerability management tools into one dashboard.
• Real-time visibility. With Syxsense, users can track their hardware and software inventory to spot missing patches and vulnerabilities.
• Reporting. The platform’s built-in compliance reporting allows users to meet HIPAA, SOX, and PCI DSS compliance standards.

Shortcomings:

• User interface. Reviewers find that Syxsense can be complex for beginner IT personnel.
• Ticketing. Some G2 users have stated that ticket categorization is not always accurate.
• Performance. According to reviews, Syxsense can struggle with performance issues.

Syxsense reviews on G2

Syxsense reviews on Capterra

 

2. Arctic Wolf

Arctic Wolf is a vulnerability management solution that allows you to discover, benchmark, and harden your environment against digital risks. Its tool scans your IT network for five types of vulnerabilities: remote code execution, hardcoded credentials, denial of service, directory traversal, and privilege escalation. Marketed as a “concierge-led managed risk experience,” its software helps you manage prioritization and personalized protection by your concierge security team.

Aside from managed detection and response, continuous vulnerability and risk management, and managed security awareness, users can request optional add-ons, such as incident response. Regardless, all packages leverage machine learning and custom detection rules to deliver personalized protection.

Use cases:

• Device monitoring. The solution provides continuous monitoring of endpoints, networks, and cloud environments.
• Vulnerability scanning. Arctic Wolf scans an organization’s IT assets for possible points of exploitation for cyberattacks.
• Remediation. Automated remediation workflows make it easier to deal with vulnerabilities.

Shortcomings:

• Visibility. Some G2 reviews have stated that users cannot immediately see active feeds. They need to request information first from Arctic Wolf
• Ticketing. Reviewers say that the ticketing system is difficult to navigate and use.
• Customer service. Reviewers find that the customer support could be improved.

Arctic Wolf reviews on G2

Arctic Wolf reviews on Capterra

 

3. Tenable Vulnerability Management

Tenable Vulnerability Management is a platform enabling your organization to identify, prioritize, and remediate cyber risks in your IT network. Its solution is managed in the cloud and powered by Tenable Nessus to provide comprehensive vulnerability coverage with real-time assessment and reporting. Its Vulnerability Management is part of the Tenable One Exposure Management Platform or as a stand-alone product.

The Tenable Vulnerability Management platform is an AI-powered exposure management platform that unifies security visibility, insight, and action in a single dashboard.

Use cases:

• Asset detection. Tenable offers continuous asset discovery and assesses them for vulnerability.
• Threat intelligence. The solution automates prioritization to remediate the most critical vulnerabilities first.
• Automation. Tenable automates vulnerability assessment and management processes for efficiency.

Shortcomings:

• Complex interface. The platform has a steep learning curve and can be better suited for more experienced IT professionals.
• Vulnerability scanning. Tenable’s real-time scanning could be further improved according to reviews.
• Reporting. Reviews say that the platform’s reporting capabilities are limited.

Tenable Vulnerability Management reviews on G2

 

Tenable Vulnerability Management reviews on Capterra

 

4. Qualys VMDR

Qualys VMDR helps you measure, communicate, and eliminate security risks in your hybrid IT, OT, and IoT environments. Its vulnerability management software helps you measure known and unknown risks, prioritize vulnerabilities, and patch devices from anywhere.

Qualys continuously detects critical vulnerabilities and misconfigurations across mobile devices, operating systems, and applications in real time.

Use cases:

• Asset detection. The solution allows users to automatically identify assets.
• Real-time monitoring. Qualys detects critical misconfigurations and software vulnerabilities.
• Prioritized remediation. Qualys automates quantifying critical vulnerabilities and remediation.

Shortcomings:

• Alerting. G2 users have stated that Qualys platform randomly produces false positives and false negative alerts.
• Reporting. Reviews say that generating reports is time-consuming and could be further improved.
• User-friendliness. According to reviews, the platform’s interface is complex and challenging to navigate.

Qualys VMDR reviews on G2

Qualys VMDR reviews on Capterra

 

5. InsightVM (Nexpose)

InsightVM by Rapid7 helps you quickly discover and prioritize active vulnerabilities. In addition to providing complete visibility into your IT assets, InsightVM allows you to proactively remediate detected security flaws through a single console. Other features include lightweight endpoint agents, live dashboards, active risk scores, integrated threat feeds, and policy assessments.

InsightVM integrates with over 40 business applications, including insightIDR, Splunk, and ServiceNow.

Use cases:

• Real-time scanning. InsightVM offers agent and agentless scanning for vulnerabilities.
• Remediation reports. Users can generate customizable reports to ensure IT compliance.
• Asset tagging. IT professionals can categorized IT assets based on their criticality and risk for prioritized remediations.

Shortcomings:

• Resource-heavy. Users have said that InsightVM struggles with heavy memory consumption.
• Inaccurate alerts. G2 reviews find that InsightVM often gives random false positive alerts or misses on alerting for vulnerabilities.
• Complex set-up. Reviews say that InsightVM requires a lot of time and resources for the initial setup.

InsightVM (Nexpose) reviews on G2

InsightVM (Nexpose) reviews on Capterra

 

6. Automox

Automox offers an end-to-end vulnerability detection solution. Its tool allows you to identify and report various cyber vulnerabilities. its Vulnerability Sync brings two critical functions—vulnerability detection and remediation—in a single dashboard. It uses detection data from CrowdStrike, Tenable, and Qualys that can be easily uploaded into the Automox system.

Automox Vulnerability Scan can be used to patch, configure, manage, and control Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.

See how Automox compares with NinjaOne or read a more in-depth review of Automox alternatives.

Use cases:

• Patch management. IT professionals can automate their patching processes with Automox.
• Cross-platform support. Automox lets users remediate vulnerabilities for Windows, Linux, and macOS devices.
• Automated remediation. The platform detects, organizes, and presents the critical vulnerabilities so that userscan quickly resolve them. Flexible device targeting

Shortcomings:

• Reporting. According to reviews, Automox offers fewer options and details for reports.
• Slow performance. Automox can be slow to respond, especially when scanning multiple devices.
• Connectivity issues. G2 reviews say that the platform can sometimes have problems with deploying patches, leading to vulnerabilities.

Automox reviews on G2

Automox reviews on Capterra

 

7. VulScan

VulScan offers complete and automated vulnerability scanning. It lets your IT department detect and prioritize weaknesses that hackers could exploit, giving you peace of mind as you run your business without fear. It is a product of RapidFire Tools, a Kaseya company.

VulScan can manage multiple network environments at scale so you can manage unlimited networks of any size, anytime. It markets itself as a vulnerability-scanning solution that works inside and outside the networks you manage.

Use cases:

• Internal vulnerability management. VulScan automates internal vulnerability scans for networks and Windows devices.
• Multi-tenant management. Users can monitor and manage multiple networks from a single dashboard.
• Vulnerability noise management. IT professionals can set criteria that automates removing repeated alerts and false positives.

Shortcomings:

• Vulnerability scanning. G2 reviews say that external scans need to be manually implemented.
• Initial setup. Reviewers find VulScan’s setup complicated and difficult to do.
• Reporting. Users say that the reporting function is limited and lacks customization.

VulScan reviews on G2

VulScan reviews on Capterra

 

8. Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management

Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management is a vulnerability management platform that allows users to detect, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and network devices. This platform utilizes risk-based prioritization and actionable security recommendations to help organizations address critical vulnerabilities more efficiently.

With Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management, users can streamline remediation efforts with built-in workflows and real-time tracking. The platform also offers asset discovery, detailed assessments of software vulnerabilities, and hardware configurations. Microsoft’s threat intelligence prioritizes risks based on potential impact.

Use cases:

• Device inventory. Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management allows users to keep track of devices, their risk level, and mitigation status.
• Vulnerability scanning. The solution identifies vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in near real time.
• Endpoint security. Users can leverage full device control to reduce attack surfaces.

Shortcomings:

• Ease of use. According to reviewers, the platform is challenging to learn and navigate, especially when it comes to integration
• Compatibility. Since this solution is primarily built for the Windows ecosystem, non-Windows systems, especially Linux devices, have limited support.
• Third-party support. Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management’s vulnerability management coverage is far less extensive than similar solutions.

Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management reviews on G2

Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management reviews on Capterra

 

9. SanerNow

SanerNow provides various tools to scan, detect vulnerabilities, analyze, and remediate patch updates. It is a comprehensive endpoint security platform that enables your IT department to identify vulnerabilities continuously and understand potential risks in your IT network. Its solution helps you comply with regulatory benchmarks, such as PCI, HIPAA, NIST 800-53, and NIST 800-171.

According to its website, SanerNow includes over 100,000 checks and more than 150 native and third-party patches.

Use cases:

• Single pane of glass. SanerNow offers unified cyber hygiene platform.
• Patch management. Deploy OS and third-party application updates and patches with SanerNow.
• Vulnerability management workflows. Users can reduce attack surfaces with SanerNow.

Shortcomings:

• User interface.The platform’s complex interface is better suited for more experienced IT professionals
• Reporting. Users say that the reporting interface is complex
• Customization. Reviews find that the platform lacks customization options.

SanerNow reviews on G2

SanerNow reviews on Capterra

 

10. NinjaOne

NinjaOne is a powerful vulnerability management and mitigation solution that minimizes your exposure to security weaknesses through real-time monitoring, alerting, and robust automation. Its tool allows you to quickly identify and resolve endpoint patching and configuration issues in all your Windows, macOS, and Linux devices from a single pane of glass.

NinjaOne believes in proactive device monitoring and supports IT teams with up-to-date zero-touch patching and scripting capabilities. Built by a team with a combined experience of over a century in IT management, NinjaOne’s vulnerability management helps you gain 360-degree visibility into your entire IT estate from a single, intuitive console that is easy to deploy, learn, and master.

According to user reviews, 95% of NinjaOne customers experienced patch compliance within a few months of using its solution.

What users say 

Michael Moore, Chief Information Officer at Carahsoft, was challenged with meeting the technological needs of the company’s hypergrowth. Burdened with multiple tools that were both redundant and inefficient, Moore was looking for an all-around tool that could help him maintain Carahsoft’s security posture.

“NinjaOne helps us bolster our security profile by keeping our machines up to date on the latest patches. NinjaOne also enables us to push out security configurations easily and remediate endpoints more efficiently. It’s incredibly intuitive for our team to use,” said Moore. “We leverage NinjaOne to help us in our security posture, and we’re able to successfully achieve complete adherence to the strictest public sector compliance frameworks.”

Read more NinjaOne customer stories or view NinjaOne reviews.

NinjaOne reviews on G2

NinjaOne reviews on Capterra

 

Comparison of vulnerability management for IT professionals (G2)

Comparison of vulnerability management for IT professionals (Capterra)

Final scores and summaries of the best Vulnerability Management Tools for IT Professionals

Vendor	Final Score	Summary
NinjaOne	2.685	NinjaOne is a vulnerability management software that minimizes exposure to security weaknesses with real-time monitoring, alerting, and robust automation.
Automox	0.96	Automox offers a cross-platform vulnerability management solution that can patch, configure, manage, and control endpoint devices.
Arctic Wolf	0.805	Arctic Wolf is a vulnerability management solution that scans your IT network for five types of vulnerabilities, so that you can resolve them quickly.
Tenable Vulnerability Management	0.803	Tenable Vulnerability Management is a vulnerability management platform that lets users identify, prioritize, and remediate risks in your IT environment.
Qualys VMDR	0.712	Qualys V is vulnerability management software that helps you measure known and unknown risks and patch devices from anywhere.
Syxsense	0.69	Syxsense is a vulnerability management platform that improves endpoint security with comprehensive visibility and control.
SanerNow	0.638	SanerNow is an endpoint security platform with tools to scan, detect vulnerabilities, analyze, and remediate patch updates.
InsightVM	0.631	InsightVM is a vulnerability management tool by Rapid7 helps users quickly discover and prioritize remediation for active vulnerabilities.
VulScan	0.604	VulScan is a vulnerability detection solution that allows you to detect security vulnerabilities. It combines vulnerability detection and remediation into one dashboard.
Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management	0.552	Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management is Microsoft’s built-in vulnerability management solution that detects, assesses, and mitigates vulnerabilities.

Our rankings formula

To derive the final score for each vendor, we employed a weighted formula that considers various metrics. Here is how it breaks down:

Final Score = w1 * G2 Overall Star Rating + w2 * Capterra Overall Star Rating + w3 * G2 Good Partner in Doing Business + w4 * Capterra Customer Service + w5 * G2 Total Number of Reviews (Scaled) + w6 * Capterra Total Number of Reviews (Scaled) + Other Factors

w1 = 0.15 (Weight for G2 Overall Star Rating)

w2 = 0.15 (Weight for Capterra Overall Star Rating)

w3 = 0.2 (Weight for G2 Good Partner in Doing Business)

w4 = 0.2 (Weight for Capterra Customer Service)

w5 = 0.1 (Weight for G2 Total Number of Reviews, Scaled)

w6 = 0.1 (Weight for Capterra Total Number of Reviews, Scaled)

Other Factors include additional metrics like ease of use, each multiplied by their corresponding weights:

w7 = 0.05 (Weight for G2 Ease of Use)

w8 = 0.05 (Weight for Capterra Ease of Use)

What are vulnerability management tools?

Vulnerability management is the process of identifying, assessing, remediating, and managing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in your IT network. It is a critical part of any strong IT environment, especially because unresolved security vulnerabilities can expose your organization to data breaches and other cyber threats.

The best vulnerability management tools reduce the attack surface of your IT network, improve your organization’s security posture, help you meet regulatory compliance requirements, and minimize business risks. As you can see, vulnerability management plays a critical role in your business’s success. In fact, it can be argued that every successful business has some form of internal vulnerability management tool.

How to evaluate a vulnerability management tool

As more and more companies rely on remote or distributed teams, the risk of cybersecurity events has also increased. Cybercriminals have become more sophisticated in their exploitation tactics and techniques to exploit any weakness in an IT network. Your vulnerability management tools should provide end-to-end endpoint visibility of the entire IT infrastructure in a single pane of glass. This is key: You cannot fix what you cannot see.

When complete security is the goal, it is pertinent to have a tool that meets these four key criteria.

4 key features of top vulnerability management tools

1. Automation

Your vulnerability management solution should work silently in the background with automated scans and alerting systems in place. Keep in mind that while the main goal of vulnerability management is to reduce perceived weaknesses and flaws in your IT network, your tool should not disrupt your end users. This is best achieved with IT automation that reduces manual intervention and frees your IT technicians to perform high-value tasks.

2. Reporting and alerts

Reporting for your vulnerability management should be robust, effective, and performed in real-time. The last part is extremely important: Your reporting tool should be able to generate accurate reports based on the latest data. This allows you and your IT team to perform the most appropriate actions to resolve issues.

3. Prioritize issues

Great vulnerability management solutions can prioritize issues based on severity. This optimizes the performance of your IT team, as every technician knows exactly what their workload is and which issue to resolve first. If possible, look for a vendor known for its fast first-response times.

4. Vulnerability detection

Vulnerability management relies on a proactive IT approach. This means resolving detected issues and continuously scanning your IT network to discover any weaknesses or vulnerabilities. By actively searching for vulnerabilities, your organization can stay ahead of emerging risks, adapt its defenses accordingly, and maintain its competitive advantage.

Choosing the best vulnerability management tool

Selecting the right vulnerability management tool is crucial for maintaining robust security and protecting your organization against potential threats. While there is no “perfect” tool for all businesses, you can choose the right one by carefully considering your needs and environment.

Are you focusing on network devices, applications, or both? Do you need a tool for on-premises systems, cloud-based environments, or both? How well does your tool integrate with your existing security infrastructure? Decide what you want for your vulnerability management tool and your overall IT budget. This keeps you focused on what to look for when speaking with vulnerability management vendors.