/
/

10 Best Vulnerability Management Tools for IT Professionals

by Raine Grey, Technical Writer
reviewed by Ian Crego, Technical Marketing Engineer
Best Vulnerability Management Software featured image

Key Points

  • Category split: Vulnerability management = assessment (scanning) + remediation (patch & config); many vendors specialize in one—pick based on your gap.
  • Top options covered: Syxsense, Arctic Wolf, Tenable Nessus, Qualys VMDR, Rapid7 InsightVM, Automox, VulScan, Orca Security, SanerNow, NinjaOne (list includes pros/cons and ratings; all G2/Capterra data).
  • What “best” looks like: Automation (quiet, scheduled), real-time reporting/alerts, risk-based prioritization, and continuous detection with full asset visibility (“single pane of glass”).
  • Why NinjaOne stands out: It offers unified endpoint visibility across Windows/macOS/Linux, zero-touch patching and scripting for fast remediation, strong usability, and high customer ratings; user reviews cite a rapid path to high patch compliance.

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.

Best vulnerability management tools at a glance

VendorSoftware typeFeaturesTrial information
SyxsenseUnified endpoint & vulnerability managementReal-time alerts, risk-based prioritization, compliance reporting (HIPAA, PCI, SOX, CIS).14-day free trial
Arctic WolfManaged vulnerability management serviceContinuous scanning, concierge-led risk management, automated remediation.Demo request only
Tenable NessusCloud-based vulnerability managementAsset discovery, automated risk prioritization, real-time scanning & reporting.7-day free trial
Qualys VMDRCloud-based vulnerability management & patchingAsset detection, continuous monitoring, prioritized remediation.30-day free trial
InsightVMCloud & on-prem vulnerability managementAgent/agentless scans, live dashboards, policy assessments, integrations.30-day free trial
AutomoxCloud-native patching & vulnerability managementVulnerability sync, automated cross-platform patching, config management.15-day free trial
VulScanVulnerability management scannerInternal scans, multi-tenant management, noise reduction for alerts.Demo request only
Orca SecurityXDR-integrated vulnerability managementEndpoint & cloud workload scanning, risk-based remediation, automation.Demo or trial available
SanerNowEndpoint security & vulnerability managementContinuous scanning, patch deployment, compliance checks (PCI, HIPAA, NIST).Free trial available
NinjaOneUnified endpoint & vulnerability managementZero-touch patching, real-time monitoring, automation, cross-OS support.14-day free trial

How to use this guide on the 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. 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.

Identify and remediate configuration and patching vulnerabilities at scale with NinjaOne.

Schedule a 14-day free trial or watch a demo.

10 best vulnerability management tools for IT professionals

All G2 & Capterra ratings data as of September 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 levels 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 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

CategorySyxsense Rating
Overall 4.5 out of 5 (81)
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?8.9
Quality of support8.8
Ease of Admin8.6
Ease of Use 8.7

Syxsense reviews on Capterra

CategorySyxsense Rating
Overall4.6 out of 5 (61)
Ease of Use4.5
Customer Support4.6
Functionality4.5
Value for Money4.6

 

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 the ticketing system is difficult to navigate and use.
  • Customer service: Reviewers found that customer support could be improved.

Arctic Wolf reviews on G2

CategoryArctic Wolf Rating
Overall 4.7 out of 5 (273)
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?9.5
Quality of support9.4
Ease of Admin9.1
Ease of Use 9.2

Arctic Wolf reviews on Capterra

CategoryArctic Wolf Rating
Overall3.0 out of 5 (2)
Ease of Use3.5
Customer Support3.5
Functionality2.5
Value for Money3.0

 

3. Tenable Nessus

Tenable Nessus 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.

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

Use cases:

  • Asset detection: Tenable Nessus offers continuous asset discovery and assesses them for vulnerability.
  • Threat intelligence: The solution automates prioritization to remediate the most critical vulnerabilities first.
  • Automation: Tenable Nessus 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 Nessus’ real-time scanning could be further improved according to reviews.
  • Reporting: Reviews say that the platform’s reporting capabilities are limited.

Tenable Nessus reviews on G2

CategoryTenable Nessus Rating
Overall 4.5 out of 5 (288)
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?8.7
Quality of support8.4
Ease of Admin8.9
Ease of Use 8.9

Tenable Nessus reviews on Capterra

CategoryTenable Nessus Rating
Overall4.7 out of 5 (93)
Ease of Use4.6
Customer Support4.3
Functionality4.6
Value for Money4.5

 

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 identify assets automatically.
  • 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 the 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

CategoryQualys VMDR Rating
Overall 4.4 out of 5 (166)
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?8.6
Quality of support8.1
Ease of Admin8.6
Ease of Use 8.7 

Qualys VMDR reviews on Capterra

CategoryQualys VMDR Rating
Overall4.0 out of 5 (32)
Ease of Use4.0
Customer Support4.0
Functionality4.2
Value for Money3.9

 

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 remediate detected security flaws through a single console proactively. 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 categorize 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 InsightVM requires a lot of time and resources for the initial setup.

InsightVM (Nexpose) reviews on G2

CategoryInsightVM (Nexpose) Rating
Overall 4.4 out of 5 (77)
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?9.3
Quality of support8.0
Ease of Admin9.0
Ease of Use 8.8 

InsightVM (Nexpose) reviews on Capterra

CategoryInsightVM (Nexpose) Rating
Overall4.3 out of 5 (18)
Ease of Use3.8 
Customer Support3.7
Functionality4.3
Value for Money3.9

 

6. Automox

Automox offers an end-to-end vulnerability detection solution. Its tool allows you to identify and report various cyber vulnerabilities. Vulnerability Sync brings two critical functions—vulnerability detection and remediation—together 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 Windows, Linux, and macOS vulnerabilities.
  • 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 report options and details.
  • Slow performance: Automox can be slow to respond, especially when scanning multiple devices.
  • Connectivity issues: G2 reviews say the platform can sometimes have problems deploying patches, leading to vulnerabilities.

Automox reviews on G2

CategoryAutomox Rating
Overall 4.5 out of 5 (278)
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?9.0
Quality of support8.7
Ease of Admin8.8
Ease of Use 8.9

Automox reviews on Capterra

CategoryAutomox Rating
Overall4.7 out of 5 (151)
Ease of Use4.7
Customer Support4.7
Functionality4.5
Value for Money4.6

 

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: The vulnerability management platform helps users 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 to do.
  • Reporting: Users say that the reporting function is limited and lacks customization.

VulScan reviews on G2

CategoryVulScan Rating
Overall 4.1 out of 5 (119)
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?8.1
Quality of support8.1
Ease of Admin7.8
Ease of Use 8.1

VulScan reviews on Capterra

CategoryVulScan Rating
Overall4.0 out of 5 (9)
Ease of Use4.1
Customer Service4.2
Features3.3
Value for Money4.2

 

8. Orca Security

Orca Security delivers cloud-native vulnerability management that provides full-stack visibility across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and Kubernetes environments without agents. The platform scans workloads, containers, and configurations at the cloud infrastructure level, eliminating blind spots while avoiding performance impacts on production systems. Its unified platform combines vulnerability detection, misconfiguration management, malware scanning, and compliance monitoring into one solution tailored for cloud-first organizations.

Use cases:

  • Cloud vulnerability management: The platform continuously identifies and prioritizes vulnerabilities across workloads, containers, and VMs in cloud environments.
  • Risk-based prioritization: Orca Security contextualizes vulnerability data to highlight the most critical risks first.
  • Focus on compliance: The platform ensures continuous compliance reporting for frameworks like PCI, HIPAA, NIST, and CIS.

Shortcomings:

  • Setup: Some users cite challenges in the initial configuration of the platform, impacting productivity.
  • On-prem support: Other users pointed out the disadvantages of the platform’s focus on cloud environments, highlighting its lack of on-prem support as a major drawback.
  • Dashboard complexity: Some Orca Security users said that the UI can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to quickly find the information needed for troubleshooting.

Orca Security reviews on G2

CategoryOrca Security
Overall 4.6 out of 5 (211)
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?9.4
Quality of support9.2
Ease of Admin9.0
Ease of Use 9.0

Orca Security reviews on Capterra

CategoryOrca Security
Overall4.8 out of 5 (60)
Ease of Use4.7
Customer Support4.8
Functionality4.7
Value for Money4.6

 

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 a 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

CategorySanerNow Rating
Overall 4.5 out of 5 (76)
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?9.1
Quality of support9.2
Ease of Admin9.0
Ease of Use 8.6

SanerNow reviews on Capterra

CategorySanerNow Rating
Overall4.5 out of 5 (29)
Ease of Use4.4 
Customer Support4.6
Functionality4.6
Value for Money4.5

 

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, Carahsoft’s Chief Information Officer, was challenged with meeting the technological needs of the company’s hypergrowth. Burdened with multiple redundant and inefficient tool, 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

CategoryNinjaOne Rating
Overall 4.7 out of 5 (2,770)
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?9.5
Quality of support9.2
Ease of Admin9.2
Ease of Use 9.2

NinjaOne reviews on Capterra

CategoryNinjaOne Rating
Overall4.7 out of 5 (275)
Ease of Use4.7
Customer Service4.7
Features4.5
Value for Money4.6

 

Comparison of vulnerability management for IT professionals (G2)

CategorySyxsenseArctic WolfTenable NessusQualys VMDRInsightVM (Nexpose)AutomoxVulScanOrca SecuritySanerNowNinjaOne
Overall 4.5 out of 5 (81) 4.7 out of 5 (273)4.5 out of 5 (288) 4.4 out of 5 (166) 4.4 out of 5 (77) 4.5 out of 5 (278) 4.1 out of 5 (119) 4.6 out of 5 (211) 4.5 out of 5 (764.7 out of 5 (2,770)
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?8.9 9.58.7 8.6 9.3 9.08.19.49.1 9.5
Quality of support8.8 9.48.4 8.1 8.0 8.78.19.29.29.2
Ease of Admin8.6 9.18.9 8.6 9.0 8.87.8 9.09.0 9.2
Ease of Use 8.7 9.28.98.7  8.8  8.9 8.19.08.6 9.2 

Comparison of vulnerability management for IT professionals (Capterra)

CategorySyxsenseArctic WolfTenable NessusQualys VMDRInsightVM (Nexpose)AutomoxVulScanOrca SecuritySanerNowNinjaOne
Overall4.6 out of 5 (61) 3.0 out of 5 (2) 4.7 out of 5 (93) 4.0 out of 5 (32) 4.3 out of 5 (18) 4.7 out of 5 (151) 4.0 out of 5 (9) 4.8 out of 5 (60) 4.5 out of 5 (29) 4.7 out of 5 (275)
Ease of Use4.5 3.54.6 4.03.8  4.74.1 4.74.4  4.7 
Customer Service4.63.54.3 4.03.7 4.74.2 4.84.6 4.7 
Features4.5 2.54.6 4.24.3 4.5 3.34.74.6 4.5
Value for Money4.6 3.0 4.5 3.93.9 4.64.2 4.64.5 4.6

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

 

You might also like

Ready to simplify the hardest parts of IT?