Key Points:
- Unpatched vulnerabilities are an increasingly common attack vector, which make vulnerability scanning tools and vulnerability assessment software essential for identifying risks, maintaining patch compliance, and reducing attack surfaces.
- The best vulnerability scanning tools in 2026:
- Tenable Nessus
- Qualys
- Rapid7 InsightVM
- OpenVAS
- GFI Languard
- Integrating with third-party software that offers patch management, ticketing, and automation tools, such as NinjaOne, allows IT teams to utilize vulnerability scanning data to prevent risky updates, automate remediation workflows, and improve response times.
Leaving vulnerabilities unpatched provides a direct entry point for cybercriminals, leading to disastrous data breaches or ransomware attacks. Using vulnerability scanning tools allows IT teams to identify security vulnerabilities and maintain patch compliance across endpoints, servers, networks, and applications.
According to Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report, there has been a 38% increase in exploited vulnerabilities being the initial access point for cybercriminals, leading to data breaches. With vulnerabilities becoming an increasingly popular attack vector for hackers, vulnerability management is crucial for organizations to secure their IT assets, enhance data protection, and comply with regulatory requirements. Choosing the best vulnerability assessment software for your organization allows your IT team to identify risks so that you can resolve them before they’re exploited by cybercriminals.
In this guide, we’ll analyze the top vulnerability scanning tools of 2026, enabling you to make a more informed decision when choosing a vulnerability scanning tool that best aligns with your organization’s needs.
Bridge the gap between vulnerability scanning data and remediation with NinjaOne.
Top 5 vulnerability scanning tools at a glance
| Vulnerability scanning provider | Features | Free trial? |
| Tenable Nessus | Nessus offers vulnerability scanning capabilities to detect misconfigurations, missing patches, and known CVEs across networks and systems. | 7 days |
| Qualys | Qualys identifies configuration issues, outdated software, and compliance risks with cloud-based vulnerability scans. | 30 days |
| Rapid7 InsightVM | Rapid7 InsightVM performs agent-based and agentless vulnerability scans to assess risk across on-premises, virtual, and cloud environments. | 30 days |
| OpenVAS | OpenVAS is an open-source vulnerability scanner that utilizes a comprehensive library of network vulnerability tests to identify vulnerabilities across software and servers. | Limited free version; 14 days for subscription |
| GFI Languard | GFI LanGuard detects missing patches, outdated software, and known CVEs. It automates vulnerability scans and integrates patching workflows for remediation. | 30 days |
1. Tenable Nessus
Nessus by Tenable is a popular vulnerability scanning tool that enables users to identify security vulnerabilities across servers, networks, and applications. With automated vulnerability scans, Nessus can detect outdated software, misconfigurations, missing patches, and compliance issues. Nessus relies on regularly updated vulnerability feeds, allowing security teams to stay aligned with new threats and evolving attack vectors. As a vulnerability scanner, it supports a broad range of IT asset types. Its vulnerability scanning software generates detailed reports that help teams prioritize remediation based on severity and relevance.
Use case
Nessus is a strong choice for organizations with diverse environments that need to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Features
- Flexible scanning configurations. Users can customize scan policies to focus on specific systems, environments, or risk areas.
- Scalability. Designed to support enterprises, Nessus can accommodate growing volumes of networks and multiple asset types for vulnerability scans.
- Compliance reporting. Nessus can scan systems against regulatory requirements and generate detailed reports for compliance audits.
Shortcomings
- Manual remediation. Several reviewers have complained that Nessus does not offer automation for patching vulnerabilities.(Source.)
- Steep learning curve. Users without deeper technical knowledge can struggle with running more advanced scans. (Source.)
- Slow performance. According to reviews, Nessus can take a long time to scan and generate reports. (Source.)
Tenable Nessus reviews on G2
| Category | Tenable Nessus Rating |
| Overall | 4.5 out of 5 (296) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 8.7 |
| Quality of Support | 8.4 |
| Ease of Admin | 8.9 |
| Ease of Use | 8.9 |
Tenable Nessus reviews on Capterra
| Category | Nessus Rating |
| Overall | 4.7 out of 5 (93) |
| Ease of Use | 4.6 |
| Customer Service | 4.3 |
| Features | 4.6 |
| Value for Money | 4.5 |
2. Qualys
Qualys VDMR provides vulnerability scanning tools designed to detect configuration issues, missing patches, and security vulnerabilities for on-prem, cloud, and internet-facing assets. Its vulnerability scanning software employs both virtual and physical scanners to conduct vulnerability scans across hybrid environments. Qualys provides continuous visibility for compliance and security audits. The platform also helps IT teams prioritize and automate remediation workflows for these vulnerabilities.
Use case
Works best for organizations with diverse workloads that need continuous monitoring.
Features
- IT asset management (ITAM). Qualys can discover assets and maintain an inventory of them.
- Patch management. The platform allows technicians to apply updates that resolve critical vulnerabilities.
- Real-time visibility. Qualys continuously scans assets for new vulnerabilities, configuration changes, and emerging threats.
Shortcomings
- User interface. According to G2 reviews, Qualys’s interface designs make it challenging to use and navigate. (Source.)
- Customer support. Qualys’ support team can take a long time to respond to support tickets. (Source.)
- Reporting. Reviews say that Qualys’ reporting feature can be lacking when it comes to details and automation. (Source.)
Qualys reviews on G2
| Category | Qualys Rating |
| Overall | 4.8 out of 5 (166) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 8.6 |
| Quality of Support | 8.1 |
| Ease of Admin | 8.6 |
| Ease of Use | 8.7 |
Qualys reviews on Capterra
| Category | Qualys Rating |
| Overall | 4.0 out of 5 (32) |
| Ease of Use | 4.0 |
| Customer Service | 4.0 |
| Features | 4.2 |
| Value for Money | 3.9 |
3. Rapid7 InsightVM
InsightVM by Rapid7 is a vulnerability scanning tool that performs automated scans across on-premises, cloud, and virtualized environments. It allows users to track vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and user-based risks through agent-based and agentless scanning options. This vulnerability assessment solution integrates with third-party ticketing systems and IT automation tools to help streamline remediation efforts following vulnerability scans. InsightVM also offers dashboards that enable security teams to track trends and monitor remediation progress.
Use case
Best suited for enterprises that require broad and continuous vulnerability scanning.
Features
- Continuous monitoring. InsightVM provides real-time visibility into IT assets and vulnerabilities.
- Compliance management. The platform offers automated assessments that align with regulatory standards such as HIPAA and PCI DSS.
- Risk prioritization. InsightVM uses multiple frameworks to guide technicians, making it easier to remediate the most critical vulnerabilities first.
Shortcomings
- Complex setup. Users report that InsightVM’s initial setup can require extensive time and resources. (Source.)
- Reporting. Reviewers say that custom reports can be tricky to properly configure. (Source.)
- Resource-intensive. According to reviews, InsightVM’s memory consumption must be carefully managed by users to optimize performance. (Source.)
Rapid7 InsightVM reviews on G2
| Category | Rapid7 InsightVM Rating |
| Overall | 4.4 out of 5 (78) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 9.3 |
| Quality of Support | 8.0 |
| Ease of Admin | 9.0 |
| Ease of Use | 8.8 |
Rapid7 InsightVM reviews on Capterra
| Category | Rapid7 InsightVM Rating |
| Overall | 4.3 out of 5 (18) |
| Ease of Use | 3.8 |
| Customer Service | 3.7 |
| Features | 4.3 |
| Value for Money | 3.9 |
4. OpenVAS
OpenVAS by Greenbone is an open-source vulnerability scanner that provides free and regularly updated vulnerability scanning capabilities. OpenVAS also offers additional functionality and wider coverage with OpenVAS Basic (designed for small businesses) and OpenVAScan. Users can scan for unaddressed vulnerabilities for their software and servers, allowing them to resolve them promptly.
Use case
Individuals or smaller businesses seeking a cost-effective vulnerability scanning tool.
Features
- Customizable vulnerability scans. With OpenVAS, users can configure scans to target specific areas of a system or network segment.
- Risk prioritization: The platform assigns severity levels to findings using industry-standard scoring, helping security teams prioritize remediation based on actual risk.
- Reporting. OpenVas can generate detailed reports that include recommendations for remediation.
Shortcomings
- Difficult to learn. The platform can be challenging for new users who may struggle with its interface. (Source.)
- Require workarounds. According to reviews, OpenVAS’s default Redis configuration cannot handle large scans, forcing users to use workarounds to prevent crashes. (Source.)
- Slow performance. OpenVAS tends to have slower response times compared to competitors (Source.)
OpenVAS reviews on G2
| Category | OpenVAS Rating |
| Overall | 4.8 out of 5 (7) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 7.5 |
| Quality of Support | 6.9 |
| Ease of Admin | 7.7 |
| Ease of Use | 7.7 |
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OpenVAS reviews on Capterra
| Category | OpenVAS Rating |
| Overall | 4.0 out of 5 (2) |
| Ease of Use | 4.0 |
| Customer Service | 4.5 |
| Features | 4.0 |
| Value for Money | 4.0 |
5. GFI Languard
GFI LanGuard is a network and endpoint vulnerability scanning tool designed to help organizations identify security issues across their infrastructure, including servers, workstations, and network devices. It performs vulnerability scans to detect missing patches, outdated software, weak configurations, and known CVEs, providing IT teams with a centralized view of security risks. It also offers compliance-focused reporting to help organizations meet regulatory requirements. GFI LanGuard also integrates patch management and remediation features, enabling organizations to deploy missing patches once a vulnerability is detected.
Use case
Suitable for small and medium-sized environments that need on-premises scanning.
Features
- Automation. The solution enables users to schedule vulnerability scans and automatically push out missing patches to reduce risk exposure.
- Compliance. Users can customize reports for auditing to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Third-party patching. GFI Languard supports patch management for third-party applications.
Shortcomings:
- Reporting. Reviewers say that GFI Languard’s reports lack clarity, which can make it difficult to determine what devices to prioritize for remediation. (Source.)
- User interface. According to G2 reviews, GFI Languard’s interface design can be improved to make the platform easier to navigate. (Source.)
- Performance. GFI Languard can crash, requiring users to restart the platform often, according to reviews. (Source.)
See how GFI Languard compares with NinjaOne or read a more in-depth review on GFI Languard alternatives.
GFI Languard reviews on G2
| Category | GFI Languard Rating |
| Overall | 4.2 out of 5 (10) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | — |
| Quality of Support | 8.6 |
| Ease of Admin | 8.6 |
| Ease of Use | 8.5 |
GFI Languard reviews on Capterra
| Category | GFI Languard Rating |
| Overall | 3.8 out of 5 (10) |
| Ease of Use | 4.1 |
| Customer Service | 3.6 |
| Features | 4.2 |
| Value for Money | 3.8 |
Comparison of vulnerability scanning tools for IT professionals (G2)
| Category | Tenable Nessus | Qualys | Rapid7 InsightVM | OpenVAS | GFI Languard |
| Overall | 4.5 out of 5 (296) | 4.8 out of 5 (166) | 4.4 out of 5 (78) | 4.8 out of 5 (7) | 4.2 out of 5 (10) |
| Has the product been a good partner in doing business? | 8.7 | 8.6 | 9.3 | 7.5 | — |
| Quality of Support | 8.4 | 8.1 | 8.0 | 6.9 | 8.6 |
| Ease of Admin | 8.9 | 8.6 | 9.0 | 7.7 | 8.6 |
| Ease of Use | 8.9 | 8.7 | 8.8 | 7.7 | 8.5 |
Comparison of vulnerability scanning tools for IT professionals (Capterra)
| Category | Tenable Nessus | Qualys | Rapid7 InsightVM | OpenVAS | GFI Languard |
| Overall | 4.7 out of 5 (93) | 4.0 out of 5 (32) | 4.3 out of 5 (18) | 4.0 out of 5 (2) | 3.8 out of 5 (10) |
| Ease of use | 4.6 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 4.1 |
| Customer Service | 4.3 | 4.0 | 3.7 | 4.5 | 3.6 |
| Features | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Value for Money | 4.5 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 3.8 |
What to consider before choosing a vulnerability scanning tool
1. Coverage
Choose a vulnerability scanning tool with a broad coverage of vulnerabilities across endpoints, servers, networks, and applications. If a vulnerability scanning service only covers common vulnerabilities, it creates blind spots that threat actors may exploit. Effective vulnerability scanning tools must identify known vulnerabilities cataloged in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database and assess severity using measures like Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) scores and the KEV catalog to help teams prioritize remediation based on real-world risk.
Coverage should also include KB (Knowledge Base) analysis, which evaluates vendor-issued update bulletins, patch notes, and known issues associated with specific vulnerabilities to ensure patch health prior to deployment. This deeper level of insight helps avoid deploying unstable or problematic patches and ensures teams understand not just what the vulnerability is, but how safely and effectively it can be remediated.
2. Automation
Modern vulnerability assessment software supports automated scans, scheduled tasks, and policy-driven remediation workflows. Automation helps ensure consistent vulnerability scans and reduces the need for repeated manual review or intervention, especially in large or distributed environments.
3. Integration with third-party software
Select a vulnerability scanner that can integrate with software that covers patch management, ticketing, and remote monitoring. These integrations enable vulnerability scanning data to prevent updates with security vulnerabilities from being pushed out. It can also enhance automated remediation, thus reducing manual workloads and improving response times.
4. Scalability
As organizations grow, their vulnerability scanning software must scale to support a growing volume of IT assets, more frequent scans, and more complex environments. Failure to adapt and scale often leads to slower vulnerability scans, missed risks, or operational bottlenecks. Whether you’re a large enterprise scan thousands of hardware and software or a rapidly growing business, you should choose a vulnerability scanner that is flexible enough to adjust to your evolving needs.
5. Compliance management
Look for a vulnerability assessment solution that provides detailed reports to ensure compliance with organizational requirements and regulatory frameworks, such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and SOC 2. The best vulnerability scanning tools allow IT professionals to generate customizable reports that can highlight risk severity, trends over time, and recommended steps to address these risks.
How NinjaOne and vulnerability scanners work together
NinjaOne’s vulnerability management software complements vulnerability scanning tools by consuming their scan data and turning it into automated remediation workflows. Through a simple, one-time API configuration, NinjaOne’s vulnerability remediation feature allows the platform to consume vulnerability scan results from third-party applications, such as Tenable Nessus, Qualys, or Rapid7 InsightVM. This allows NinjaOne to pull CVE or CVSS data into the NinjaOne platform to accelerate remediation of vulnerabilities. For small and medium-sized businesses, NinjaOne offers greater cost savings than dedicated vulnerability scanning services, as it not only pulls in CVE data but also streamlines the remediation process for security vulnerabilities.
NinjaOne leverages this expedited access to vulnerability scan data to enrich automated remediation workflows. Also, critically, NinjaOne’s unique Patch Intelligence AI analyzes KB data to measure patch stability indicators that can be configured to override existing automations to prevent those patches determined to cause disruptions. This ensures that patches associated with vulnerabilities are deployed safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of failed updates. NinjaOne’s autonomous patching accelerates security efficacy associated with efficient patching while preserving operational efficiency by preventing the deployment of known bad patches.
Turn vulnerability scans into automated remediation and reduce attack vectors with NinjaOne.
Securing your IT environment with the top vulnerability scanning tools
Vulnerability scanning enables organizations to secure their IT environments by identifying security vulnerabilitiesand outdated software before they can be exploited by cybercriminals. As organizations grow, selecting the best vulnerability scanning tool enhances their security posture and long-term resilience. IT teams should carefully evaluate their options, compare features, and review third-party integrations that can transform data into actionable and efficient remediation workflows. Consider signing up for free trials with vulnerability scanning software to determine if your chosen tool aligns with your security and operational goals.
NinjaOne can continuously consume this vulnerability scanning data, automate remediation, and accelerate the reduction of security risks associated with effective patching. See how NinjaOne Vulnerability Management can enhance your vulnerability scans and patching workflows by signing up for a 14-day free trial or watch a demo.
