Tenable vs Qualys VMDR -- Vulnerability Management Compared

Tenable vs Qualys VMDR

Qualys VMDR is Tenable's most direct competitor, offering a fully cloud-native vulnerability management platform with integrated patch management. While Tenable provides the most extensive plugin library and flexible deployment options, Qualys differentiates with built-in remediation workflows and a single-agent architecture that reduces operational overhead. Both platforms are established leaders, but they differ fundamentally in architecture and patching capabilities.

The Verdict

Choose Qualys VMDR if you want an all-in-one cloud-native platform with integrated patching that eliminates tool-switching between vulnerability discovery and remediation. Choose Tenable if you need the most extensive vulnerability plugin coverage, flexible on-prem deployment, or specialized OT/ICS scanning capabilities.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureQualys VMDRTenable
Scanning EngineQualys Cloud ScannerNessus with 200K+ plugins
Risk PrioritizationTruRisk scoringVPR (Vulnerability Priority Rating)
Patch ManagementBuilt-in integrated patchingRequires third-party integration
Deployment ModelCloud-only SaaSCloud, on-prem, hybrid
Asset DiscoveryPassive and active discoveryActive scanning and agent-based
Compliance ScanningPCI, HIPAA, CIS, SOC 2CIS, DISA STIG, PCI DSS
Container SecurityContainer scanning moduleTenable.cs container scanning
OT/ICS ScanningLimited OT supportTenable.ot purpose-built OT scanning

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose Qualys VMDR when:

  • +You want integrated patch management alongside vulnerability scanning
  • +You prefer a fully cloud-native platform with zero on-prem infrastructure
  • +Your team needs a single agent for scanning, patching, and endpoint visibility
  • +You want TruRisk scoring for business-context-aware prioritization
  • +You need to consolidate vulnerability management and patching tools

Choose Tenable when:

  • +You need the largest vulnerability plugin library for comprehensive CVE coverage
  • +You require flexible deployment including on-premises Tenable.sc
  • +Your environment includes OT/ICS assets requiring specialized scanning
  • +You want mature Nessus-based scanning trusted across the industry
  • +You need deep attack path analysis and exposure management capabilities

Pros & Cons Comparison

Qualys VMDR

Pros

  • +Fully cloud-native architecture with no on-prem infrastructure required
  • +Integrated patch management eliminates tool-switching for remediation
  • +TruRisk scoring provides actionable risk-based prioritization
  • +Single agent covers vulnerability scanning, patching, and EDR
  • +Strong compliance and regulatory reporting capabilities

Cons

  • –Pricing is opaque and can escalate at enterprise scale
  • –Agent deployment required for authenticated internal scanning
  • –User interface can feel dated compared to modern competitors
  • –Complex licensing with multiple modules to purchase separately
  • –Custom reporting requires significant configuration effort

Tenable

Pros

  • +Largest vulnerability plugin library with rapid CVE coverage
  • +Mature platform with 20+ years of vulnerability research
  • +Flexible deployment options including cloud, on-prem, and hybrid
  • +Strong compliance scanning for CIS, DISA STIG, and PCI DSS
  • +Extensive third-party integrations and robust API

Cons

  • –Per-asset pricing becomes expensive at enterprise scale
  • –Nessus scanning can be resource-intensive on networks
  • –Steep learning curve for Tenable.sc administration
  • –Agent-based scanning requires endpoint deployment overhead
  • –Reporting customization is limited without Tenable.sc

Tenable vs Qualys VMDR FAQ

Common questions about choosing between Tenable and Qualys VMDR.

What is the main difference between Tenable and Qualys VMDR?

Qualys VMDR is Tenable's most direct competitor, offering a fully cloud-native vulnerability management platform with integrated patch management. While Tenable provides the most extensive plugin library and flexible deployment options, Qualys differentiates with built-in remediation workflows and a single-agent architecture that reduces operational overhead. Both platforms are established leaders, but they differ fundamentally in architecture and patching capabilities.

Is Qualys VMDR better than Tenable?

Choose Qualys VMDR if you want an all-in-one cloud-native platform with integrated patching that eliminates tool-switching between vulnerability discovery and remediation. Choose Tenable if you need the most extensive vulnerability plugin coverage, flexible on-prem deployment, or specialized OT/ICS scanning capabilities.

How much does Qualys VMDR cost compared to Tenable?

Qualys VMDR pricing: Custom pricing based on asset count / Typically from $3,000/year for small environments. Tenable pricing: Nessus Professional from $3,990/year / Tenable.io from $2,275/year (65 assets) / Enterprise custom pricing. Qualys VMDR's pricing model is per-asset (annual subscription), while Tenable uses per-asset (annual subscription) pricing.

Can I migrate from Tenable to Qualys VMDR?

Yes, you can migrate from Tenable to Qualys VMDR. The migration process depends on your specific setup and the features you use. Both platforms offer APIs that can facilitate automated migration. Consider running both tools in parallel during the transition to ensure zero downtime.

Related Comparisons & Guides

Comparison

Tenable vs Rapid7 InsightVM

Risk-based vulnerability management platform with live dashboards and remediation project tracking

Comparison

Tenable vs CrowdStrike Falcon Spotlight

EDR-integrated scanless vulnerability assessment built on the CrowdStrike Falcon platform

Comparison

Tenable vs Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management

Microsoft's built-in vulnerability management integrated with Defender for Endpoint

Comparison

Tenable vs Greenbone OpenVAS

The most widely used open-source vulnerability scanner with 100,000+ network vulnerability tests

Category

Cloud Vulnerability Management Platforms

Compare the best cloud vulnerability management alternatives to Tenable in 2026. Qualys VMDR, Rapid7 InsightVM, CrowdStrike Falcon Spotlight — features, pricing, and capabilities compared.

Use Case

Continuous Vulnerability Scanning

Compare the best Tenable alternatives for continuous vulnerability scanning in 2026. Qualys VMDR, Rapid7 InsightVM, CrowdStrike Falcon Spotlight, Nuclei — scanning capabilities compared.

Use Case

Compliance Scanning

Compare the best Tenable alternatives for compliance scanning in 2026. Qualys VMDR, Rapid7 InsightVM, Greenbone OpenVAS, Tanium — CIS, DISA STIG, and PCI compliance capabilities compared.

Use Case

Cloud Vulnerability Management

Compare the best Tenable alternatives for cloud vulnerability management in 2026. Qualys VMDR, Rapid7 InsightVM, CrowdStrike Falcon Spotlight, Nuclei — cloud scanning capabilities compared.