Tenable vs Rapid7 InsightVM -- Vulnerability Management Compared

Tenable vs Rapid7 InsightVM

Rapid7 InsightVM differentiates from Tenable with its live dashboards that provide real-time vulnerability data without requiring rescans, and its strong remediation project tracking that helps security teams coordinate with IT operations. Tenable counters with a larger vulnerability plugin library, more flexible deployment options, and deeper OT/ICS scanning. InsightVM is particularly attractive for organizations already invested in the Rapid7 Insight ecosystem.

The Verdict

Choose Rapid7 InsightVM if you value live dashboards, remediation project tracking, and integration with the Rapid7 ecosystem for a unified security operations platform. Choose Tenable if you need the deepest vulnerability coverage, the most mature scanning engine, or specialized OT/ICS scanning.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureRapid7 InsightVMTenable
Dashboard UpdatesLive real-time dashboardsUpdated on scan completion
Plugin CoverageBroad but smaller library200,000+ plugins (largest)
Remediation TrackingBuilt-in project tracking with SLAsBasic remediation workflows
Platform EcosystemRapid7 Insight (IDR, SOAR, AppSec)Tenable One exposure management
Agent FootprintLightweight Insight AgentNessus Agent (moderate footprint)
Risk ScoringReal Risk ScoreVPR (Vulnerability Priority Rating)
OT/ICS SupportLimited OT coverageTenable.ot dedicated OT scanning
Compliance ScanningPolicy assessment moduleDeep CIS, DISA STIG, PCI support

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose Rapid7 InsightVM when:

  • +You want live dashboards with real-time vulnerability data without rescanning
  • +Your team needs robust remediation project tracking with SLA monitoring
  • +You are already using or plan to use the broader Rapid7 Insight platform
  • +You need a lightweight agent for scanning remote and cloud-based assets
  • +You want integrated vulnerability management, detection, and SOAR capabilities

Choose Tenable when:

  • +You need the most comprehensive vulnerability plugin coverage
  • +Your environment includes OT/ICS assets requiring specialized scanning
  • +You require on-premises management with Tenable.sc for air-gapped networks
  • +You want the industry's most widely deployed scanning engine (Nessus)
  • +You need advanced exposure management and attack path analysis

Pros & Cons Comparison

Rapid7 InsightVM

Pros

  • +Live dashboards provide real-time vulnerability posture without rescanning
  • +Strong remediation project tracking bridges security and IT ops
  • +Lightweight agent enables scanning of remote and cloud-based assets
  • +Integrates with broader Rapid7 platform for detection, SOAR, and testing
  • +Active community and extensive Rapid7 research backing threat intelligence

Cons

  • –Scanning engine has fewer vulnerability checks than Nessus
  • –Per-asset pricing becomes expensive in large dynamic environments
  • –On-premises scan engine requires dedicated hardware resources
  • –Reporting customization can be limited without add-on modules
  • –Platform lock-in if heavily invested in Rapid7 Insight ecosystem

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 Rapid7 InsightVM FAQ

Common questions about choosing between Tenable and Rapid7 InsightVM.

What is the main difference between Tenable and Rapid7 InsightVM?

Rapid7 InsightVM differentiates from Tenable with its live dashboards that provide real-time vulnerability data without requiring rescans, and its strong remediation project tracking that helps security teams coordinate with IT operations. Tenable counters with a larger vulnerability plugin library, more flexible deployment options, and deeper OT/ICS scanning. InsightVM is particularly attractive for organizations already invested in the Rapid7 Insight ecosystem.

Is Rapid7 InsightVM better than Tenable?

Choose Rapid7 InsightVM if you value live dashboards, remediation project tracking, and integration with the Rapid7 ecosystem for a unified security operations platform. Choose Tenable if you need the deepest vulnerability coverage, the most mature scanning engine, or specialized OT/ICS scanning.

How much does Rapid7 InsightVM cost compared to Tenable?

Rapid7 InsightVM pricing: From $2.19/asset/month / Enterprise custom pricing. Tenable pricing: Nessus Professional from $3,990/year / Tenable.io from $2,275/year (65 assets) / Enterprise custom pricing. Rapid7 InsightVM's pricing model is per-asset (monthly or annual subscription), while Tenable uses per-asset (annual subscription) pricing.

Can I migrate from Tenable to Rapid7 InsightVM?

Yes, you can migrate from Tenable to Rapid7 InsightVM. 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.

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