Wiz vs Aqua Security -- Cloud Security & CNAPP Compared

Wiz vs Aqua Security

Aqua Security is the strongest choice for organizations with container-heavy and Kubernetes-native workloads that need the deepest container security capabilities. Wiz provides broader cloud security coverage with superior CSPM, CIEM, and DSPM, while Aqua offers deeper container image scanning, runtime protection with drift prevention, and supply chain security. The choice often depends on whether your primary concern is cloud posture and misconfiguration (Wiz) or container and runtime security (Aqua).

The Verdict

Choose Aqua Security if container and Kubernetes security are your top priorities and you need deep runtime protection, supply chain security, and the benefit of open-source tools like Trivy. Choose Wiz if you need the broadest cloud security posture coverage, superior CIEM and DSPM, and agentless deployment across diverse multi-cloud environments.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureAqua SecurityWiz
Container SecurityBest-in-class container scanningGood container scanning
Runtime ProtectionFull runtime with drift preventionNo runtime protection (agentless)
CSPMBasic CSPM capabilitiesBest-in-class CSPM
Supply Chain SecurityComprehensive SBOM and provenanceLimited supply chain features
CIEMMinimal identity managementFull CIEM platform
Open SourceTrivy and Tracee (widely adopted)No open-source components
DeploymentAgent-based for runtimeFully agentless
Kubernetes DepthDeep K8s admission control and policyGood K8s posture scanning

When to Choose Each Tool

Choose Aqua Security when:

  • +Container and Kubernetes security is your primary cloud security concern
  • +You need runtime protection with drift prevention and behavioral monitoring
  • +Software supply chain security and container image provenance are critical requirements
  • +You want to leverage open-source Trivy and Tracee alongside commercial features
  • +Your team has strong DevSecOps practices and needs deep CI/CD security integration

Choose Wiz when:

  • +You need comprehensive multi-cloud CSPM beyond just container environments
  • +CIEM and DSPM capabilities are important alongside workload protection
  • +You prefer agentless deployment without the overhead of managing runtime agents
  • +Visual attack path analysis across the full cloud stack is a priority
  • +Your cloud environment includes a mix of VMs, containers, and serverless workloads

Pros & Cons Comparison

Aqua Security

Pros

  • +Industry-leading container and Kubernetes security depth
  • +Open-source Trivy scanner is the most widely adopted cloud-native scanner
  • +Strong runtime protection with drift prevention and behavioral monitoring
  • +Excellent DevSecOps integration with CI/CD pipelines
  • +eBPF-based Tracee provides lightweight runtime detection

Cons

  • –CSPM capabilities less mature than dedicated CSPM platforms like Wiz
  • –Agent-based runtime protection adds deployment and management complexity
  • –Platform can feel fragmented between open-source and commercial components
  • –Less effective for VM-centric or non-containerized cloud workloads
  • –Enterprise pricing can escalate quickly for large container environments

Wiz

Pros

  • +Agentless deployment scans entire cloud estate in minutes
  • +Security Graph surfaces toxic risk combinations that actually matter
  • +Unified platform covers CSPM, CWPP, CIEM, DSPM, and IaC scanning
  • +Intuitive UI with strong visualization of attack paths
  • +Rapid time-to-value with API-based cloud connector setup

Cons

  • –Premium enterprise pricing puts it out of reach for smaller organizations
  • –Agentless approach lacks real-time runtime protection capabilities
  • –Limited on-premises and hybrid cloud coverage
  • –Deep customization and policy authoring can require professional services
  • –Vendor lock-in risk given proprietary platform architecture

Wiz vs Aqua Security FAQ

Common questions about choosing between Wiz and Aqua Security.

What is the main difference between Wiz and Aqua Security?

Aqua Security is the strongest choice for organizations with container-heavy and Kubernetes-native workloads that need the deepest container security capabilities. Wiz provides broader cloud security coverage with superior CSPM, CIEM, and DSPM, while Aqua offers deeper container image scanning, runtime protection with drift prevention, and supply chain security. The choice often depends on whether your primary concern is cloud posture and misconfiguration (Wiz) or container and runtime security (Aqua).

Is Aqua Security better than Wiz?

Choose Aqua Security if container and Kubernetes security are your top priorities and you need deep runtime protection, supply chain security, and the benefit of open-source tools like Trivy. Choose Wiz if you need the broadest cloud security posture coverage, superior CIEM and DSPM, and agentless deployment across diverse multi-cloud environments.

How much does Aqua Security cost compared to Wiz?

Aqua Security pricing: Free (Trivy OSS) / Enterprise custom pricing. Wiz pricing: Custom enterprise pricing / Usage-based by cloud resources. Aqua Security's pricing model is workload-based (per protected workload), while Wiz uses resource-based (per cloud workload) pricing.

Can I migrate from Wiz to Aqua Security?

Yes, you can migrate from Wiz to Aqua Security. 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

Wiz vs Orca Security

Agentless cloud security platform using SideScanning technology for full-stack visibility

Comparison

Wiz vs Prisma Cloud

Comprehensive CNAPP from Palo Alto Networks securing applications from code to cloud

Comparison

Wiz vs Lacework

Data-driven cloud security platform using behavioral analytics for automated threat detection

Comparison

Wiz vs Sysdig

Cloud and container security platform built on open-source Falco for runtime threat detection

Category

Cloud-Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPP)

Compare the best CNAPP alternatives to Wiz in 2026. Prisma Cloud, Aqua Security, Sysdig — CNAPP capabilities, deployment models, and pricing compared.

Use Case

Container and Kubernetes Security

Compare the best Wiz alternatives for container and Kubernetes security in 2026. Aqua Security, Sysdig, Prisma Cloud, Trend Micro — container security capabilities compared.

Use Case

Cloud Workload Protection (CWPP)

Compare the best Wiz alternatives for cloud workload protection (CWPP) in 2026. Sysdig, Aqua Security, Trend Micro Cloud One, Lacework — runtime protection and workload security compared.

Use Case

Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) Security Scanning

Compare the best Wiz alternatives for IaC security scanning in 2026. Prisma Cloud (Bridgecrew/Checkov), Aqua Security (Trivy), Ermetic — IaC scanning capabilities compared.