Qualys vs Shodan: Which Cybersecurity Is Better in 2026?
Compare pricing, features, integrations, verified reviews, AI capabilities, security, and customer satisfaction, side by side, with no marketing spin.
The Short Answer
Qualys vs Shodan, in 15 seconds
Choose Qualys if…
- You depend on a broad integration ecosystem
- You have strict security & compliance needs
- You need the broader feature set
Choose Shodan if…
- You prefer Shodan's approach and ecosystem
Head-to-Head Scorecard
How Qualys and Shodan score
Qualys leads on 4 of 9 measured dimensions.
- Even
Customer Rating
Average score from verified user reviews
QualysNo reviewsShodanNo reviews - Even
Review Volume
Number of verified reviews, a proxy for adoption
Qualys0Shodan0 - Even
Entry Pricing
Lowest published starting price (free plan = lowest)
QualysCustomShodanCustom - Even
Free Access
Availability of a free plan and/or free trial
QualysFree trialShodanFree trial - Qualys
Integrations
Number of listed third-party integrations
Qualys8Shodan6 - Qualys
Features
Number of listed product capabilities
Qualys8Shodan0 - Even
AI Features
Capabilities mentioning AI, automation or ML
Qualys,Shodan, - Qualys
Security & Compliance
Number of listed compliance certifications
Qualys5Shodan2 - Qualys
Platforms & Deployment
Supported platforms and deployment options
Qualys6Shodan4
Feature Comparison
Qualys vs Shodan feature breakdown
Search or filter the full feature matrix, core features, AI, integrations, APIs, security and compliance.
Qualys
ShodanPricing Comparison
Qualys vs Shodan pricing
Entry pricing, plan tiers and the cost factors that shape total cost of ownership.
Qualys
Custom to start- Custom quote
- Asset discovery
- Core vulnerability management
- For small teams
- Custom quote
- Threat prioritization
- Compliance
- Integrations
- Custom pricing
- Full TruRisk platform
- Cloud security
- Web app scanning
Shodan
Custom to start- device and service search
- Analytics and reporting
- Integrations
- exposure monitoring
- Dedicated support and onboarding
- APIs
- historical data
- Everything in Professional
Total cost of ownership factors
Beyond list price, factor in implementation, training, add-ons and per-seat scaling when estimating total cost of ownership.
Pros & Cons
Qualys vs Shodan: strengths and trade-offs
Qualys
Pros
- Free trial offered
- Broad integration ecosystem (8)
- Compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)
Shodan
Pros
- Free trial offered
- Compliance: SOC 2, ISO 27001
- Public API available
Cons
- No free plan
- Pricing is quote-based (less transparent)
- Fewer native integrations than the alternative
Buyer Fit
Who should use Qualys vs Shodan?
Startups
Either
Either keeps early-stage costs lowest with its entry tier.
Small businesses
Either
Either offers the most accessible pricing for lean teams.
Agencies
Qualys
Qualys connects to more tools for multi-client workflows.
Enterprises
Qualys
Qualys leads on compliance and breadth for complex needs.
Ecommerce
Qualys
Qualys integrates with more of the commerce stack.
SaaS companies
Qualys
Qualys is the more developer- and automation-friendly choice.
Integration overlap
Shared integrations (2)
Only in Qualys (6)
Only in Shodan (4)
Keep Exploring
Other alternatives worth considering
Similar cybersecurity products buyers compare alongside Qualys and Shodan.
Ask SIA which solution fits your business
SIA, Saaskart's AI buying assistant, weighs Qualys and Shodan against your team size, budget, integrations and compliance needs, then recommends the right fit and the questions to ask each vendor.
Get a personalised recommendationQualys vs Shodan, Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Qualys and Shodan?
Qualys and Shodan are both Cybersecurity solutions. Qualys is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users, while Shodan is rated 0.0/5 by 0 users. The main differences lie in pricing, features, and target audience.
Which is better, Qualys or Shodan?
Based on user ratings, Qualys scores higher at 0.0/5. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific requirements.
Which is cheaper, Qualys or Shodan?
Both products have custom pricing. We recommend contacting both vendors for a quote tailored to your team size.
Does Qualys or Shodan have a free plan?
Neither Qualys nor Shodan currently offers a free plan, but Qualys provides a free trial.
Can I switch from Qualys to Shodan?
Switching between Qualys and Shodan is possible. Both support data export. Check integration compatibility and plan for data migration to minimise disruption to your team.
Who should use Qualys vs Shodan?
Qualys is best suited for teams that prioritise enterprise features. Shodan works well for teams needing advanced capabilities.
Our Verdict
The bottom line on Qualys vs Shodan
Best Overall
Either
It's a tie balances user satisfaction and proven adoption.
Best for Startups
Either
It's a tie has the friendliest entry point for new teams.
Best for Enterprise
Qualys
Qualys leads on compliance and feature breadth.
Best Value
Either
It's a tie delivers the lowest cost to get started.
Best AI Features
Either
Comparable AI capabilities on both sides.
Highest Rated
Either
Both earn equal user ratings.