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Best Free Alternatives to Qualys VMDR
Stop paying $199+ per asset/year. Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: Vulnerability ManagementVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Wazuh
FREEBest for Endpoints (Agent)
Why we like it
Replaces the 'Qualys Agent' completely; installs on Windows/Linux/macOS and automatically detects vulnerable software (Chrome, Office, Kernel) by comparing them to the CVE database; runs in real-time, not just during weekly scans.
Keep in mind
Does not perform 'external' network scans (e.g., finding open ports from the outside).
Greenbone (OpenVAS)
FREEBest for Network Scanning
Why we like it
The engine behind many commercial scanners; excels at 'unauthenticated' scanning (finding open ports and services on devices you can't install agents on, like printers or routers).
Keep in mind
The UI is functional but dated; scan times can be slow compared to Qualys.
DefectDojo
FREEBest Management Dashboard
Why we like it
The 'VM' in VMDR; an open-source dashboard that ingests results from Wazuh, Greenbone, Nessus, and 100+ other tools; deduplicates findings and tracks remediation over time; acts as your free Qualys dashboard.
Keep in mind
Requires self-hosting; it creates the tickets/reports but doesn't do the scanning itself.
Nuclei
FREEBest for Web/Zero-Days
Why we like it
The modern standard for 'Bug Bounty' style scanning; extremely fast template-based engine; detects new zero-day vulnerabilities (like Log4j) often days before Qualys pushes an official signature update.
Keep in mind
Requires command-line usage; focused on specific exploits rather than broad compliance.
Tenable Nessus Essentials
FREEBest for Small Scops
Why we like it
The industry standard scanner engine (even better than Qualys in some regards); free for up to 16 IP addresses; perfect for consultants or small home labs.
Keep in mind
Strictly limited to 16 IPs; no enterprise dashboard/reporting in the free version.
OpenSCAP
FREEBest for Compliance
Why we like it
If you used Qualys specifically for 'Policy Compliance' (CIS Benchmarks), OpenSCAP is the free alternative; automatically checks if your Linux servers meet NIST/PCI/DSS hardening standards.
Keep in mind
Linux-focused; steep learning curve for custom policies.
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