View all Vulnerability Scanning Alternatives
Best Free Alternatives to Rapid7 Nexpose
Stop paying $2,000+ per year (Enterprise). Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: Vulnerability ScanningVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Greenbone (OpenVAS)
FREEBest Network Scanner
Why we like it
The most powerful open-source network scanner; actively maintained fork of the original Nessus engine; excellent for 'unauthenticated' scans of network gear (firewalls, switches, printers).
Keep in mind
The user interface is dated; scans can take hours to complete compared to Nexpose's optimized engine.
Wazuh
FREEBest Endpoint Replacement
Why we like it
Replaces the need for 'Authenticated Scans'; the Wazuh agent sits on the OS and sees all installed packages instantly without needing network credentials; lighter, faster, and free.
Keep in mind
Cannot scan devices where you can't install software (like a Cisco switch).
DefectDojo
FREEBest Management Dashboard
Why we like it
Acts as the 'Manager' for your free tools; ingest results from Greenbone, Wazuh, and Nuclei into one professional dashboard that looks just like Nexpose/InsightVM.
Keep in mind
Requires self-hosting (Docker).
Nuclei
FREEBest for Web/App Sec
Why we like it
Template-based scanning that is vastly faster than Nexpose for web applications; detects modern vulnerabilities (like API keys in JS files) that traditional network scanners often miss.
Keep in mind
Command-line interface (CLI) focus makes it harder for non-technical auditors.
Tenable Nessus Essentials
FREEBest for Consultants
Why we like it
The gold standard engine; free for up to 16 IPs; perfect for spot-checking a specific server or small home lab.
Keep in mind
No dashboard/history in the free version; 16 IP limit is hard-coded.
Snipe-IT
FREEBest for Asset Management
Why we like it
Often, companies buy Nexpose just to know 'what devices are on my network.' Snipe-IT solves the Asset Management piece for free, allowing you to track inventory manually or via API.
Keep in mind
It tracks assets, it doesn't scan them for bugs.
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