Detectify vs Greenbone (OpenVAS)
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Detectify is an application security platform that performs dynamic vulnerability scanning across external attack surfaces, testing domains, IPs, APIs, and applications with payload-based techniques rather than relying solely on static signature matching. Its Surface Monitoring product continuously discovers and maps external assets while testing them for exploitable vulnerabilities. Detectify's API scanning uses Dynamic AI Fuzzing to test REST and GraphQL endpoints, and its Application Scanning performs deep, authenticated DAST testing with AI-powered fuzzing and crawling. A distinctive part of the platform is its Crowdsource network of more than 400 ethical hackers who feed newly discovered vulnerabilities, including many without an assigned CVE, into Detectify's scanner within minutes of research.
Greenbone develops the OpenVAS vulnerability scanning engine, one of the most widely deployed open-source vulnerability management systems, used to discover assets and identify security weaknesses across desktops, servers, network devices, and IoT/industrial equipment before attackers can exploit them. Its enterprise feed grows continuously and includes over 100,000 vulnerability tests, with automated, schedulable scans and severity-based prioritization of findings. Greenbone offers several deployment paths: a free, open-source OpenVAS edition for self-hosting, an entry-level cloud/SaaS option (OpenVAS Basic) aimed at small businesses with a 14-day free trial, and hardware appliances or virtual-machine images for larger, on-premises enterprise deployments with GDPR-compliant data handling.
- Crowdsourced ethical hacker research surfaces vulnerabilities before they get a CVE
- Very fast turnaround from new research to live scanner test
- Combines surface monitoring, API, and application scanning in one platform
- Payload-based testing reduces false positives from static matching
- Free, open-source edition available for self-hosting
- Very large and continuously updated vulnerability test library
- Deployment options span free software to enterprise appliances
- On-premises option supports GDPR-sensitive environments
- Pricing is not published and requires a demo or trial request
- Crowdsource-driven findings mean coverage depends partly on researcher activity
- Best suited to organizations with dedicated security or AppSec staff to act on findings
- Enterprise appliance pricing isn't published and requires contacting sales
- Self-hosted free edition demands more setup and maintenance effort
- Interface and workflow are aimed at security practitioners, not general IT staff
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataDetectify offers a cloud SaaS, AI‑driven, crowdsourced web and API scanner for teams that can pay for a proprietary service, while Greenbone provides a free, open‑source, on‑premises scanner with a larger test library but higher operational overhead.
Key differences
- •Deployment model: Detectify is cloud‑only SaaS; Greenbone can be self‑hosted on‑premises or via appliances.
- •Pricing transparency: Greenbone has a free open‑source edition; Detectify requires contact for pricing.
- •Vulnerability coverage focus: Detectify emphasizes external web/app surface and AI‑fuzzed API testing; Greenbone targets broad infrastructure (servers, desktops, IoT).
- •Update speed for new findings: Detectify converts new researcher reports to live tests in under 15 minutes; Greenbone updates its test library on a regular but unspecified cadence.
- •Support model: Detectify offers demos and trial requests; Greenbone provides email and partner network support, with enterprise support behind sales contact.
Pricing & value
Greenbone offers a free, open‑source edition; Detectify requires contacting sales with no published price.
Ease of use / learning curve
Detectify is a managed SaaS platform, no self‑hosting; Greenbone self‑hosted edition needs setup and maintenance.
Features & depth
Detectify provides AI‑fuzzed API testing, continuous asset mapping, and crowdsourced zero‑day research; Greenbone focuses on broad infrastructure scans.
Integrations & ecosystem
Detectify lists CI/CD pipeline integration and API access; Greenbone lists no specific integrations.
Collaboration
Detectify’s platform is built for AppSec teams with dashboards and alerts; Greenbone’s interface is aimed at security practitioners, less collaborative.
Scalability
Detectify scales automatically as a cloud service; Greenbone scaling depends on on‑prem hardware resources.
Support
Greenbone provides email and partner network support; Detectify only offers demo/ trial contact, no listed support tier.
Choose Detectify if…
Enterprises with dedicated AppSec staff needing fast, AI‑driven web/API scanning and willing to pay for SaaS.
Choose Greenbone (OpenVAS) if…
Organizations requiring a free, self‑hosted scanner for broad infrastructure assets and able to manage setup.
Common questions
Can I try Detectify without a contract?
Detectify requires a demo or trial request; pricing is not publicly listed.
Is there a free version of Greenbone?
Yes, Greenbone offers an open‑source, self‑hostable edition called OpenVAS Free.
Which tool scans APIs like REST and GraphQL?
Detectify includes Dynamic AI Fuzzing for REST and GraphQL APIs; Greenbone focuses on infrastructure scanning.