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Acunetix vs SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) comparison

Invicti and Sonar are both solutions in the Application Security Tools category. Invicti is ranked #16 with an average rating of 8.4, while Sonar is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.4. Invicti holds a 2.6% mindshare in AS, compared to Sonar’s 20.8% mindshare. Additionally, 86% of Invicti users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 81% of Sonar users who would recommend it.
Acunetix
Read 33 Acunetix reviews
  • 5,943 Views
  • 2,853 Comparison Views
86% willing to recommend
SonarQube Server (formerly ...
Read 117 SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) reviews
  • 40,838 Views
  • 26,136 Comparison Views
81% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jun 15, 2025

Acunetix and SonarQube Server compete in the security testing and code quality analysis space. While both offer compelling features, Acunetix's strengths in vulnerability detection and usability provide an edge in security, whereas SonarQube excels in language support and integration within development pipelines.

Features: Acunetix includes Interactive Application Security Testing for granular vulnerability identification, comprehensive scanning capabilities with minimal false positives, and swift scheduling for efficient security testing. SonarQube Server offers extensive language support, seamless integration within development pipelines, and rich analytics tools providing deep insights into code quality.

Room for Improvement: Acunetix could improve its licensing model, enhance database integration with PCI standards, and provide clearer reporting. Users have noted occasional false positives and seek better functionality for manual validation. SonarQube Server would benefit from improved handling of false positives, more robust security scanning, and simpler integration with third-party security tools.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Both products support multiple deployment options, including On-premises, Private Cloud, and Hybrid Cloud. Acunetix offers broader cloud configuration support. Its customer service is noted for being responsive and available 24/7, while SonarQube’s support is primarily ticket-based with average response times.

Pricing and ROI: Acunetix, known for its advanced features, is considered expensive, which has raised questions about its cost-effectiveness. In contrast, SonarQube Server appeals to cost-conscious organizations with open-source options, including a free Community Edition, making it more accessible despite less comprehensive vulnerability reporting compared to Acunetix.

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To learn more, read our detailed Acunetix vs. SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) Report (Updated: September 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Acunetix vs. SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube)
September 2025
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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

ROI

Sentiment score
7.6
Acunetix enhances security, reduces reliance on testers, lowers costs, and improves application security, offering strong ROI in budget discussions.
Sentiment score
7.1
SonarQube Server boosts productivity, stability, and security through effective code analysis and vulnerability assessment, enhancing development processes.
It saves a significant amount of time by covering attack surfaces.
For more quotes and insights, download the Acunetix report
I have seen a return on the investment from SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) because the value it adds relates to static code analysis and vulnerability assessments needed for our FDA approval process.
We see productivity increasing based on the fact that the code review is mostly automated, allowing the developer to fix the code themselves before assigning it to someone else to review, thus receiving that ROI.
It's more about maintaining standards and being able to prevent issues before they occur.
For more quotes and insights, download the SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) report
AO
KH
Sthembiso Zondi - PeerSpot reviewerSathyamurthi Natarajan - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
6.3
Acunetix customer service is responsive but not 24/7, with mixed reviews on support speed and issue resolution.
Sentiment score
6.2
SonarQube Server's support is valued for community resources and documentation, though free version technical support is limited.
The technical support from Invicti is very good and fast.
The technical support from Acunetix is quite good
For more quotes and insights, download the Acunetix report
The community support is quite effective.
I would rate the technical support for SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) as a 10 because we have not faced any specific issues that required us to contact tech support, which is a very rare case.
They showed us where we can actually get those granular level reporting extracted for Excel, which was a quick guide.
For more quotes and insights, download the SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) report
AO
SW
DB
KH
Sthembiso Zondi - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
6.8
Acunetix offers scalable, flexible scanning for varying environments, with licensing and performance as key factors impacting scalability.
Sentiment score
7.0
SonarQube Server efficiently scales for various user volumes and project sizes, though infrastructure demands may rise in physical setups.
No quotes available
For more quotes and insights, download the Acunetix report
I find SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) very scalable because we're able to create a new repository and integrate all the tools on that project and it just works.
I would rate the scalability of SonarQube Server as a 10 because we can configure the server to scan multiple projects based on the number of lines.
For more quotes and insights, download the SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) report
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
8.1
Acunetix boasts remarkable stability with minimal maintenance, reliable performance, consistent results, and few bugs or disruptions reported.
Sentiment score
7.7
SonarQube Server is highly reliable, stable with minor issues often related to plugins or environments, and rarely crashes.
No quotes available
For more quotes and insights, download the Acunetix report
I think SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) is stable, and we did not face any problems unless there was a power outage or if the LAN cable was plugged out.
For more quotes and insights, download the SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) report
 

Room For Improvement

Acunetix users seek improvements in IAST, database, authentication, pricing, scan limits, mobile support, tool integration, and report customization.
SonarQube Server needs better issue detection, usability, language support, integration, customizable features, and AI-driven dynamic testing enhancements.
Acunetix should have better integration with newer tools such as GitHub and Azure DevOps.
The support program was helpful in addressing it.
For more quotes and insights, download the Acunetix report
We need to change it to more of a portfolio report, where configuring or setting up things on the portfolio requires tagging at the ADO level.
As soon as I see that they've got a new feature that integrates AI that is not as generative as other GenAI platforms that actually generate the code and help developers develop faster, I believe that capability is lacking.
If I fix some vulnerabilities today, they reappear in the next scan, and there will be completely different issues that need to be fixed.
For more quotes and insights, download the SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) report
KashifJamil - PeerSpot reviewer
AO
Sathyamurthi Natarajan - PeerSpot reviewerSthembiso Zondi - PeerSpot reviewer
KH
 

Setup Cost

Acunetix pricing is considered expensive, ranging $3,000-$500,000, influenced by domains and features, requiring careful evaluation.
SonarQube Server provides cost-effective solutions for code quality, with competitive pricing and enhanced features for various project sizes.
We secured a special licensing model for penetration testing companies, which is cost-effective.
The pricing of Acunetix is pretty expensive and could be improved.
For more quotes and insights, download the Acunetix report
I would rate the pricing for SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) as an 8, where 1 is very cheap and 10 is very expensive, because Coverity is very expensive, and while SonarQube is not cheap, it is still less expensive than Coverity.
They always offer around a two-year contract, but we always take a one-year contract because it's expensive.
The freemium version of SonarQube Server offers excellent value, especially compared to the high costs of Snyk.
For more quotes and insights, download the SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) report
AO
SW
KH
Sthembiso Zondi - PeerSpot reviewer
DB
 

Valuable Features

Acunetix provides efficient vulnerability scanning with integration capabilities, accurate reporting, and is user-friendly, scalable, and low-maintenance for teams.
SonarQube Server enhances code quality with language support, CI/CD integration, insightful dashboards, and an intuitive interface.
Its most valuable role is in enhancing security by identifying potential vulnerabilities efficiently.
The solution is excellent at detecting SQL injection and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.
I find it to be one of the most comprehensive tools, with support for manual intervention.
For more quotes and insights, download the Acunetix report
The most valuable features of SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) for us include having control of the rules, enabling and disabling them.
Some of the static code analysis capabilities are the most beneficial.
We use SonarQube Server's centralized management and visualization of code quality metrics on the dashboard because that's the executive dashboard that we send to the executives to show where we are in terms of quality, security, and where the company can improve.
For more quotes and insights, download the SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) report
SW
KashifJamil - PeerSpot reviewer
AO
KH
DB
Sthembiso Zondi - PeerSpot reviewer
 

Categories and Ranking

Acunetix
Ranking in Application Security Tools
16th
Ranking in Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
12th
Average Rating
7.8
Reviews Sentiment
7.0
Number of Reviews
33
Ranking in other categories
Vulnerability Management (21st), DevSecOps (6th)
SonarQube Server (formerly ...
Ranking in Application Security Tools
1st
Ranking in Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
1st
Average Rating
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
7.2
Number of Reviews
117
Ranking in other categories
Software Development Analytics (1st)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of September 2025, in the Application Security Tools category, the mindshare of Acunetix is 2.6%, up from 2.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) is 20.8%, down from 26.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Application Security Tools Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube)20.8%
Acunetix2.6%
Other76.6%
Application Security Tools
 

Featured Reviews

KashifJamil - PeerSpot reviewer
Has enabled teams to improve security testing with smooth integration and high accuracy
Acunetix has a very good ratio of fewer false positives, so users don't need to retest everything. Acunetix operates smoothly with no interruptions required, and it performs at 100% efficiency without issues in scanning anything. The solution is excellent at detecting SQL injection and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. Acunetix integrates with every type of tool, including CI/CD tools, offering 100% integration in DevOps environments. The main benefit of Acunetix is that at the first level, users can address security issues related to penetration testing, allowing them to expose vulnerabilities and ensure all required testing is completed with very few false positives.
Read full review
Sthembiso Zondi - PeerSpot reviewer
Consistent improvements in code quality and security with effective integration and reliable technical support
The features of SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) that I find most useful are the suggestions received from reviewing the code. When they review the code, they provide suggestions on how to fix it, and we find those very useful from a development perspective. We use SonarQube Server's (formerly SonarQube) centralized management and visualization of code quality metrics on the dashboard because that's the executive dashboard that we send to the executives to show where we are in terms of quality, security, and where the company can improve. We use that for organizational improvement purposes. The ability to tailor metrics tracking in SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) has been beneficial to my team. There are team-specific dashboards which are related to specific repositories they utilize, and we have that aggregative dashboard that shows the whole organization's performance. We can drill down per specific repository, which makes it easier for the team to improve specific things.
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
16%
Financial Services Firm
13%
Manufacturing Company
8%
Government
7%
Financial Services Firm
15%
Computer Software Company
14%
Manufacturing Company
14%
Government
6%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business15
Midsize Enterprise5
Large Enterprise14
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business32
Midsize Enterprise21
Large Enterprise75
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Acunetix Vulnerability Scanner?
The tool's most valuable feature is scan configurations. We use it for external physical applications. The scanning time depends on the application's code.
See all answers
What is your primary use case for Acunetix Vulnerability Scanner?
Most of the customers who use Acunetix are looking for security testing. The primary use case is performing penetration testing. The main use cases include vulnerability scanning, security testing,...
See all answers
What advice do you have for others considering Acunetix Vulnerability Scanner?
Acunetix supports multi-user environments effectively. Acunetix is targeted for small to mid-size teams in a DevSecOps environment, making it the best choice for small and mid-size companies, offer...
See all answers
Is SonarQube the best tool for static analysis?
I am not very familiar with SonarQube and their solutions, so I can not answer. But if you are asking me about which tools that are the best for for Static Code Analysis, I suggest you have a look...
See all answers
Which gives you more for your money - SonarQube or Veracode?
SonarQube is easy to deploy and configure, and also integrates well with other tools to do quality code analysis. SonarQube has a great community edition, which is open-source and free. Easy to use...
See all answers
How would you decide between Coverity and Sonarqube?
We researched Coverity, but in the end, we chose SonarQube. SonarQube is a tool for reviewing code quality and security. It helps to guide our development teams during code reviews by providing rem...
See all answers
 

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Compared 18% of the time
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Compared 10% of the time
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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Acunetix
September 2025
Acunetix reportDownload Acunetix product report
Buyer's Guide
SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube)
August 2025
SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) reportDownload SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube) product report
 

Also Known As

AcuSensor
Sonar
 

Overview

Acunetix Web Vulnerability Scanner is an automated web application security testing tool that audits your web applications by checking for vulnerabilities like SQL Injection, Cross site scripting, and other exploitable vulnerabilities.

Invicti

SonarQube Server enhances code quality and security via static code analysis. It detects vulnerabilities, improves standards, and reduces technical debt, integrating into CI/CD pipelines.

SonarQube Server is a comprehensive tool for enhancing code quality and security. It offers static code analysis to identify vulnerabilities, improve coding standards, and reduce technical debt. By integrating into CI/CD pipelines, it provides automated checks for adherence to best practices. Organizations use it for code inspection, security testing, and compliance, ensuring development environments with better maintainability and fewer issues.

What are the key features of SonarQube Server?
  • Support for 20+ languages: Extensive programming language support suitable for diverse coding environments.
  • Custom coding rules: Allows for tailored rule sets to match specific coding standards.
  • Flexible quality gates: Define criteria for code acceptance at various intervals.
  • CI/CD integration: Seamless integration with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment tools.
  • Rich interface: User-friendly dashboard with detailed visual insights.
What benefits should users expect from SonarQube Server?
  • Improved code quality: Enhanced analysis contributes to fewer bugs and improved coding practices.
  • Security enhancements: Identifies and mitigates security vulnerabilities pre-emptively.
  • Maintainability: Reduces technical debt, yielding long-term development efficiency.
  • Customizable: Flexibility in configuration aligns with specific project needs.

Many industries implement SonarQube Server to uphold coding standards, maintain security protocols, and streamline their software development lifecycle. In sectors like finance and healthcare, adhering to regulations and ensuring reliable software is critical, making SonarQube Server invaluable. It is often integrated into CI/CD pipelines, ensuring that code changes meet set standards before deployment. This approach enhances productivity and maintains compliance with industry-specific requirements.

Sonar
 

Sample Customers

Joomla!, Digicure, Team Random, Credit Suisse, Samsung, Air New Zealand
Information Not Available
Buyer's Guide
Acunetix vs. SonarQube Server (formerly SonarQube)
September 2025
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