HackerOne vs Qualys Web Application Scanning comparison

HackerOne and Qualys are both solutions in the Application Security Tools category. HackerOne is ranked #16 with an average rating of 8.5, while Qualys is ranked #15 with an average rating of 7.7. HackerOne holds a 0.5% mindshare in AS, compared to Qualys’s 1.8% mindshare. Additionally, 83% of HackerOne users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 88% of Qualys users who would recommend it.

HackerOne

Read 9 HackerOne reviews

4,307 Views
431 Comparison Views

83% willing to recommend

Qualys Web Application Scan...

Read 40 Qualys Web Application Scanning reviews

4,234 Views
2,710 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

HackerOne

Qualys Web Application Scan...

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 29, 2026

Qualys Web Application Scanning and HackerOne are prominent in web application security. Qualys stands out with attractive pricing and support, while HackerOne offers comprehensive features justifying higher pricing.

Features: Qualys Web Application Scanning includes automated scanning, detailed vulnerability assessments, and OWASP Top 10 detection. HackerOne features customizable bug bounty programs, a unified vulnerability submission platform, and collaboration tools for threat resolution.

Room for Improvement: Qualys may enhance integration flexibility, real-time monitoring, and user interface intuitiveness. HackerOne could improve their handling of invalid issue reports, streamline third-party tool integration, and expand educational resources for hackers.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Qualys provides straightforward deployment and robust enterprise customer support. HackerOne also offers user-friendly deployment with responsive support, particularly effective for complex security issues.

Pricing and ROI: Qualys is seen as cost-effective with flexible pricing and good ROI. HackerOne has higher initial costs but offers significant ROI through its extensive security features and proactive threat intelligence.

To learn more, read our detailed HackerOne vs. Qualys Web Application Scanning Report (Updated: March 2026).

Buyer's Guide

HackerOne vs. Qualys Web Application Scanning

March 2026

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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:

Categories and Ranking

HackerOne

Ranking in Application Security Tools

16th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Vulnerability Management (29th), Bug Bounty Platforms (1st), Penetration Testing Services (2nd), Attack Surface Management (ASM) (8th), AI Observability (10th)

Qualys Web Application Scan...

Ranking in Application Security Tools

15th

Average Rating

7.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Static Application Security Testing (SAST) (13th)

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2026, in the Application Security Tools category, the mindshare of HackerOne is 0.5%, up from 0.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Qualys Web Application Scanning is 1.8%, down from 1.9% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Application Security Tools Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Qualys Web Application Scanning	1.8%
HackerOne	0.5%
Other	97.7%

Application Security Tools

Featured Reviews

Ruphus Muita

Senior ICT Security Consultant at Applied Principles Limited

Has improved my motivation to submit bugs consistently through fast response and clear filtering

I think HackerOne can be improved by allowing new users to gain access to certain programs that are only open to known, renowned users. Sometimes new users don't receive invites just because they are new, despite potentially being very skilled hackers, so I feel new users should get more chances and opportunities. I am currently satisfied with the rewards, response time, and other aspects of the platform, so I don't have anything else to add about the necessary improvements. I give HackerOne a nine out of ten because if new hackers are given more opportunities, it could be a perfect 10 for me. However, the reason I gave a nine is that I don't have much to complain about; I specifically love the program and don't have many concerns.

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AnkitSharma13

Security Officer at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees

Web scanning needs improvement but offers good vulnerability detection

The downside of Qualys Web Application Scanning is that it cannot crawl automatically. If I provide an IP address and a login form, it does basic testing, but it doesn't go deep as IBM AppScan does. If Qualys Web Application Scanning could improve its crawling capability, it would be more user-friendly. Qualys Web Application Scanning does IP-level testing, requiring direct input of credentials, and can only scan a few pages to provide known generic vulnerabilities, which isn't as beneficial from my point of view. The Vulnerability Management also relies heavily on version numbers and will flag vulnerabilities based on the component version, but it doesn't check if a real fix exists, leading to flags on components that actually have workarounds available.

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"Apart from getting all the bug bounty opportunities, we also get the chance to practice in a safe environment, like a demo setup. These features are great for beginners who want to explore bug bounties in the future."

"HackerOne has been the right fit for our current situation from both a functionality and cost-effectiveness perspective."

"HackerOne is larger than WebCloud and has a better reputation than BugCloud, which results in a smoother process."

"The fast verification process impacts my motivation significantly because a quick response keeps me motivated, and if I'm going to try and hunt bugs today, I would appreciate a response within the day or at least within a few days."

"Using HackerOne has definitely improved the security of my web application, identifying security gaps I didn't realize as a web developer."

"If you have a very critical vulnerability, some good companies will acknowledge it and pay you accordingly based on severity."

"It helps me to get new sales, profits, and other benefits."

"HackerOne is larger than WebCloud and has a better reputation than BugCloud, which results in a smoother process."

More HackerOne pros

"The Qualys Web Application Scanning solution offers a single comprehensive console and consolidated reporting, covering all aspects from on-prem to cloud and compliance, etcetera."

"The product prevents possible vulnerabilities in our network."

"Qualys' process of updating signatures is something we really appreciate, and it's way ahead of its industry peers."

"Its most valuable features are patch management, vulnerability management, and PCI compliance."

"Qualys WAS' most valuable features are the navigation flow of the UI and the option for a different layer of security (identification and operation through email and mobile)."

"It works with many different products."

"The most valuable feature of Qualys Web Application Scanning is the effective scanning that can be done."

"Automated scanning has significantly improved our web application security management by reducing manual work."

More Qualys Web Application Scanning pros

Cons

"Everything has become slower on HackerOne."

"HackerOne provides a "HackBot" which helps identify other relevant reports, including duplicates, public reports from other companies, etc. However, the functionality is limited and it would be nice to integrate it with broader services offered like auto responses, triggers, etc."

"However, I reduced my rating by one mark because a proper internal triage team should be in place, not as a replacement for internal security controls."

"Everything has become slower on HackerOne. I have noticed that older researchers receive all the private invites while newer ones receive fewer."

"One limitation is that if a finding has been reported on HackerOne and was also reported earlier by another user or outsider, the platform is not able to collate that information together."

"One issue I've experienced is traffic. Many people try to participate when an opportunity with a bounty of around 1,000-15,000 dollars comes up. In this case, the first person to report the vulnerability gets the bounty. If a second person reports the same vulnerability, they are marked as duplicated instead of receiving some recognition. The second person also invested time finding the issue, so I think this can be improved."

"Sometimes new users don't receive invites just because they are new, despite potentially being very skilled hackers, so I feel new users should get more chances and opportunities."

"The ability to view the conversation between the triagers and the programs will be really good."

More HackerOne cons

"Qualys Web Application Scanning is very complex to use, and its graphical interface is not very user-friendly."

"The licensing and user permissions are a little wonky for a DevOps team to use, probably because it’s traditionally an InfoSec tool."

"The pricing of Qualys is quite expensive in comparison with the other products in this category that are offering pretty much the same thing."

"It is unclear how to build automation on Qualys. We do some automation, but not fully, because working is difficult."

"We procured around 110 licenses for Web Application Scanning, but we have issues running concurrent scans."

"There should be better visibility into the application."

"I have experience with adaptive scanning for single-page applications, which was not very effective."

"There could be better management and faster scanning."

More Qualys Web Application Scanning cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The tool is open-source and free for bug bounty hunters."

"The solution is free."

"From my perspective, it is a budget-friendly option."

"The product pricing is fair and reasonably priced."

"Licensing was based on the number of assets that you want to scan on your network. You can also do licensing on subscription. On subscription, it is easier and more flexible. You tell Qualys that you want to move from the 1000 to 2000 band or the 3000 or 5000 band, then they will give you the quotation for it. Once you pay for it, applying the licensing is quite easy and effective."

"It is best to be an institutional buyer and directly contact the sales team, as they can provide over-the-top discounts for bulk orders."

"We are on an annual license for the solution and the pricing could be more affordable."

"Pricing was reasonable and competitive. It was not too far above the other products."

"There are different options available with respect to licensing."

"The product has a very good licensing model."

More Qualys Web Application Scanning pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Comms Service Provider

12%

Computer Software Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Financial Services Firm

13%

Manufacturing Company

12%

Computer Software Company

Comms Service Provider

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	6
Midsize Enterprise	1
Large Enterprise	4

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	8
Midsize Enterprise	6
Large Enterprise	27

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for HackerOne?

I have not experienced any costs since I use HackerOne independently, just logging into the site, hunting bugs, and submitting them without any expenses.

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What needs improvement with HackerOne?

HackerOne has trust from companies such as Shopify, PayPal, and Uber, which provides a stronger brand perception and competitive market positioning. However, I reduced my rating by one mark because...

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What is your primary use case for HackerOne?

I use HackerOne for the bug bounty platform to find security issues. When we discover vulnerabilities, we receive awards for them. Before testing any new payment API for public release, we can have...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Qualys Web Application Scanning?

Regarding pricing, I think for personal use, it is costly, but if organizations are ready to pay, then it is fine as they are using it.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Qualys Web Application Scanning?

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Qualys Web Application Scanning?

I use Qualys Web Application Scanning, and we are using Vulnerability Management. By Vulnerability Management, I mean not TotalCloud; they have some on-premises solutions also. Patch Management and...

See all answers

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

HackerOne

March 2026

Download HackerOne product report

Buyer's Guide

Qualys Web Application Scanning

March 2026

Download Qualys Web Application Scanning product report

Also Known As

HackerOne Assets, HackerOne Pentesting Services, HackerOne Security Assessments, HackerOne Vulnerability Management

Qualys WAS

Overview

HackerOne leads in offensive security with a platform that expertly identifies and remedies security vulnerabilities using AI and a vast researcher community. Trusted by industry giants, it integrates bug bounties, vulnerability disclosure, and code security in software development.

The HackerOne Platform offers a comprehensive suite of services, combining advanced AI technology with the skills of a global security researcher community to address complex security challenges. It facilitates an understanding of vulnerabilities, promoting better remediation practices across software lifecycles. Notable clients include Anthropic, Crypto.com, General Motors, GitHub, Goldman Sachs, Uber, and U.S. Department of Defense. Recognized for innovation and workplace excellence, HackerOne continues to set standards in security solutions.

What key features does HackerOne offer?

Skilled Hacker Community: Access a large pool of expert security researchers.
Third-Party Integrations: Seamless compatibility with various tools like payment systems and project management applications.
Bug Bounty Programs: Incentivized vulnerability discovery across industries.
Direct Communication: Facilitates dialogue for better understanding of vulnerabilities.
Safe Practice Environments: Supports learning for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Why is HackerOne beneficial for your needs?

Speed of Delivery: Quickly identifies and resolves security issues.
Responsive Support: Reliable assistance enhances user experience.
Transparency in Communication: Clear reporting processes aid in issue resolution.
Income Opportunities: Bug bounties offer financial incentives.

HackerOne finds significant applications in various sectors with its focus on vulnerability assessment, testing, and responsible disclosure. Organizations utilize it for ethical hacking and efficient vulnerability coordination, making it essential in cybersecurity strategies. The platform's reliability is evident in its ability to identify and document security threats effectively.

HackerOne

Qualys Web Application Scanning (WAS) is a fully cloud-based web application security scanner. The scanner will automatically crawl periodically and test web applications to discover potential vulnerabilities, including cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection. The consistent testing equips the automated service to generate consistent results, lessen false positives, and offer the ability to scale to protect thousands of websites effortlessly.

Qualys Web Application Scanning is bundled with different scanning technology to carefully scan websites for malware infections and will send notifications to website owners to assist in preventing blacklisting and brand reputation damage. As digital transformation takes place in various organizations, Qualys WAS gives organizations the ability to track and document their web app security status through its interactive reporting capabilities.

Qualys WAS empowers organizations to remediate any web application vulnerabilities quickly. Some of the key tools offered are:

Deep Scanning: All apps and APIs on your internal network and public cloud are covered by Qualys WAS deep scanning to show you any visible vulnerabilities.
DevSec Ops Tool: Detect security issues in your code while still in app development stages and generate comprehensive reports.
Comprehensive Discovery: Discover and catalog new and unknown web apps in your network.
Malware Detection: Scan a website, identify vulnerabilities, and receive alerts to any infections.

Benefits of Qualys Web Application Scanning

Qualys Web Application Scanning offers many benefits, including:

Quick Deployment: Requires no infrastructure or software to upkeep.
Effortless Scalability: Effortlessly launch a deep scan and protect thousands of websites.
Centralized Management: Manage and mend all web app vulnerabilities through a single interface.
Excellent Integration Capabilities: Integrates with Qualys Web App Firewall (WAF) for a single-click virtual patching of found vulnerabilities.
Respond to Threats Immediately: Qualys Continuous Monitoring offers the user a hands-free service by automatically launching scanning and sending notifications of a potential threat.
Cost-effective Solution: Data is analyzed in real time as Qualys WAS is an end-to-end solution; this helps avoid costs associated with managing multiple security vendors.

Reviews from Real Users

Qualys Web Application Scanning stands out among its competitors for a variety of reasons. Two of those reasons are its progressive scan and quick detection of vulnerabilities.

P.K., a senior software developer at a tech vendor, writes, "The feature that I have found most valuable is the progressive scan. It is good. It's done in 24 hours."

Nagaraj S., lead cybersecurity engineer at a tech service company, notes, "I have found the detection of vulnerabilities tool thorough with good results and the graphical display output to be wonderful and full of colors. It allows many types of outputs, such as bar and chart previews."

Qualys

Sample Customers

Anthropic, Crypto.com, General Motors, GitHub, Goldman Sachs, Uber, and the U.S. Department of Defense

BskyB, Cartagena, ClearPoint Learning Systems, Connect Group, du, Fortrex Technologies, HBOR, HDI, Highlights for Children, The Lithuanian State Enterprise Centre of Registers, City of Miami Beach, Microsoft, MidlandHR, MSCI Inc., Northern Arizona University, Ofgem, Olympus Europa, PhoneFactor, RTL Nederland, ThousandEyes, VGZ Organisatie B.V.

Buyer's Guide

HackerOne vs. Qualys Web Application Scanning

March 2026

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