# Acunetix Web Application & API Security vs Qualys TotalAppSec: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Acunetix Web Application & API Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/acunetix-web-application-and-api-security) is a commercial [dynamic application security testing](https://cybersectools.com/categories/dast) solution by [Acunetix](https://cybersectools.com/companies/acunetix). [Qualys TotalAppSec](https://cybersectools.com/tools/qualys-totalappsec) is a commercial [dynamic application security testing](https://cybersectools.com/categories/dast) solution by [Qualys](https://cybersectools.com/companies/qualys). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Our take

What our shortlists say about each one.

### [Acunetix Web Application & API Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/acunetix-web-application-and-api-security)

Best for: Teams scanning diverse app types including SPAs, APIs, and legacy HTML

Acunetix fits the widest range of organization sizes on this list, from SMB to enterprise. That breadth comes with a trade-off: the platform is not as deeply integrated into the broader Checkmarx or Qualys ecosystems as some competitors. If you want a standalone DAST scanner that covers a lot of ground without requiring a platform commitment, Acunetix is a strong choice.

From [Best DAST Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-dast-solutions), Fall 2026.

### [Qualys TotalAppSec](https://cybersectools.com/tools/qualys-totalappsec)

Best for: Enterprises consolidating DAST with Qualys VM and cloud asset inventory

The limitation is that TotalAppSec delivers the most value when you are already in the Qualys ecosystem, specifically running Qualys CSAM or VMDR. The integrations with those products are native and tight. As a standalone DAST solution evaluated in isolation, the complexity of the platform may outweigh the benefits for teams without existing Qualys investment. This is an enterprise play, and it is priced and scoped accordingly.

From [Best DAST Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-dast-solutions), Fall 2026.

Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about).

Need the answer fast? [Best DAST Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-dast-solutions) picks PortSwigger Burp Suite DAST, Invicti DAST, Rapid7 InsightAppSec and 4 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Acunetix Web Application & API Security | Qualys TotalAppSec |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | Dynamic Application Security Testing | Dynamic Application Security Testing |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Acunetix | Qualys |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Acunetix Web Application & API Security | Qualys TotalAppSec |
|---|---|---|
| DAST | Yes | Yes |
| Web Security | Yes | Yes |
| SQL Injection | Yes | – |
| XSS | Yes | – |
| CI/CD | Yes | – |
| OWASP | – | Yes |
| PII | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Acunetix Web Application & API Security**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Qualys TotalAppSec**

10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

### Integrations

**Acunetix Web Application & API Security**

4 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Qualys TotalAppSec**

20 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

## Acunetix Web Application & API Security vs Qualys TotalAppSec FAQ

Common questions when comparing Acunetix Web Application & API Security vs Qualys TotalAppSec for dynamic application security testing.

### What is the difference between Acunetix Web Application & API Security and Qualys TotalAppSec?

**Acunetix Web Application & API Security**: DAST scanner for web apps & APIs with automated vuln detection & remediation, built by Acunetix.

**Qualys TotalAppSec**: Cloud-based DAST solution for web app & API security with AI-powered scanning, built by Qualys.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes Acunetix Web Application & API Security and Qualys TotalAppSec?

**Acunetix Web Application & API Security** is made by Acunetix. **Qualys TotalAppSec** is made by Qualys. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Acunetix Web Application & API Security a good alternative to Qualys TotalAppSec?

Often, yes. Acunetix Web Application & API Security and Qualys TotalAppSec are both Dynamic Application Security Testing products, and both cover DAST, Web Security. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Acunetix Web Application & API Security vs VulnSign Dynamic Application Security Testing](https://cybersectools.com/compare/acunetix-web-application-and-api-security-vs-vulnsign-dynamic-application-security-testing)
- [Acunetix Web Application & API Security vs Halo Security Application Scanning](https://cybersectools.com/compare/acunetix-web-application-and-api-security-vs-halo-security-application-scanning)
- [Acunetix Web Application & API Security vs Tenable One Web App Scanning](https://cybersectools.com/compare/acunetix-web-application-and-api-security-vs-tenable-web-app-scanning)
- [Qualys TotalAppSec vs VulnSign Dynamic Application Security Testing](https://cybersectools.com/compare/qualys-totalappsec-vs-vulnsign-dynamic-application-security-testing)
- [Qualys TotalAppSec vs Halo Security Application Scanning](https://cybersectools.com/compare/halo-security-application-scanning-vs-qualys-totalappsec)
- [Qualys TotalAppSec vs Tenable One Web App Scanning](https://cybersectools.com/compare/qualys-totalappsec-vs-tenable-web-app-scanning)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Acunetix Web Application & API Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/acunetix-web-application-and-api-security)
- [See all Qualys TotalAppSec alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/qualys-totalappsec)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/acunetix-web-application-and-api-security-vs-qualys-totalappsec

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/acunetix-web-application-and-api-security.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on Acunetix Web Application & API Security and Qualys TotalAppSec: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md
