# Akamai API Security vs Qualys TotalAppSec: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Akamai API Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/akamai-api-security) is a commercial [API security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/api-security) solution by [Akamai](https://cybersectools.com/companies/akamai). [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.

### [Akamai API Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/akamai-api-security)

Best for: Teams needing a full API inventory with risk scores

It earns its place because it reaches the APIs you may not know you run, including the ones wired to AI services, and then hands blocks and fixes to your WAF, SIEM and ITSM. It fits best if your traffic already passes through Akamai's CDN, since it connects there natively. If you are not on Akamai, ask how it will see your traffic before you plan the rollout.

From [Best API Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-api-security-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 API Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-api-security-solutions) picks Akamai API Security, Salt Security Salt Collect, Cloudflare API Shield and 4 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

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

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Akamai API Security | Qualys TotalAppSec |
|---|---|---|
| OWASP | Yes | Yes |
| DAST | – | Yes |
| PII | – | Yes |
| Web Security | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Akamai 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

**Akamai API Security**

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

**Qualys TotalAppSec**

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

## Akamai API Security vs Qualys TotalAppSec FAQ

Common questions when comparing Akamai API Security vs Qualys TotalAppSec for API security.

### What is the difference between Akamai API Security and Qualys TotalAppSec?

**Akamai API Security**: API security platform for discovery, testing, and protection of APIs, built by Akamai.

**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 Akamai API Security and Qualys TotalAppSec?

**Akamai API Security** is made by Akamai. **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 Akamai API Security a good alternative to Qualys TotalAppSec?

In part. Akamai API Security and Qualys TotalAppSec are not in the same category on CybersecTools. Both cover OWASP. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Akamai API Security vs Indusface AppTrana - API Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/akamai-api-security-vs-indusface-apptrana-api-protection)
- [Akamai API Security vs Invicti API Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/akamai-api-security-vs-invicti-api-security)
- [Akamai API Security vs Pynt API Security Testing](https://cybersectools.com/compare/akamai-api-security-vs-pynt-api-security-testing)
- [Qualys TotalAppSec vs Indusface AppTrana - API Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/indusface-apptrana-api-protection-vs-qualys-totalappsec)
- [Qualys TotalAppSec vs Invicti API Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/invicti-api-security-vs-qualys-totalappsec)
- [Qualys TotalAppSec vs Pynt API Security Testing](https://cybersectools.com/compare/pynt-api-security-testing-vs-qualys-totalappsec)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Akamai API Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/akamai-api-security)
- [See all Qualys TotalAppSec alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/qualys-totalappsec)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/akamai-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/akamai-api-security.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on Akamai 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
