# Aqua Security Cloud VM Security vs Nessus Professional: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Aqua Security Cloud VM Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-security-cloud-vm-security) is a commercial [workload protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/workload-protection) solution by [Aqua Security Software Ltd](https://cybersectools.com/companies/aqua-security-software-ltd). [Nessus Professional](https://cybersectools.com/tools/nessus-professional) is a commercial [vulnerability assessment](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vulnerability-assessment) solution by [Tenable](https://cybersectools.com/companies/tenable). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Aqua Security Cloud VM Security | Nessus Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial |
| Category | Workload Protection | Vulnerability Assessment |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | On-Premises |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Aqua Security Software Ltd. | Tenable |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Aqua Security Cloud VM Security | Nessus Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration Management | Yes | – |
| Runtime Security | Yes | – |
| VM | Yes | – |
| Workload Security | Yes | – |
| Vulnerability | – | Yes |
| Security Scanning | – | Yes |
| CVE | – | Yes |
| Penetration Testing Framework | – | Yes |
| NIST | – | Yes |
| PCI DSS | – | Yes |
| CIS | – | Yes |
| Network Scanning | – | Yes |
| VAPT | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Aqua Security Cloud VM Security**

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

**Nessus Professional**

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

### Integrations

**Aqua Security Cloud VM Security**

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

**Nessus Professional**

No integrations listed.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [Aqua Security Cloud VM Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-security-cloud-vm-security) fits if you want a cloud product.
- [Nessus Professional](https://cybersectools.com/tools/nessus-professional) fits if you need to run it on your own servers and you are a startup.

## Aqua Security Cloud VM Security vs Nessus Professional FAQ

Common questions when comparing Aqua Security Cloud VM Security vs Nessus Professional for workload protection.

### What is the difference between Aqua Security Cloud VM Security and Nessus Professional?

**Aqua Security Cloud VM Security**: VM security for cloud environments with compliance, runtime protection & monitoring. Built by Aqua Security Software Ltd.

**Nessus Professional**: Vulnerability scanner for assessing networks, systems, and apps for security flaws. Built by Tenable.

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

### Who makes Aqua Security Cloud VM Security and Nessus Professional?

**Aqua Security Cloud VM Security** is made by Aqua Security Software Ltd. **Nessus Professional** is made by Tenable. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Aqua Security Cloud VM Security a good alternative to Nessus Professional?

In part. Aqua Security Cloud VM Security and Nessus Professional are not in the same category on CybersecTools. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Aqua Security Cloud VM Security vs AI EdgeLabs Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ai-edgelabs-platform-vs-aqua-security-cloud-vm-security)
- [Aqua Security Cloud VM Security vs Datadog Workload Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-security-cloud-vm-security-vs-datadog-workload-protection)
- [Aqua Security Cloud VM Security vs Senteon Zero Trust Configurations](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-security-cloud-vm-security-vs-senteon-zero-trust-configurations)
- [Nessus Professional vs AI EdgeLabs Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ai-edgelabs-platform-vs-nessus-professional)
- [Nessus Professional vs Datadog Workload Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/datadog-workload-protection-vs-nessus-professional)
- [Nessus Professional vs Senteon Zero Trust Configurations](https://cybersectools.com/compare/nessus-professional-vs-senteon-zero-trust-configurations)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Aqua Security Cloud VM Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aqua-security-cloud-vm-security)
- [See all Nessus Professional alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/nessus-professional)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-security-cloud-vm-security-vs-nessus-professional

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

More on Aqua Security Cloud VM Security and Nessus Professional: 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
