# Aqua Trivy vs ProjectDiscovery Nuclei: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Aqua Trivy](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-trivy) is a free [vulnerability assessment](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vulnerability-assessment) solution by [Aqua Security Software Ltd](https://cybersectools.com/companies/aqua-security-software-ltd). [ProjectDiscovery Nuclei](https://cybersectools.com/tools/projectdiscovery-nuclei) is a commercial [vulnerability assessment](https://cybersectools.com/categories/vulnerability-assessment) solution by [ProjectDiscovery](https://cybersectools.com/companies/projectdiscovery). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Aqua Trivy | ProjectDiscovery Nuclei |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free | Commercial |
| Category | Vulnerability Assessment | Vulnerability Assessment |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | On-Premises | Hybrid |
| Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Aqua Security Software Ltd. | ProjectDiscovery |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Aqua Trivy | ProjectDiscovery Nuclei |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Native | Yes | – |
| Open Source | Yes | Yes |
| SBOM | Yes | – |
| Kubernetes | Yes | – |
| Security Scanning | – | Yes |
| CVE | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Aqua Trivy**

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

**ProjectDiscovery Nuclei**

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

### Integrations

**Aqua Trivy**

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

**ProjectDiscovery Nuclei**

No integrations listed.

## Which one fits you

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

- [Aqua Trivy](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-trivy) fits if you need to run it on your own servers and you need a free product.
- [ProjectDiscovery Nuclei](https://cybersectools.com/tools/projectdiscovery-nuclei) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options.

## Aqua Trivy vs ProjectDiscovery Nuclei FAQ

Common questions when comparing Aqua Trivy vs ProjectDiscovery Nuclei for vulnerability assessment.

### What is the difference between Aqua Trivy and ProjectDiscovery Nuclei?

**Aqua Trivy**: Open source vulnerability & IaC scanner for containers & cloud native apps. Built by Aqua Security Software Ltd.

**ProjectDiscovery Nuclei**: Vulnerability scanner using templates to scan apps, cloud, and networks. Built by ProjectDiscovery.

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

### Who makes Aqua Trivy and ProjectDiscovery Nuclei?

**Aqua Trivy** is made by Aqua Security Software Ltd. **ProjectDiscovery Nuclei** is made by ProjectDiscovery. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Aqua Trivy a good alternative to ProjectDiscovery Nuclei?

Often, yes. Aqua Trivy and ProjectDiscovery Nuclei are both Vulnerability Assessment products, and both cover Open Source. Key differences: Aqua Trivy is Free while ProjectDiscovery Nuclei is Commercial. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Aqua Trivy vs Zentara AVAS](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-trivy-vs-zentara-avas)
- [Aqua Trivy vs ThreatDown Patch Management](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-trivy-vs-threatdown-patch-management)
- [Aqua Trivy vs Nessus Professional](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-trivy-vs-nessus-professional)
- [ProjectDiscovery Nuclei vs Zentara AVAS](https://cybersectools.com/compare/projectdiscovery-nuclei-vs-zentara-avas)
- [ProjectDiscovery Nuclei vs ThreatDown Patch Management](https://cybersectools.com/compare/projectdiscovery-nuclei-vs-threatdown-patch-management)
- [ProjectDiscovery Nuclei vs Nessus Professional](https://cybersectools.com/compare/nessus-professional-vs-projectdiscovery-nuclei)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Aqua Trivy alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aqua-trivy)
- [See all ProjectDiscovery Nuclei alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/projectdiscovery-nuclei)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-trivy-vs-projectdiscovery-nuclei

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More on Aqua Trivy and ProjectDiscovery Nuclei: 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