# Astra Pentest Platform vs Cognito Scanner: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Astra Pentest Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/astra-pentest-platform) is a commercial [penetration testing](https://cybersectools.com/categories/pentesting-tools) solution by [Astra Security](https://cybersectools.com/companies/astra-security). [Cognito Scanner](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cognito-scanner) is a free [penetration testing](https://cybersectools.com/categories/pentesting-tools) solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Astra Pentest Platform | Cognito Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Penetration Testing | Penetration Testing |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | On-Premises |
| Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | – | 109 |
| Last commit | – | Dec 2023 |
| Company | Astra Security | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Astra Pentest Platform | Cognito Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| VAPT | Yes | – |
| DAST | Yes | – |
| Security Scanning | Yes | – |
| Enumeration | – | Yes |
| AWS | – | Yes |
| Privilege Escalation | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Astra Pentest Platform**

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

**Cognito Scanner**

No features listed.

### Integrations

**Astra Pentest Platform**

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

**Cognito Scanner**

No integrations listed.

## Which one fits you

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

- [Astra Pentest Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/astra-pentest-platform) fits if you want a cloud product and you are a startup or a small business.
- [Cognito Scanner](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cognito-scanner) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.

## Astra Pentest Platform vs Cognito Scanner FAQ

Common questions when comparing Astra Pentest Platform vs Cognito Scanner for penetration testing.

### What is the difference between Astra Pentest Platform and Cognito Scanner?

**Astra Pentest Platform**: Pentest platform combining automated scanning & manual VAPT with reporting. Built by Astra Security.

**Cognito Scanner**: A Python script that performs security testing attacks against AWS Cognito services including account creation, user enumeration, and privilege escalation vulnerabilities.

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

### Who makes Astra Pentest Platform and Cognito Scanner?

**Astra Pentest Platform** is made by Astra Security. **Cognito Scanner** is open-source with 109 GitHub stars. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Astra Pentest Platform a good alternative to Cognito Scanner?

Often, yes. Astra Pentest Platform and Cognito Scanner are both Penetration Testing products. Key differences: Astra Pentest Platform is Commercial while Cognito Scanner is Free, Cognito Scanner is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Astra Pentest Platform vs GlitchSecure](https://cybersectools.com/compare/astra-pentest-platform-vs-glitchsecure)
- [Astra Pentest Platform vs AWS Security Agent](https://cybersectools.com/compare/astra-pentest-platform-vs-aws-security-agent)
- [Astra Pentest Platform vs RunSybil](https://cybersectools.com/compare/astra-pentest-platform-vs-runsybil)
- [Cognito Scanner vs GlitchSecure](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cognito-scanner-vs-glitchsecure)
- [Cognito Scanner vs AWS Security Agent](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aws-security-agent-vs-cognito-scanner)
- [Cognito Scanner vs RunSybil](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cognito-scanner-vs-runsybil)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Astra Pentest Platform alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/astra-pentest-platform)
- [See all Cognito Scanner alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/cognito-scanner)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/astra-pentest-platform-vs-cognito-scanner

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

More on Astra Pentest Platform and Cognito Scanner: 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