# Driftnet Explore vs Puredns: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Driftnet Explore](https://cybersectools.com/tools/driftnet-explore) is a commercial [external attack surface management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/external-asm) solution by [Driftnet](https://cybersectools.com/companies/driftnet). [Puredns](https://cybersectools.com/tools/puredns) is a free [external attack surface management](https://cybersectools.com/categories/external-asm) solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

Need the answer fast? [Best Attack Surface Management Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-attack-surface-solutions) picks Palo Alto Networks Cortex Xpanse, Microsoft Defender EASM, Mandiant Attack Surface Management and 4 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Driftnet Explore | Puredns |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | External Attack Surface Management | External Attack Surface Management |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | On-Premises |
| Company size fit | Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | – | 1,982 |
| Last commit | – | Nov 2024 |
| Company | Driftnet | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Driftnet Explore | Puredns |
|---|---|---|
| Network Scanning | Yes | – |
| Reconnaissance | Yes | – |
| OSINT | Yes | – |
| IoT Security | Yes | – |
| C2 | Yes | – |
| SCADA | Yes | – |
| TLS | Yes | – |
| Network Discovery | Yes | – |
| Vulnerability | Yes | – |
| IP Address | Yes | – |
| Security Research | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Driftnet Explore**

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

**Puredns**

No features listed.

### Integrations

**Driftnet Explore**

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

**Puredns**

No integrations listed.

## Which one fits you

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

- [Driftnet Explore](https://cybersectools.com/tools/driftnet-explore) fits if you want a cloud product.
- [Puredns](https://cybersectools.com/tools/puredns) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you are a startup or a small business, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.

## Driftnet Explore vs Puredns FAQ

Common questions when comparing Driftnet Explore vs Puredns for external attack surface management.

### What is the difference between Driftnet Explore and Puredns?

**Driftnet Explore**: Internet-wide scanning platform for discovering exposed devices, services. Built by Driftnet.

**Puredns**: A fast domain resolver and subdomain bruteforcing tool.

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

### Who makes Driftnet Explore and Puredns?

**Driftnet Explore** is made by Driftnet. **Puredns** is open-source with 1,982 GitHub stars. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Driftnet Explore a good alternative to Puredns?

Often, yes. Driftnet Explore and Puredns are both External Attack Surface Management products. Key differences: Driftnet Explore is Commercial while Puredns is Free, Puredns is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Driftnet Explore vs MGM Security Partners recon me](https://cybersectools.com/compare/driftnet-explore-vs-mgm-security-partners-recon-me)
- [Driftnet Explore vs Attaxion](https://cybersectools.com/compare/attaxion-vs-driftnet-explore)
- [Driftnet Explore vs DarkInvader EASM Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/darkinvader-easm-platform-vs-driftnet-explore)
- [Puredns vs MGM Security Partners recon me](https://cybersectools.com/compare/mgm-security-partners-recon-me-vs-puredns)
- [Puredns vs Attaxion](https://cybersectools.com/compare/attaxion-vs-puredns)
- [Puredns vs DarkInvader EASM Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/darkinvader-easm-platform-vs-puredns)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Driftnet Explore alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/driftnet-explore)
- [See all Puredns alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/puredns)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/driftnet-explore-vs-puredns

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

More on Driftnet Explore and Puredns: 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