# OpenRASP vs Source Defense How it works: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[OpenRASP](https://cybersectools.com/tools/openrasp) is a free [runtime application self-protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/rasp) solution. [Source Defense How it works](https://cybersectools.com/tools/source-defense-how-it-works) is a commercial [runtime application self-protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/rasp) solution by [Source Defense](https://cybersectools.com/companies/source-defense). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | OpenRASP | Source Defense How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free | Commercial |
| Category | Runtime Application Self-Protection | Runtime Application Self-Protection |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | On-Premises | Cloud |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | 2,956 | – |
| Last commit | Oct 2025 | – |
| Company | – | Source Defense |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | OpenRASP | Source Defense How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Linux | Yes | – |
| Instrumentation | Yes | – |
| Web Security | – | Yes |
| Sandbox | – | Yes |
| Browser Security | – | Yes |

### Core features

**OpenRASP**

No features listed.

**Source Defense How it works**

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

## Which one fits you

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

- [OpenRASP](https://cybersectools.com/tools/openrasp) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.
- [Source Defense How it works](https://cybersectools.com/tools/source-defense-how-it-works) fits if you want a cloud product.

## OpenRASP vs Source Defense How it works FAQ

Common questions when comparing OpenRASP vs Source Defense How it works for runtime application self-protection.

### What is the difference between OpenRASP and Source Defense How it works?

**OpenRASP**: OpenRASP is a runtime application self-protection solution that integrates into application servers to monitor and block threats in real-time using context-aware instrumentation.

**Source Defense How it works**: Client-side security for websites against 3rd party vendor attacks. Built by Source Defense.

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

### Who makes OpenRASP and Source Defense How it works?

**OpenRASP** is open-source with 2,956 GitHub stars. **Source Defense How it works** is made by Source Defense. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is OpenRASP a good alternative to Source Defense How it works?

Often, yes. OpenRASP and Source Defense How it works are both Runtime Application Self-Protection products. Key differences: OpenRASP is Free while Source Defense How it works is Commercial, OpenRASP is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [OpenRASP vs c/side](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cside-vs-openrasp)
- [OpenRASP vs Source Defense Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/openrasp-vs-source-defense-platform)
- [OpenRASP vs Approov Runtime Application Self Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/approov-protect-connected-car-apps-vs-openrasp)
- [Source Defense How it works vs c/side](https://cybersectools.com/compare/source-defense-how-it-works-vs-cside)
- [Source Defense How it works vs Source Defense Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/source-defense-how-it-works-vs-source-defense-platform)
- [Source Defense How it works vs Approov Runtime Application Self Protection](https://cybersectools.com/compare/approov-protect-connected-car-apps-vs-source-defense-how-it-works)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all OpenRASP alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/openrasp)
- [See all Source Defense How it works alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/source-defense-how-it-works)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/openrasp-vs-source-defense-how-it-works

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

More on OpenRASP and Source Defense How it works: 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