# Qualys TotalAppSec vs ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Qualys TotalAppSec](https://cybersectools.com/tools/qualys-totalappsec) is a commercial [dynamic application security testing](https://cybersectools.com/categories/dast) solution by [Qualys](https://cybersectools.com/companies/qualys). [ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zap-the-zed-attack-proxy) is a free [dynamic application security testing](https://cybersectools.com/categories/dast) solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Our take

What our shortlists say about the one we picked.

### [Qualys TotalAppSec](https://cybersectools.com/tools/qualys-totalappsec)

Best for: Teams already running Qualys for vulnerability management

It earns its place because it finds the web apps and APIs you may have lost track of before it tests them, which matters in large, spread-out estates. It fits best if you already run Qualys VMDR or CSAM, so web findings share one risk score with the rest. Because it can pull in results from other scanners, decide whether you want it as your single view of web app risk or as one source among several.

From [Best DAST Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-dast-solutions), Fall 2026.

Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about).

Need the answer fast? [Best DAST Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-dast-solutions) picks PortSwigger Burp Suite DAST, Invicti DAST, Rapid7 InsightAppSec and 4 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Qualys TotalAppSec | ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Dynamic Application Security Testing | Dynamic Application Security Testing |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | On-Premises |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | – | 14,060 |
| Last commit | – | Sep 2025 |
| Company | Qualys | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Qualys TotalAppSec | ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy |
|---|---|---|
| DAST | Yes | – |
| OWASP | Yes | – |
| PII | Yes | – |
| Web Security | Yes | Yes |
| Proxy | – | Yes |
| Open Source | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Qualys TotalAppSec**

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

**ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy**

No features listed.

### Integrations

**Qualys TotalAppSec**

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

**ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy**

No integrations listed.

## Which one fits you

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

- [Qualys TotalAppSec](https://cybersectools.com/tools/qualys-totalappsec) fits if you want a cloud product.
- [ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy](https://cybersectools.com/tools/zap-the-zed-attack-proxy) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you are a startup, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.

## Qualys TotalAppSec vs ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy FAQ

Common questions when comparing Qualys TotalAppSec vs ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy for dynamic application security testing.

### What is the difference between Qualys TotalAppSec and ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy?

**Qualys TotalAppSec**: Cloud-based DAST solution for web app & API security with AI-powered scanning. Built by Qualys.

**ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy**: ZAP is an open-source web application security scanner that helps identify vulnerabilities through automated scanning and manual testing capabilities.

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

### Who makes Qualys TotalAppSec and ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy?

**Qualys TotalAppSec** is made by Qualys. **ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy** is open-source with 14,060 GitHub stars. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Qualys TotalAppSec a good alternative to ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy?

Often, yes. Qualys TotalAppSec and ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy are both Dynamic Application Security Testing products, and both cover Web Security. Key differences: Qualys TotalAppSec is Commercial while ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy is Free, ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Qualys TotalAppSec vs Greenbone Web App Scanning](https://cybersectools.com/compare/greenbone-web-app-scanning-vs-qualys-totalappsec)
- [Qualys TotalAppSec vs Halo Security Application Scanning](https://cybersectools.com/compare/halo-security-application-scanning-vs-qualys-totalappsec)
- [Qualys TotalAppSec vs Probely (Snyk API & Web)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/probely-snyk-api-and-web-vs-qualys-totalappsec)
- [ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy vs Greenbone Web App Scanning](https://cybersectools.com/compare/greenbone-web-app-scanning-vs-zap-the-zed-attack-proxy)
- [ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy vs Halo Security Application Scanning](https://cybersectools.com/compare/halo-security-application-scanning-vs-zap-the-zed-attack-proxy)
- [ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy vs Probely (Snyk API & Web)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/probely-snyk-api-and-web-vs-zap-the-zed-attack-proxy)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Qualys TotalAppSec alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/qualys-totalappsec)
- [See all ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/zap-the-zed-attack-proxy)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/qualys-totalappsec-vs-zap-the-zed-attack-proxy

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More on Qualys TotalAppSec and ZAP The Zed Attack Proxy: 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
