We performed a comparison between Rapid7 InsightVM and Tenable Nessus based on our users’ reviews in four categories. After reading all of the collected data, you can find our conclusion below.
Comparison Results: Both solutions were considered by our users as easy to deploy but on the expensive side. Rapid7 users were happier with the service and support, but PeerSpot users ranked Tenable Nessus as number one overall at the time this comparison was written.
"The most valuable feature for us is the different types of reporting it provides."
"The solution scales well."
"The assessment is most valuable."
"I like Rapid7's scan optimization options."
"The solution is automatically scheduled so it runs by itself."
"The main functionality of identifying item endpoints that weren't properly patched or had vulnerabilities is the solution's most valuable feature."
"When it comes to the process, installation is very easy and does not take long."
"It's a relevant management tool."
"My favorite part about Nessus is that you can customize the tool to scan exactly what you want. Microsoft releases new patches monthly on Patch Tuesday, and a lot of companies track that date. I set up Nessus for the day after Patch Tuesday to see which devices have already pushed those updates from Microsoft, so we can stay updated."
"The most valuable feature is the breadth of vulnerabilities that it finds. It's able to find across a lot of different platforms and operating systems. It's also able to combine local testing with network-based testing."
"The results are not that bad, but the key selling point is that it is an affordable tool set."
"The plug-in text information is quite useful."
"It's scalable."
"I like this solution because it is complete. It can scan and check many types of vulnerabilities. It can also check for compliance."
"The ease of use is the primary valuable feature. This specific version is very straightforward. I like the ability to modify it and configure it based on the different policies."
"Once you get past the initial implementation, the solution is very stable."
"It would be nice to have an additional feature that would provide reports on who has logged onto the console or who did what on the console."
"Rapid7 InsightVM, has impressive capabilities, especially when it comes to managing video equipment. However, we've noticed that Rapid7 also offers a cloud solution called CloudSec, and we don't have that. We think it would be better if InsightVM had all the features for both on-premise and cloud management."
"InsightVM could be improved by providing passive scanning as an option."
"Rapid7 InsightVM could be easier to use for those who are using it for the first time."
"There needs to be much clearer instructions surrounding scanning."
"There are end-user needs and expectations that are being overlooked in the development that could be addressed by appointing a customer advisory board."
"The on-premise updates could improve from Rapid7 InsightVM."
"A definite improvement would be to make it easier to run ad-hoc scans without needing to assign the asset to a site or group."
"Tenable Nessus could improve the price."
"It would be nice for the professional module to include some of the reports available in the expert module."
"The solution could improve security updates."
"Online learning could be a bit better."
"Remediation needs improvement."
"The solution could improve by having better integration with different vendors' IPS solutions. The ACLs and IPS policies signatures should be enabled based on the results of Tenable Nessus automatically, we currently have to do it manually which is very time-consuming. It has done a good job integrating with Fortinet but we would like it to be better integrated with other solutions that we have."
"The reports should be improved in Tenable Nessus. For example, when you are auditing compliance with CIS standards. It provides very poor reports."
"Vulnerability recommendations are outdated and not in line with industry standards."
Rapid7 InsightVM is ranked 4th in Risk-Based Vulnerability Management with 55 reviews while Tenable Nessus is ranked 3rd in Vulnerability Management with 75 reviews. Rapid7 InsightVM is rated 8.0, while Tenable Nessus is rated 8.4. The top reviewer of Rapid7 InsightVM writes "You can scan a network, and receive recommendations to address vulnerabilities with the click of a button". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Tenable Nessus writes "Unlimited assets for one price and quick, agentless results". Rapid7 InsightVM is most compared with Qualys VMDR, Tenable Security Center, Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management, Wiz and Rapid7 InsightIDR, whereas Tenable Nessus is most compared with Qualys VMDR, Tenable Security Center, Tenable Vulnerability Management, Pentera and Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management. See our Rapid7 InsightVM vs. Tenable Nessus report.
We monitor all Risk-Based Vulnerability Management reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.
You have full visibility across cloud, network, virtual, and containerized infrastructures with Rapid7 Insight VM. You can easily prioritize vulnerabilities using attacker analytics. Overall, Rapid7 Insight VM is easy to understand, use, and deploy. This solution supplies many different types of valuable reporting and rarely reports false positives. Rapid7 can easily detect new devices and scan endpoints quickly for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, or missing patches. Rapid7 Insight VM will identify the risk and suggest how to resolve the problem.
We would like to see the reporting improved to offer some of the options other solutions provide. Rapid7 Insight VM can be a very expensive solution - it is really only for larger enterprise accounts. Integration with other solutions would make Rapid7 Insight VM more desirable.
It’s easy to combine local testing with network-based testing using Tenable Nessus, which can easily find vulnerabilities across different platforms and operating systems. Tenable Nessus will identify what nodes you have in place, then provide you with a report identifying each vulnerability found by node. It works quickly and stealthily, and offers clear-cut reporting and the ability to scan for specific vulnerabilities.
We would like to see the reporting process with Tenable Nessus improved. Instead of only PDF reports, one option might be to track with an Excel-based structure to better track vulnerabilities and remediation efforts and build reports from there. An option to use the same license for the cloud and on-premises at the same time would be very useful.
Conclusion
We felt that Tenable Nessus provided better reporting of vulnerabilities per device in a clearer, easier to understand manner. It is a very easy solution to use and makes accountability for tracing and reporting vulnerabilities easy. The flexible scanning options offered by Tenable Nessus are what we found most advantageous.
InsightVM - better functions on granting users different access to different asset groups.
It fits better for our company and is slightly cheaper.