Semgrep vs Tenable Nessus
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Industry-standard vulnerability scanner
The verdict
Both Semgrep and Tenable Nessus are credible application security tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Semgrep if you want a lower starting price (free – $40/mo) and a free plan to start on. Fast static analysis (SAST).
Choose Tenable Nessus if you'd rather have a longer free trial (7 days) and broader platform coverage. Industry-standard vulnerability scanner
Semgrep vs Tenable Nessus: side by side
| Dimension | Semgrep | Tenable Nessus |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $40/moWinner | From $4599/yr |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Free trial | — | 7 daysWinner |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Developers, Appsec Teams | Smb, Enterprise, Security Teams, Consultants |
| Platforms | Web, Self Hosted, Api | Windows, Mac, Linux, Web, ApiWinner |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Semgrep key facts
- Vendor
- Semgrep
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $40/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Self Hosted, Api
- Best for
- Developers, Appsec Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Tenable Nessus key facts
- Vendor
- Tenable
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $4599/yr
- Free tier
- Free trial (7 days)
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Web, Api
- Best for
- Smb, Enterprise, Security Teams, Consultants
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2002
- Headquarters
- Columbia, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Semgrep better than Tenable Nessus?
Neither is universally better — Semgrep edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Semgrep or Tenable Nessus cheaper?
Semgrep is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $40/mo. Semgrep starts at free – $40/mo; Tenable Nessus starts at from $4599/yr.
Can Semgrep replace Tenable Nessus?
Yes for most teams — both are application security tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.