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Acunetix is a commercial DAST product for testing web applications and APIs, including authenticated flows. Replacing it means deciding whether you still need runtime testing or want code scanning, manual testing, or broader AppSec coverage instead. Invicti is the closest DAST fit in this list; Burp Suite is oriented toward manual testing. Pricing, API access, deployment and export terms need checking before you move targets or findings.
01Why people leave Acunetix
Scans can strain production
One Reddit user reported more than 60,000 HTTP 500 responses during a scan, followed by an application crash and app-pool recycling.
Pricing and integration need diligence
Acunetix pricing and integration details are unclear; get API access, usage costs, rate limits and export terms in writing.
Testing workflows may not fit
A Reddit thread weighing web scanners raised the training and time required to get useful results from a manual testing workbench.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Closest DAST replacement
InvictiInvictiInvicti is the closest fit if you need proof-based DAST, code and runtime findings, or on-prem deployment. Its listed starting price and API details are not established here, so ask for a quote at your target count and document API, CI integration, rate limits and export options. Pilot with a small set of Acunetix targets before migrating findings or schedules.
Trade-off: Confirm API and pricing fit before treating it as a drop-in replacement.
6.3/10from
Custom - Manual web testing
Burp SuiteBurp SuiteBurp Suite suits teams that need to edit HTTP requests and perform manual web application testing rather than replace every DAST workflow. The listed starting price is $41.58, with a free plan; check which limits affect your use. Budget for training and migration of target and scan procedures, and ask about API and CI options before replacing automated checks.
Trade-off: Manual testing can demand time and skill that automated DAST does not.
7.5/10from
$41.58/mofree plan - Broader AppSec checks
SnykSnykSnyk is a candidate if you want to consolidate AppSec scanning rather than replace Acunetix with another DAST-only tool. The listed starting price is $25, with a free plan, but the Enterprise credit costs and alert-triage workload need budgeting. Confirm which web-testing workflows it covers, then pilot alongside Acunetix; ask about API, limits and exporting findings before migrating.
Trade-off: Plan for alert triage and Enterprise credit costs; verify DAST coverage.
6.7/10from
$25/mofree plan - Custom code scanning
SemgrepSemgrepSemgrep fits teams that want customizable SAST rules, including checks on AI-generated code, rather than a like-for-like runtime scanner. The listed starting price is $15, with a free plan. Validate deployment, API and coverage requirements, then run it alongside Acunetix while you decide which runtime checks still need a DAST product. Ask about rate limits and findings export.
Trade-off: Code scanning does not replace authenticated, runtime application testing.
7.5/10from
$15/mofree plan - Enterprise risk management
VeracodeVeracodeVeracode targets enterprises centralizing application risk, remediation policy and software supply-chain security. Its starting price is not listed here, so request a quote based on applications, users and scan volume. Before a migration, confirm API behavior, deployment choices, finding export and integration support in writing; its broad scope may suit a platform review better than a direct DAST swap.
Trade-off: Get pricing, API and deployment details in writing before committing.
5.2/10from
Custom
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Acunetix Acunetix (current) | 6.0 | Custom | No | Teams testing web apps and APIs |
| Invicti Invicti | 6.3 | Custom | No | Teams consolidating AppSec findings |
| Burp Suite Burp Suite | 7.5 | $41.58/mo | Yes | Manual web security testing |
| Snyk Snyk | 6.7 | $25/mo | Yes | Teams consolidating AppSec scans |
| Semgrep Semgrep | 7.5 | $15/mo | Yes | Teams that write custom security rules |
| Veracode Veracode | 5.2 | Custom | No | Enterprise security and governance teams |
Questions people ask
Who makes Acunetix?
Acunetix is the product name for the DAST tool. For the current contracting entity, check the product’s legal notice, order form or support terms. Confirm who handles renewals, vulnerability-data updates, support and requests to export targets or findings before signing or migrating.
Is OpenVAS still free?
Check the current project licence and terms for the edition you plan to use. Separate the cost of the software from any feeds, hosted scanning or commercial support, and confirm whether your intended deployment and use are covered by the licence.
Which tool is best for vulnerability scanning?
It depends on what you need to scan. For proof-based DAST, evaluate Invicti; for hands-on HTTP testing, consider Burp Suite. Snyk and Semgrep offer broader AppSec or code-scanning approaches. Compare coverage, API and CI integration, deployment, usage costs and finding export against your actual workflow.