As the attack surface for modern web applications grows, security engineers have to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities with speed and precision. Burp Suite has been a perfect solution in the security community, known for its advanced features in web application testing, including interception, scanning, and exploitation of vulnerabilities.

Although Burp Suite is used by many organizations, it may not be the ideal fit for every team. Many consider some factors like pricing, automation needs, integration features, or learning curve, and look for alternative solutions. This blog highlights leading Burp Suite competitors, each offering unique strengths tailored to varying security objectives, team structures, and operational workflows.

Top 10 Burp Suite Alternatives and Competitors

Here are the top 10 Burp Suite alternatives and competitors organizations should take a look at:

1. Akto

Akto is an AI-powered API security platform that allows continuous testing in both staging and production settings. It automatically detects APIs and continuously tests them for the OWASP API Top 10 vulnerabilities. Akto integrates with CI/CD pipelines, providing security measures while maintaining engineering workflows. It gives ranking to threats using artificial intelligence based on how they are exploited and what is their impact on the business.

Features

• Automatically detects APIs in traffic.

• Test APIs for the top ten OWASP API vulnerabilities.

• Sends notifications and assigns risk scores.

• Connects with CI/CD tools.

• Allows role-based access.

Advantages

• Fast setup and no agent is required for deployment.

• Developed primarily for API security.

• Scale to bigger settings.

• The dashboard is simple and delivers clear insights.

• It supports both internal and external APIs.

2. OWASP ZAP

OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy) is a free, open-source web application security scanner maintained by the OWASP Foundation. It has both manual and automated testing features. It's great for learning, research, and small-scale testing. Security engineers use ZAP because it provides customizable scripting, flexibility, and easily integrates with DevSecOps pipelines.

Source: OWASP ZAP

Features

• Active and passive scans for web vulnerabilities.

• Supports both automatic and manual security testing.

• Includes an intercepting proxy for request and response manipulation.

• Allows for custom scripting in ZEST and other languages.

• Has API and CI/CD integration features.

Advantages

• Completely free and open-source.

• The community provides regular updates.

• Highly customisable with plugins and scripts.

• Suitable for both new and experienced testers.

• Enables integration into automated DevSecOps workflows.

Disadvantages

• The UI is quite confusing.

• No enterprise-level reporting available.

3. Acunetix

Acunetix is a web application security scanner known for its speed, accuracy, and automation capability. It scans for thousands of vulnerabilities, like SQL injection, XSS, and misconfiguration. It supports both web apps and APIs, making it suitable for various settings. Security teams rely on proof-based scanning to reduce false positives and speed up remediation.

Source: Acunetix

Features

• Scan for over 7,000 identified vulnerabilities.

• Supports API scanning with OpenAPI, Swagger, and GraphQL.

• Provides proof-based reporting to help reduce false positives.

• Connects with JIRA, Jenkins, and GitLab.

• Provides compliance reports for PCI-DSS and ISO.

Advantages

• High detection accuracy and low noise.

• The scanning engine is fast and efficient.

• Strong support for complex web applications.

• Good UI and dashboard controls.

• Ideal for compliance-focused enterprises.

Disadvantages

• Licenses are expensive for small teams.

• There are few manual testing possibilities.

• The desktop version only works on Windows.

4. Nessus

Tenable's Nessus is a widely used vulnerability scanner. It covers operating systems, networks, databases, and applications. While it doesn't focus on APIs, it works with app security solutions to provide full coverage. Nessus offers policy-based scanning, continuous updates, and detailed reports. Security engineers depend on its templates and plugin system for flexible configurations.

Source: Nessus

Features

• Scan for thousands of vulnerabilities.

• Provides customized templates and plugins.

• Includes continuous updating for new threats.

• Creates precise risk-based reporting.

• Integrates with Tenable's entire security package.

Advantages

• Comprehensive asset and vulnerability coverage.

• Accurate scanning with low false positives.

• Easy to schedule and automate scans.

• Trusted by thousands of organizations.

• Offers vulnerability metadata and remediation tips.

Disadvantages

• Not specialized in API security.

• Hard interface for beginners.

• Resource-intensive on large networks.

5. Nikto

Nikto is a lightweight, open-source command-line scanner for detecting misconfigurations and outdated components on web servers. It is known for its speed and ease of use, making it perfect for quick audits and observations. Although it is simple, Nikto is effective when used early in a testing process.

Source: Nikto

Features

• Identifies old software versions and server issues.

• Checks for default files and insecure HTTP methods.

• Checks SSL and TLS settings.

• Sends scan reports that are basic and readable.

• Available for both Unix/Linux and Windows systems.

Advantages

• Fast and lightweight for risk checks.

• Open source with no licensing fees.

• Easily integrated into scripts and automation.

• Suitable for baseline scanning.

• Low resource utilization.

Disadvantages

• There is no GUI or online interface.

• There is limited vulnerability depth.

• There is no active exploitation or fuzzing support.

6. Netsparker (Invicti)

Netsparker, now known as Invicti, is a commercial web application security scanner built for automation at scale. It automatically verifies vulnerabilities using proof-based scanning to reduce false positives. Invicti works with both web applications and APIs, making it perfect for organizations with hybrid architectures. It integrates with CI/CD pipelines, ticketing systems, and communication tools to maintain security continuously.

Source: Netsparker

Features

• Offers proof-based scanning to verify vulnerabilities.

• Scans RESTful APIs and SOAP services.

• Provides a deep compliance and risk report.

• Integrates with JIRA, Jenkins, Azure DevOps, and more.

• Allows role-based access and multi-user collaboration.

Advantages

• Proof-based scanning produces fewer false positives.

• Functional in large environments.

• Easily integrates with CI/CD and SDLC.

• Supports APIs and traditional web applications.

• Generates comprehensive compliance and vulnerability reports.

Disadvantages

• Expensive option for small businesses.

• The desktop version is Windows-only and limited.

• Only limited manual testing features.

7. Qualys Web Application Scanning (WAS)

Qualys WAS is a cloud-based web application scanner that automatically detects vulnerabilities on a large scale. It is part of the larger Qualys Cloud Platform. This tool helps organizations find, scan, and report vulnerabilities in thousands of web apps and APIs. It allows continuous monitoring and compliance checks, which makes it suitable for enterprise use. It connects easily with modern DevSecOps workflows.

Source: Qualys

Features

• Scans web apps and APIs for OWASP Top 10 issues.

• Integrates with the full Qualys security suite.

• Supports authenticated and unauthenticated scans.

• Provides a scalable cloud-based architecture.

• Provides detailed reports for compliance audits.

Advantages

• Scales in larger environments.

• Centralized asset and vulnerability management.

• Cloud deployment without initial setup.

• Provides solid compliance reporting features.

• Trusted globally by large enterprises.

Disadvantages

• Complicated to figure out for first-time users.

• Longer scanning time for larger applications.

• Limited manual testing features.

8. IBM AppScan

IBM AppScan is an enterprise-grade application security solution that performs in-depth and complete vulnerability analysis. It includes DAST, SAST, and IAST features, making it a complete tool for secure development. AppScan can check both source code and live apps, providing insights early and late in the SDLC.  Its comprehensive reporting and policy enforcement capabilities are excellent for regulated sectors.

Source: IBM AppScan

Features

• Offers dynamic and static application security testing.

• Supports scanning of APIs, web, and mobile apps.

• Integrates with IDEs and CI/CD tools.

• Provides detailed remediation guidance.

• Includes customizable risk and compliance policies.

Advantages

• Full testing capabilities (DAST + SAST).

• Robust integrations into enterprise ecosystems.

• For both development teams and security teams.

• Incredibly customizable reporting and policy tools.

• Used for government and finance compliance.

Disadvantages

• Takes a lot of time to set up and tune.

• Very steep learning curve for new users.

• Very expensive for smaller organizations.

9. Detectify

Detectify is a cloud-based external attack surface management platform that includes automated security scanning. It continuously monitors web apps and APIs for misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and exposures. Built with the help of ethical hackers, it is frequently updated for newly found threats. Detectify is especially useful for organizations seeking lightweight, continuous testing with minimal manual effort.

Source: Detectify

Features

• Continuously scans for OWASP Top 10 and misconfigurations.

• Uses hacker-sourced vulnerability modules.

• Supports Swagger and Postman for API testing.

• Integrates with Slack, Jira, and CI/CD tools.

• Monitors the surface area and domains.

Advantages

• Hackers send updates frequently.

• Monitors your external surfaces continuously.

• Easy CI/CD and tool integrations.

• Available fully SaaS and very scalable.

• Easy-to-use dashboard.

Disadvantages

• Does not verify internal applications.

• It may be expensive for small teams.

• Can overlook complicated logical issues.

10. Astra Pentest

Astra Pentest is a cloud-based tool for automated and manual pen-testing of Web Apps and APIs. It combines AI-based scanning with manual checks and offers detailed risk checks. Astra produces detailed reports that include ways to fix issues and support for meeting standards like ISO, GDPR, and SOC2. The platform is perfect for teams that need both user-friendly features and in-depth analysis.

Source: Astra Pentest

Features

• Offers automated vulnerability scanning with manual validation.

• Provides security reports that are suitable for compliance.

• Integrates with CI/CD pipelines and version control.

• Includes collaboration and remediation features.

• Addresses the OWASP Top 10 and business logic concerns.

Advantages

• Combine automation and manual expertise.

• Ideal for compliance-driven businesses.

• Basic dashboard for tracking issues.

• Good customer service and response time.

• Covers both apps and APIs.

Disadvantages

• It may not work with larger environments.

• Fewer integrations.

• Manual audits can extend turnaround times.

How to Choose the Best API Security Platform in 2025

When choosing the best API security platform, it depends on the organization's technical capabilities with setup, level of risk, and day-to-day use.

Understand Your API Inventory and Exposure

You cannot protect what you don’t know is there. The first step in picking the right API security solution is to make sure it provides thorough and ongoing API discovery. It should find all APIs in your environment, whether they are internal, external, or shadow, without needing manual effort. This visibility is essential to know about your attack surface.

Ensure Coverage for Top 10 OWASP Vulnerabilities

An effective API security tool must protect against the OWASP API Top 10 vulnerabilities, like broken authentication, excessive data exposure, and mass assignment. Business logic errors and misconfigurations usually don't get caught in regular tests. The tool should identify abuse, determine behavior, and traffic. Static rules are simply not sufficient by themselves. Pick a platform that scales to meet new threats as they develop.

Evaluate Integration with CI/CD

Security must shift to the left without slowing down the teams. The ideal solution should interface with CI/CD pipelines, ticketing systems, and developer tools to automate detection and correction. Real-time input throughout development helps to address issues before they reach production.  Look for pre-built plugins, APIs, and alert systems that fit your stack. If it is not user-friendly for DevSecOps, it will simply take up space.

Prioritize Real-Time Threat Detection and Response

Modern threats don't wait for scheduled scans. Your API security platform should offer real-time monitoring and response options to spot and stop harmful behavior as it occurs. Behavioral analysis, anomaly identification, and effective alerts are critical. Solutions that fall behind production traffic create security vulnerabilities. Choose tools that can handle live data and automate activities.

Consider Usability, Scalability, and Team Fit

No matter how advanced a tool is, it must be usable by your security team. Examine the UI, ease of implementation, and how well it fits into your workflows. The platform should be able to scale with API volume and support teams and roles while maintaining performance. Complicated platforms reduce adoption. The ideal platform balances between depth, simplicity, and adaptability to ensure long-term success.

Final Thoughts

The Burp Suite alternatives listed above are for security engineers and teams seeking specialized, scalable, or more automated solutions. Whether you want better CI/CD integration, API-first features, or wider vulnerability coverage, these tools provide unique benefits. Some are best for manual pentesting, while others emphasize compliance, automation, or monitoring external surfaces. The best platform can be determined by an organization's technology stack, security concerns, and other specific requirements.

Akto is an enterprise-grade API security platform that automates API protection in your DevSecOps pipeline. It allows security engineers to secure APIs during staging and production without interrupting development workflows. It provides automated API discovery, continuous testing for OWASP API Top 10 risks, and scoring for risks. Akto fits into CI/CD pipelines and operates across environments with little setup. Its AI-driven engine helps teams focus on what matters, reducing noise and false positives. For teams that prioritize API coverage, speed, and integrating security into the development process, Akto is an excellent option.

Schedule a API Security demo with Akto today to see how it can help protect your organization.