Softwr

Cybersecurity · head to head

Acunetix vs Citizen

Acunetix logo

Acunetix

Cybersecurity

Web application security testing made easy

From
On request
Free plan
No
Full reviewWebsite
Citizen logo

Citizen

Government

Real-time Safety Alerts

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Citizen has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Acunetix pricing available by quote only; no transparent pricing published online; Citizen no premium or paid features mentioned
  • They diverge on capability: Acunetix covers DAST scanning, Citizen covers Real-time Alerts.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Acunetix and Citizen actually diverge.

Attributes where Acunetix and Citizen differ
AttributeAcunetixCitizen
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsDesktop, Web, ApiIos, Android
CategoryCybersecurityGovernment
Founded20052016

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Acunetix

  • DAST scanning
  • IAST technology
  • AcuSensor
  • JavaScript security
  • SQL injection testing
  • XSS detection
  • OWASP Top 10
  • API security testing

Only in Citizen

  • Real-time Alerts
  • 911 Monitoring
  • Live Video
  • Safety Map
  • Personal Safety
  • Emergency Services
  • Social Media
  • Location Services

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Acunetix

  • Scanning web applications for security vulnerabilitiesnot Citizen
  • Testing APIs for exploitable weaknesses and threatsnot Citizen
  • Automating dynamic application security testing (DAST)not Citizen
  • Finding and validating security issues in production environmentsnot Citizen

Citizen

  • Citizen Servicesnot Acunetix
  • Records Managementnot Acunetix
  • Public Safetynot Acunetix
  • Civic Engagementnot Acunetix

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Acunetix

  • Pricing available by quote only; no transparent pricing published online
  • Requires per-application licenses for comprehensive coverage
  • Scanning speed and feature depth depend on subscription tier
  • Advanced features like API security testing may require higher-tier plans

Citizen

  • No premium or paid features mentioned
  • App is completely free with no monetization model disclosed
  • No in-app purchases or premium tier mentioned
  • Subscription or paid features may exist but not disclosed

Pricing, plan by plan

Acunetix

On request
  • StandardFree
    • Single user
    • 5 targets
    • Scheduled scans
  • PremiumFree
    • Multiple users
    • Unlimited targets
    • CI/CD integration
  • Acunetix 360Free
    • Enterprise features
    • SDLC integration
    • Custom workflows

Citizen

Free
  • BasicFree
    • Real-time Alerts
    • Incident Feed
    • Safety Map

Which should you pick?

Choose Acunetix if

  • You need dast scanning.
  • You work on Desktop, Web, Api.
  • You also want iast technology.
Acunetix review

Choose Citizen if

  • You need real-time alerts.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Android.
  • You also want 911 monitoring.
Citizen review

Questions people ask

Is Acunetix or Citizen better?
Neither clearly leads. Acunetix starts at On request and Citizen at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Acunetix or Citizen?
Citizen has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Acunetix and Free for Citizen.
Does Acunetix or Citizen run on more platforms?
Acunetix runs on Desktop, Web, Api. Citizen runs on Ios, Android.
Can I use Citizen for free?
Yes. Citizen has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Acunetix starts at On request.
What is Acunetix best used for?
Acunetix is most often used for scanning web applications for security vulnerabilities, testing apis for exploitable weaknesses and threats, automating dynamic application security testing (dast), finding and validating security issues in production environments. Of those, scanning web applications for security vulnerabilities and testing apis for exploitable weaknesses and threats are not what Citizen is typically brought in for.
What can Acunetix do that Citizen cannot?
Acunetix covers DAST scanning, IAST technology, AcuSensor, JavaScript security. Citizen covers Real-time Alerts, 911 Monitoring, Live Video, Safety Map.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Acunetix: How much does Invicti (formerly Acunetix) cost?

Invicti pricing is available by quote based on your organization's needs, application count, and required features. The platform offers 8x faster scanning compared to competitors and detects 99.98% of exploitable vulnerabilities. Contact Invicti sales for a custom pricing proposal.

Source
Citizen: How much does Citizen cost?

Citizen is available as a free app download for iOS and Android. The app includes core safety and alert features at no cost.

Source
Citizen: Are there paid features or premium subscriptions in Citizen?

Citizen's website does not mention paid features, premium subscriptions, or in-app purchases. All advertised features appear to be included in the free app.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on Acunetix

More on Citizen

Keep looking

Other head to heads