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Security & Cybersecurity · head to head

Acunetix vs KnowBe4

Acunetix logo

Acunetix

Security & Cybersecurity

Web application security testing made easy

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
KnowBe4 logo

KnowBe4

Security & Cybersecurity

World's largest security awareness training platform

From
$1/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Acunetix aWS Marketplace lists Acunetix Online Premium, published by seller Invicti Security, at $7,000 per year for 5 targets under a 12 month contract, where a target is one fully qualified domain, website, web app, API or web service; KnowBe4 published prices assume a three year term, so the quoted per seat rate depends on a long commitment
  • They diverge on capability: Acunetix covers DAST scanning, KnowBe4 covers Security awareness training.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Acunetix and KnowBe4 actually diverge.

Attributes where Acunetix and KnowBe4 differ
AttributeAcunetixKnowBe4
Starting priceOn request$1/month
PlatformsDesktop, Web, ApiWeb, Mobile, Email
Founded20052010

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Security & Cybersecurity).

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 KnowBe4

  • Security awareness training
  • Phishing simulation
  • Risk assessments
  • Compliance training
  • Incident reporting
  • API access
  • Custom policies
  • Behavior analytics

Both cover

  • Slack

What people use each for

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

Acunetix

  • Vulnerability Scannernot KnowBe4
  • Web Securitynot KnowBe4
  • Dastnot KnowBe4

KnowBe4

  • Security awareness training and simulated phishing for staffnot Acunetix
  • Tracking employee susceptibility to phishing over timenot Acunetix

Where each one falls short

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

Acunetix

  • AWS Marketplace lists Acunetix Online Premium, published by seller Invicti Security, at $7,000 per year for 5 targets under a 12 month contract, where a target is one fully qualified domain, website, web app, API or web service
  • AWS Marketplace's Invicti listing shows Premium Support priced separately at $150,000 per year and Premium Support with Guided Success at $300,000 per year, on top of the base scanning licence

KnowBe4

  • Published prices assume a three year term, so the quoted per seat rate depends on a long commitment
  • Pricing is banded by seat count, and the lowest band of 25 to 50 seats pays the highest rate
  • Accounts above 1,000 seats have no published price and require a custom quote
  • Third party integrations, Compliance Plus and PhishER Plus are all separately priced per seat add ons
  • The Foundation tier carries 200 training modules against more than 1,000 on Advanced, so content volume is the main gate

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

KnowBe4

$1/month
  • Basic$1/month
    • Per user
    • Training modules
    • Phishing templates
  • Advanced$2/month
    • All Basic features
    • Advanced phishing
    • Risk assessments
  • Pro$3/month
    • All Advanced features
    • API access
    • Custom content

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 KnowBe4 if

  • You need security awareness training.
  • You work on Web, Mobile, Email.
  • You also want phishing simulation.
KnowBe4 review

Questions people ask

Is Acunetix or KnowBe4 better?
Neither clearly leads. Acunetix starts at On request and KnowBe4 at $1/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Acunetix or KnowBe4?
Acunetix starts at On request and KnowBe4 at $1/month.
Does Acunetix or KnowBe4 run on more platforms?
Acunetix runs on Desktop, Web, Api. KnowBe4 runs on Web, Mobile, Email.
What is Acunetix best used for?
Acunetix is most often used for vulnerability scanner, web security, dast. Of those, vulnerability scanner and web security are not what KnowBe4 is typically brought in for.
What can Acunetix do that KnowBe4 cannot?
Acunetix covers DAST scanning, IAST technology, AcuSensor, JavaScript security. KnowBe4 covers Security awareness training, Phishing simulation, Risk assessments, Compliance training. Both handle Slack.
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