Nessus vs SolarWinds Patch Manager

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared Nessus vs SolarWinds Patch Manager based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Vulnerability Management Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Nessus Software Tool

Product Basics

Tenable Nessus is a sophisticated vulnerability scanner designed to identify and assess security vulnerabilities across various systems and networks. It is particularly well-suited for IT professionals and security teams in industries such as finance, healthcare, and government, where robust security measures are crucial. The software offers comprehensive scanning capabilities, including configuration audits, malware detection, and compliance checks, making it a valuable tool for maintaining cybersecurity. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and detailed reporting features, which streamline the vulnerability management process. Nessus is known for its accuracy and efficiency, often praised for its ability to quickly identify potential threats. Pricing for Tenable Nessus typically involves a subscription model, with costs varying based on the number of assets and the level of support required. For precise pricing details, it is advisable to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Nessus stands out for its reliability and depth of analysis compared to similar products.
read more...
SolarWinds Patch Manager is a robust software solution designed to streamline the patch management process, making it particularly suitable for IT departments in industries such as healthcare, finance, and government where security and compliance are critical. This tool excels in automating the deployment of patches across various systems, reducing vulnerabilities and ensuring systems are up-to-date. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and comprehensive reporting capabilities, which provide detailed insights into patch status and compliance levels. Unique features include third-party application patching and integration with Microsoft WSUS and SCCM, enhancing its versatility. Compared to similar products, users often highlight its ease of use and effective automation. Pricing details are not readily available, so it is advisable to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Overall, SolarWinds Patch Manager stands out for its efficiency and reliability in managing patch-related tasks.
read more...
$3,990 Annually
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$1,909 Annually
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small
Medium
Large
Small
Medium
Large
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Comprehensive Vulnerability Detection: Tenable Nessus excels in identifying a wide range of vulnerabilities across various systems, ensuring that potential security gaps are detected before they can be exploited.
  • Regular Updates: The software benefits from frequent updates, which incorporate the latest threat intelligence, allowing it to recognize and mitigate emerging vulnerabilities effectively.
  • Customizable Scans: Users can tailor scans to focus on specific areas of concern, optimizing resource use and ensuring that critical assets receive the most attention.
  • Ease of Use: With an intuitive interface, Nessus simplifies the process of setting up and managing scans, making it accessible even to those with limited cybersecurity expertise.
  • Detailed Reporting: Nessus provides comprehensive reports that include detailed findings and actionable recommendations, aiding in the prioritization and remediation of vulnerabilities.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: The software supports a wide array of operating systems and environments, ensuring that diverse IT infrastructures can be scanned without compatibility issues.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: Nessus offers a robust set of features at a competitive price point, making it an attractive option for organizations looking to enhance their security posture without breaking the bank.
  • Community Support: As part of the Tenable ecosystem, Nessus users benefit from a vibrant community and extensive documentation, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.
  • Integration Capabilities: Nessus can seamlessly integrate with other security tools and platforms, enhancing its utility and allowing for a more cohesive security strategy.
  • Proactive Security Posture: By identifying vulnerabilities before they are exploited, Nessus helps organizations maintain a proactive approach to cybersecurity, reducing the risk of breaches.
  • Scalability: Whether for small businesses or large enterprises, Nessus scales to meet the needs of different organizations, providing flexibility as security requirements evolve.
  • Compliance Assurance: Nessus assists in meeting regulatory requirements by providing the necessary tools to ensure compliance with standards such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and more.
  • Reduced Downtime: By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities promptly, Nessus helps minimize the risk of system downtime due to security incidents.
  • Enhanced Risk Management: The insights provided by Nessus enable organizations to better understand their risk landscape and make informed decisions about resource allocation and security investments.
  • Automation Capabilities: Nessus supports automation of routine tasks, freeing up valuable time for IT teams to focus on more strategic initiatives.
read more...
  • Streamlined Patch Deployment: SolarWinds Patch Manager simplifies the process of deploying patches across multiple systems, reducing the time and effort required to keep software up to date.
  • Enhanced Security: By ensuring timely updates, the software helps protect against vulnerabilities and potential security breaches, safeguarding sensitive data and systems.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: The tool provides detailed reports on patch status and compliance, enabling IT teams to quickly identify and address any issues.
  • Automated Patch Management: Automation features reduce manual intervention, allowing IT staff to focus on more strategic tasks while ensuring patches are applied consistently.
  • Third-Party Application Support: Beyond Microsoft updates, SolarWinds Patch Manager supports a wide range of third-party applications, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all software used within an organization.
  • Reduced Downtime: By scheduling patches during off-peak hours, the software minimizes disruptions to business operations, maintaining productivity.
  • Centralized Control: IT administrators can manage patching from a single console, providing a unified view and control over the entire patch management process.
  • Customizable Patch Management Policies: The ability to tailor patching policies to specific organizational needs ensures that updates align with business priorities and compliance requirements.
  • Improved Compliance: Regular patching helps organizations meet regulatory requirements and industry standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.
  • Scalability: SolarWinds Patch Manager can scale to accommodate growing IT environments, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes.
  • Integration with Existing Systems: The software integrates seamlessly with other IT management tools, enhancing overall IT infrastructure management and efficiency.
  • Reduced Risk of Human Error: Automation and centralized management reduce the likelihood of mistakes that can occur with manual patching processes.
  • Cost Efficiency: By preventing security incidents and reducing manual labor, the software can lead to significant cost savings over time.
  • Real-Time Alerts and Notifications: IT teams receive immediate alerts about critical patches, enabling prompt action to mitigate potential risks.
  • Flexible Deployment Options: Organizations can choose between on-premises and cloud-based deployment, depending on their specific needs and infrastructure.
read more...
  • Comprehensive Vulnerability Coverage: Nessus provides extensive coverage for over 50,000 vulnerabilities, ensuring thorough scanning across various systems and applications.
  • Customizable Reporting: Users can generate detailed reports tailored to specific needs, including executive summaries and compliance checks, facilitating better decision-making.
  • Real-Time Threat Intelligence: The software integrates with Tenable Research to deliver up-to-date threat intelligence, helping users stay ahead of emerging vulnerabilities.
  • Agent-Based and Agentless Scanning: Nessus supports both agent-based and agentless scanning, offering flexibility in how scans are conducted across different environments.
  • Configuration Auditing: It allows for auditing of system configurations against industry standards such as CIS and DISA STIGs, ensuring compliance and security best practices.
  • Live Results: This feature provides immediate feedback on scan results, allowing users to quickly assess and address vulnerabilities without waiting for the entire scan to complete.
  • Integration Capabilities: Nessus can be integrated with various security tools and platforms, such as SIEMs and ticketing systems, to streamline vulnerability management workflows.
  • Advanced Scan Scheduling: Users can schedule scans to run at specific times or intervals, minimizing disruption to network operations and ensuring regular vulnerability assessments.
  • Plugin Updates: Nessus regularly updates its plugins to include the latest vulnerability checks, ensuring that scans are always current and effective.
  • Policy Templates: Pre-configured policy templates simplify the setup process for common scan types, allowing users to quickly initiate scans with minimal configuration.
  • Credentialed and Non-Credentialed Scans: The software supports both credentialed and non-credentialed scans, providing flexibility in how in-depth the vulnerability assessments can be.
  • Web Application Scanning: Nessus includes capabilities for scanning web applications, identifying vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
  • Mobile Device Scanning: It offers scanning capabilities for mobile devices, ensuring that vulnerabilities in mobile environments are also addressed.
  • Cloud Environment Support: Nessus can scan cloud environments, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, identifying vulnerabilities specific to cloud infrastructure.
  • Role-Based Access Control: The software provides role-based access control, allowing organizations to manage user permissions and access to scan data effectively.
  • Interactive Dashboards: Nessus features interactive dashboards that provide visual insights into vulnerability data, helping users quickly identify and prioritize risks.
  • Remediation Guidance: The tool offers detailed remediation guidance for identified vulnerabilities, assisting users in effectively addressing security issues.
  • Support for Multiple Operating Systems: Nessus is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, ensuring broad applicability.
  • Scalability: Designed to scale from small to large environments, Nessus can handle the vulnerability management needs of organizations of varying sizes.
  • Community and Professional Editions: Nessus offers both community and professional editions, catering to different user needs and budgets.
read more...
  • Automated Patch Deployment: Streamlines the process of deploying patches across Windows servers and workstations, reducing manual intervention.
  • Third-Party Application Patching: Extends patch management capabilities beyond Microsoft products to include popular third-party applications like Adobe and Java.
  • Patch Compliance Reporting: Provides detailed reports on patch status and compliance levels, helping to ensure systems meet organizational security policies.
  • Custom Package Creation: Allows IT administrators to create and deploy custom software packages, offering flexibility in managing unique software needs.
  • WSUS and SCCM Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) for enhanced patch management.
  • Patch Status Dashboard: Offers a centralized view of patch status across the network, enabling quick identification of systems needing attention.
  • Pre- and Post-Deployment Actions: Supports scripting capabilities to execute specific tasks before and after patch deployment, ensuring smooth updates.
  • Role-Based Access Control: Provides granular control over user permissions, ensuring that only authorized personnel can manage patches.
  • Patch Testing and Approval: Facilitates testing and approval workflows to ensure patches are stable and suitable for deployment in the production environment.
  • Scheduled Patch Deployment: Enables scheduling of patch deployments during off-peak hours to minimize disruption to business operations.
  • Comprehensive Patch Database: Maintains an extensive database of available patches, ensuring that systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.
  • Alerting and Notification System: Sends alerts and notifications about patch status and issues, keeping IT staff informed and responsive.
  • Multi-Language Support: Offers support for multiple languages, accommodating diverse IT environments and global teams.
  • Scalability: Designed to scale with organizational growth, supporting a wide range of network sizes and complexities.
  • Intuitive User Interface: Features a user-friendly interface that simplifies navigation and enhances the overall user experience.
read more...

Product Ranking

#1

among all
Vulnerability Management Software

#7

among all
Vulnerability Management Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

74
66
65
100
84
87
100
74
Show More Show More
Remediation Management
Vulnerability Assessment
Security
Vulnerability Scanning
Patch Management
Platform Capabilities
Security

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Nessus
SolarWinds Patch Manager
+ Add Product + Add Product
Patch Management Platform Capabilities Remediation Management Vulnerability Assessment Vulnerability Scanning 65 84 100 100 85 100 87 74 53 75 0 25 50 75 100
25%
25%
50%
100%
0%
0%
70%
20%
10%
90%
0%
10%
100%
0%
0%
60%
20%
20%
100%
0%
0%
0%
25%
75%
80%
10%
10%
60%
30%
10%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

80%
0%
20%
20%
80%
0%
100%
0%
0%
83%
17%
0%

Awards

No awards.

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated SolarWinds Patch Manager and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Patch Management.

Patch Management Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Ease of Use: Users frequently highlight how user-friendly the Tenable Nessus interface is, making it simple to navigate and execute tasks.
Comprehensive Vulnerability Database: Tenable Nessus is lauded for its extensive vulnerability database, which is continually updated with the latest threats, ensuring comprehensive security coverage.
Detailed Reporting: Users appreciate the software's ability to generate detailed reports, which provide valuable insights into security vulnerabilities and help prioritize remediation efforts.
Show more
Automated Patching: Automates the deployment of patches for both Microsoft and third-party applications, saving time and reducing the risk of human error.
Third-Party Application Support: Extends patching capabilities beyond Microsoft products to include a wide range of third-party applications, ensuring comprehensive vulnerability management.
Virtual Machine Patching: Simplifies patch management for virtual environments by enabling offline patching, grouping of virtual machines, and comprehensive inventory management.
Robust Reporting: Provides detailed reports on patch status and compliance, allowing administrators to track patching progress and demonstrate compliance to auditors.
SolarWinds Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other SolarWinds products, such as N-Central and RMM, providing a unified platform for IT management.
Show more
False Positives: While known for comprehensiveness, Nessus scans sometimes generate false positives, demanding extra effort from security teams to validate findings.
Scan Duration: Nessus scans can be time-consuming, potentially impacting operational workflows depending on the size and complexity of the network environment.
Pricing: The cost of the professional version, which unlocks the full feature set, is a significant barrier for some users, particularly those with budget constraints.
Show more
Reporting Limitations: While SolarWinds Patch Manager offers reporting options, some users find them to be inflexible and difficult to customize to their specific needs.
Third-Party Updates: Some users have reported difficulties and inconsistencies when attempting to manage and deploy updates for third-party applications using SolarWinds Patch Manager.
Occasional Software Management Issues: A subset of users have mentioned experiencing occasional challenges related to software management and updates, including instances of devices losing connection or requiring reconfiguration.
Show more

Is Tenable Nessus really tenable, or does it fall short in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape? User reviews from the past year reveal a mixed bag. While Tenable Nessus is generally lauded for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive vulnerability database, some users have raised concerns about its limitations. For instance, one user highlighted the platform's frequent updates as a strength, stating that it helps in "making the security system more effective," while another user pointed out the extended scanning times as a drawback. A key differentiating factor is Tenable Nessus's pricing model, which is based on the number of IP addresses scanned rather than per user, making it a cost-effective solution for organizations with large networks. However, this affordability comes at a price, as some users have reported limited reporting and vulnerability management features in the professional version.Despite these drawbacks, Tenable Nessus remains a popular choice for organizations of all sizes, particularly those prioritizing ease of use and comprehensive vulnerability detection. Its intuitive interface makes it accessible to both seasoned security professionals and those new to vulnerability management. The platform's extensive vulnerability database, updated regularly, ensures that organizations can stay ahead of emerging threats. However, organizations requiring advanced reporting features or sophisticated vulnerability management capabilities may need to consider other options or invest in additional tools to complement Tenable Nessus. Ultimately, Tenable Nessus proves most suitable for organizations seeking a user-friendly and comprehensive vulnerability scanner that balances cost-effectiveness with essential security features.

Show more

Is SolarWinds Patch Manager a shining beacon in the world of patch management, or does it leave users out in the cold? User reviews from the past year paint a largely positive picture of SolarWinds Patch Manager, particularly for its ability to streamline and automate the often-cumbersome process of patching. Users consistently praise its integration with other SolarWinds products, such as N-Central and RMM, allowing for a centralized management experience. This integration is crucial for businesses heavily reliant on the SolarWinds ecosystem, as it reduces the need for disparate tools and simplifies IT workflows. However, it's not all sunshine and roses. Some users have reported that the user interface, while generally considered easy to use, could be more intuitive and visually appealing. Others have pointed out limitations in the reporting functionality, particularly when it comes to customization options. For instance, one user noted the difficulty in generating reports tailored to their specific needs. While SolarWinds Patch Manager excels in handling Microsoft updates, some users have experienced hiccups with third-party updates, highlighting a potential area for improvement. Despite these drawbacks, the overwhelming sentiment is that SolarWinds Patch Manager is a robust and reliable solution that significantly simplifies patch management, especially for large organizations with extensive IT infrastructures. Its ability to automate tasks, generate reports, and seamlessly integrate with other SolarWinds products makes it a valuable asset for IT administrators seeking to maintain the security and stability of their systems.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in Vulnerability Management Software


Armor VAPT

Cisco Vulnerability Management

ESET Vulnerability & Patch Management

Falcon Spotlight

InsightVM

Intruder

ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus

Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management

QRadar Vulnerability Manager

Qualys VMDR

Singularity Vulnerability Management

SolarWinds Patch Manager

Tenable Vulnerability Management

VulScan

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
Table settings