Qualys VMDR is a vulnerability management and detection response tool. It belongs to the first generation of vulnerability assessment tools. It enables us to manually identify vulnerable keys and fix them. It is built as a cutting-edge continuous platform where we can detect and protect. With this product, we can respond to specific vulnerabilities, going beyond just using artificial intelligence features. We have implemented VMDR across our cloud, physical interfaces, endpoints, and log servers. It's a good digital product for our organization.
Information Security Engineer at a university with 1,001-5,000 employees
Efficient automation feature and provides us with a comprehensive security solution
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature is automation."
- "Qualys VMDR is basically susceptible to false positives, and false negatives."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
It has improved our organization in many ways. We needed to have a security solution that focuses on different types of things. We discussed budgeting for the cloud and the need for an alternative to taking care of malware. Additionally, we have to consider various attacks. Therefore, Qualys VMDR is a great tool that helps us improve.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is automation.
What needs improvement?
Qualys VMDR is basically susceptible to false positives, and false negatives. We receive a lot of false positives in there. VMDR can be considered a complex solution, especially for enterprises with limited resources or organizations. It requires extensive knowledge as an engineer. So, when using this tool, you need to utilize other tools to remediate the false security issues.
So maybe it should also have the ability to automatically identify and address false positives. In additional features, an automated process for remediating false positives. We might be looking for new types of signatures that can help us identify and address specific issues.
Buyer's Guide
Qualys VMDR
January 2026
Learn what your peers think about Qualys VMDR. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2026.
881,757 professionals have used our research since 2012.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Qualys VMDR for one last year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I would rate the stability an eight out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I would rate the scalability an eight out of ten.
How was the initial setup?
It took us one month to set up.
What was our ROI?
I have seen an ROI.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price is very reasonable, so you can definitely go with all the endpoints it offers.
What other advice do I have?
Just consider the licenses we have within VMware. They could replicate some of these features, which are used for premium customers. So, it might be useful to include those features in the subscription plans.
Overall, I would rate the solution a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Security Architect at a tech vendor with 5,001-10,000 employees
Good analysis, helpful reports, and a straightforward setup
Pros and Cons
- "The solution shows us classic categories, including high, medium, and low risks. It also shows critical items, and that gives us the advantage of prioritizing things."
- "It would be nice to have an all-in-one solution that was automated and could handle the scanning and reports as well as the patching and updating."
What is our primary use case?
This is a virtual scanner appliance. We have both physical and virtual options.
I'm still in training and getting the hang of the solution. I do not know what features the company uses the most. They generally use it to scan all the AWS workloads and Azure workloads.
What is most valuable?
We generally analyze everything at the OS level and application level, including the open ports, the OS, and older versions, including the packaged versions. We generate the scan, and then we generate the report, and then we will issue it to the application teams to clear off those.
We have Java remediation happening, and if Java has, for example, multiple versions and when I run the scan, it is going to identify all Java versions that are really vulnerable so you can fix them. Therefore, it helps keep things secure and up-to-date.
The reporting is good. We give reports to the application teams and we will ask them to either fix or remove applications. Once that is done, then we will read the scan, and if it comes back that we don't have any critical, we are assured of good safety.
The solution shows us classic categories, including high, medium, and low risks. It also shows critical items, and that gives us the advantage of prioritizing things.
It's very clear on what components need to be fixed.
The initial setup is straightforward.
It's stable.
Technical support is helpful.
What needs improvement?
I can't speak to disadvantages since I am in training and still learning and have yet to run a scan.
It would be nice to have an all-in-one solution that was automated and could handle the scanning and reports as well as the patching and updating.
For how long have I used the solution?
I am pretty new to this organization. However, the organization has been dealing with the solution for almost four or five years now.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability has been good. The company has been using it for a while and hasn't had issues. I use dit in a previous company as well and never hear of any problems.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's easy to scale.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is good. We always get a quick response.
How was the initial setup?
The setup process is simple. It's not overly complex.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I don't have any details about the licensing process.
What other advice do I have?
We're implementors.
When it comes to security, my only advice is based on my experience. They always say to use multiple products due to the fact that, even if the vulnerability is missed in one product, it'll be identified in the other product so that you are safe.
However, when it comes to implementation, if you have multiple products, pipelining is a big problem. For example, if I use the Qualys scanner, and then it gives me all the vulnerabilities: how do I fix it? Either I have to fix it manually, or I have to fix it automatically.
I'd like to use one product, and, for example, use a vulnerability scanner from Qualys and have patch management as well. While the solution is still maturing, I like the tight integration and I like that the scanner can identify items and patch management can fix them. It simplifies things, instead of having to deal with multiple products and then maybe having to manually fix items on top of that.
I'd rate the solution nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Implementer
Buyer's Guide
Qualys VMDR
January 2026
Learn what your peers think about Qualys VMDR. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2026.
881,757 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Security Specialist at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees
Robust, good agent support, and simple to setup
Pros and Cons
- "It's really beneficial for scanning and interacting with the agent."
- "The disadvantage of working with Qualys is that the graphical interface is quite outdated."
What is our primary use case?
Qualys VM is used for vulnerability scanning.
What is most valuable?
It's really beneficial for scanning and interacting with the agent.
What needs improvement?
The disadvantage of working with Qualys is that the graphical interface is quite outdated.
If you want to choose a scan result, or maybe configure an IP range or something similar, it opens up a lot of processes, or steps, which is somewhat bothersome. Because it opens several phases, it is not a single-window program.
For how long have I used the solution?
We are testing it, as well as Rapid 7 InsightVM.
We have been testing Qualys VM for approximately five weeks.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Qualys VM is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Qualys VM is a scalable product.
It works with ten assets. It works with 100 assets. It has worked with 3,000 assets. It's quite scalable.
In our organization, we have two dedicated people, and five others are only dedicated to gaining insights.
It actually depends on how you remediate all of the vulnerabilities in Qualys since you can also set up it such that product owners, that is, the owners of the apps that are deployed on all systems, can access reports and everything. But that's not how we do things.
The security and infrastructure departments are using this solution in our organization.
How are customer service and support?
We have a dedicated Qualys team of two persons assisting us with the implementation.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We are currently doing a proof of concept with both Qualys VM and Rapid 7 InsightVM.
How was the initial setup?
Qualys is a fully SaaS solution.
It is dependent on the configuration. When you work with the agent, you are primarily concerned with deploying the agents to all assets. However, if you want to scan based on IP, you'll run into some problems.
If you wish to scan on an IP basis, for example, you should deploy a virtual appliance. You may set up several appliances for different domains. Otherwise, you must have your network rules properly configured so that the appliance can reach every asset.
It's relatively simple to set up the basics, but if you want to scan, it really depends on how many networks and domains you have.
In a couple of weeks, you can set it up.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It's very expensive, especially if you want to use multiple modules of Qualys.
What other advice do I have?
I think mainly decide how you want to scan: based on IP or based on an agent.
Then work with the interface and then explore how it works.
I would rate Qualys VM an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Lead IT Security and Remediation at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees
Cloud-based vulnerability management solution that provides protection of our systems but could offer improved performance
Pros and Cons
- "This solution gives us insight into our environment and improves our security. It helps us to maintain a good patching system whereby we know that XYZ is vulnerable within the system."
- "Qualys could be improved in its overall performance compared to other vulnerability management or scanning tools."
What is our primary use case?
We use this solution to scan the servers on the network. It is used predominantly by our information security team.
How has it helped my organization?
This solution gives us insight into our environment and improves our security. It helps us to maintain a good patching system whereby we know that XYZ is vulnerable within the system.
What is most valuable?
Qualys makes us proactive in terms of handling patching and effective when it comes to scanning out network.
What needs improvement?
Qualys could be improved in its overall performance compared to other vulnerability management or scanning tools.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for five years.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have previously used Nessus. Overall, Nessus is a better tool because it provides greater insight into all vulnerabilities, some of which are skipped by Qualys.
How was the initial setup?
This solution is very easy to set up.
What about the implementation team?
We worked with a third party to complete deployment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
In Nigerian Naira, we spend about roughly four to five million to use this solution and this is expensive compared to solutions like Nessus.
What other advice do I have?
I would advise others to run a proof of concept and to exhaust all functionality if considering Qualys. This may take between 15 and 60 days to complete.
I would rate this solution a six out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Infrastructure Security Consultant at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Easy to use, well supported with continually improving functionality
Pros and Cons
- "Provides great functionality."
- "Finding things in management can be quite difficult."
What is our primary use case?
Our customers use Qualys for vulnerability management, it's a way for them to discover the kinds of vulnerabilities they have on their systems. We are a partner with Qualys and I'm an infrastructure security consultant. We currently have 20 clients using Qualys.
How has it helped my organization?
The functionality continues to improve and knowing when there are security issues is very helpful.
What is most valuable?
I like the Qualys Cloud Agent because it's very easy to use. It has a low impact and is supported on Windows, Linux, and others. I deploy process scanners, which are usually connected to core switches so customers can replicate all the connections. Almost all our customers try to use the agents because they're already installed and integrated into the cloud and communicate with Qualys management. There are no problems and it's really better than using some virtual appliance to scan the various kinds of assets. Qualys has a lot of information and it's great to integrate with the Central Management Database.
What needs improvement?
If you're not overly experienced and you're looking for something in their management, it can sometimes be quite difficult because they can move buttons around without sending an update. Previously, if you deployed the Cloud Agent, you could define which tech would be under the agent and where it would be deployed. It now requires some text preparation and the Cloud Agent then downloads the specific profile defined without any indication that this might happen. If you are not using vulnerability management, you are not able to create the correct patch process for all applications stored on the system.
It would be helpful if Qualys would integrate with more systems like ServiceNow, Jira, and so on, to create some tickets and integrate them into the active directory, because each group works differently and if you need to prepare a ticket, it must be defined to a specific group of people. Qualys just created a kit on ServiceNow, but it doesn't have the correct group of people in the active directory.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using this solution for three years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable. If you need more resources they can be added to the backend, depending on the circumstances and requirements. If you are able to deploy in the VMDR licensing, you are able to deploy unlimited virtual active appliances to discounted appliances. It all depends on your resources.
How was the initial setup?
Each customer is different and if you need to deploy a more active virtual process that will affect the implementation. If a customer wants to use policy compliance on their machines that can add to deployment time too. I tend to deploy myself because I'm usually making the POCs of Qualys.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I believe the annual cost is approximately $40 per asset in VMDR, although it also depends on the circumstances. It contains all the features one needs although if you need synchronization with ServiceNow and CMDB, there is an additional cost.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I constantly speak to other companies to find out what they're doing and what the differences are between the different products. My job is to find the best solution for my customers so it's important to know what's on the market.
What other advice do I have?
I rate this solution eight out of 10.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. partner
Reliable solution with good vulnerability management
Pros and Cons
- "Qualys VM's best features are vulnerability management and customizable scoring."
- "Qualys VM's vulnerability scan could be improved, especially the number of CVE numbers it can manage at a time."
What is our primary use case?
I use Qualys VM for vulnerability scanning, enterprise management, web application scanning, and patch deployment.
What is most valuable?
Qualys VM's best features are vulnerability management and customizable scoring.
What needs improvement?
Qualys VM's vulnerability scan could be improved, especially the number of CVE numbers it can manage at a time. It could also be more user-friendly. In the next release, Qualys VM should include threat intelligence and external test service management.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Qualys VM for around six months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Qualys VM is stable and reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Qualys VM is quite easy to scale.
How are customer service and support?
Qualys' customer service could be better.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was not user-friendly.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I evaluated Tenable but chose Qualys VM because of its management features.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Qualys VM eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Information Security Analyst at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
A robust and user-friendly cloud-based service that gives you immediate, global visibility into potential vulnerabilities and threats
Pros and Cons
- "I find Qualys VM very robust, and it's very useful for vulnerability management and patch management. The value that it brings to my environment is economies of scale. There is no limitation on adding any endpoints. You go by the rule, and it's added once another endpoint is added to our environment. It's automatically installed, and it's less work from our end. It frees up my license automatically if I don't need an endpoint or if my machine is decommissioned. I like the dashboard displays because I don't see any duplication. The most important part is vulnerability management and prioritization. Unlike Symantec, it shows the kind of vulnerability I would want to patch first. It provides a holistic view of the kind of vulnerabilities and the ones I should remediate first. I don't have to do a scan; it just brings up those critical kinds of vulnerabilities like zero-day vulnerabilities and tells me to prioritize them. You have to prioritize these vulnerabilities first and go on with the rest. The dashboard shows me the ones that have been fixed, so I don't have to complete an aging report. The user experience and the graphical interface are good. As it's user-friendly and understandable on an executive level, it brings real value. We also use this solution because it's robust and flexibile."
- "The price could be better. Asset view is still a legacy feature. I'm not able to extract the information about the asset with complete details. It would be better if they fixed that in the next release. I know Qualys is already working on it, so I'm hopeful it will be available in the next five or six months. That would be something that's changed where I seek improvement."
What is our primary use case?
We're using the entire suite except for Patch Management. I use Qualys VM for my production environment on Amazon AWS. I also use it for my endpoints and some BDI solutions that require on-premise solutions, and I use it for both.
What is most valuable?
I find Qualys VM very robust, and it's very useful for vulnerability management and patch management. The value that it brings to my environment is economies of scale. There is no limitation on adding any endpoints. You go by the rule, and it's added once another endpoint is added to our environment. It's automatically installed, and it's less work from our end. It frees up my license automatically if I don't need an endpoint or if my machine is decommissioned.
I like the dashboard displays because I don't see any duplication. The most important part is vulnerability management and prioritization. Unlike Symantec, it shows the kind of vulnerability I would want to patch first. It provides a holistic view of the kind of vulnerabilities and the ones I should remediate first.
I don't have to do a scan; it just brings up those critical kinds of vulnerabilities like zero-day vulnerabilities and tells me to prioritize them. You have to prioritize these vulnerabilities first and go on with the rest. The dashboard shows me the ones that have been fixed, so I don't have to complete an aging report.
The user experience and the graphical interface are good. As it's user-friendly and understandable on an executive level, it brings real value. We also use this solution because it's robust and flexibile.
What needs improvement?
The price could be better. Asset view is still a legacy feature. I'm not able to extract the information about the asset with complete details. It would be better if they fixed that in the next release.
I know Qualys is already working on it, so I'm hopeful it will be available in the next five or six months. That would be something that's changed where I seek improvement.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Qualys VM for the past six months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Qualys VM is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Qualys VM is a scalable solution. We currently have about 4500 users in our organization.
How are customer service and support?
Support could be a little bit faster. I haven't been granted access to their support portal, but I have a technical support engineer who's always available, and there is only one person I can talk to. But the problem is if he's absent, I'm left waiting for access to his portal.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I used Symantec before but switched to Qualys VM as there's no limitation to adding endpoints. The other reason everyone moved to Qualys VM was its robustness and flexibility. I think that's something that's there, and there was no hassle in deploying the agent. All I had to do was get these machines that were enrolled in our MDM solutions.
How was the initial setup?
As it's a cloud agent, there wasn't any specific setup. It's also managed centrally by Qualys, and when they always release a new update, all we have to do is push it. So, the maintenance requirement is minimum at best.
What about the implementation team?
We deployed this solution by ourselves.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Qualys VM is quite expensive. It's a subscription-based license, and it's yearly. Right now, it's open for me, and I don't have any limitations or caps on the licenses. They are seeing if the product is viable for 4500 users. I can add as much as I want, and at the end of the subscription, they'll let me know how many licenses were actually used and bill me accordingly.
On a scale from one to five, I would give their pricing a three. It's still expensive.
What other advice do I have?
If you're going for an on-premises solution, you should dive into the POC. Because I wasn't procuring an on-premises solution, it was pretty easy for me, and the support was quite helpful. But if you're going to deploy it on-premises, you should go through a proper procedure of going through the POC and getting to know the product. I would rate it at the top because it's better than Nexpose, it's better than Tenable, and it's better than Symantec.
On a scale from one to ten, I would give Qualys VM an eight.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Product Manager (Journey Expert) - ANZ Deposits at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
Great automatic detection but slow performance
Pros and Cons
- "Qualys VM's most valuable feature is automatic detection."
- "Qualys VM should improve its methodology."
What is our primary use case?
I primarily use Qualys VM to manage vulnerability tickets.
What is most valuable?
Qualys VM's most valuable feature is automatic detection.
What needs improvement?
Qualys VM should improve its methodology.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been working with Qualys VM for six months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Qualys VM is stable but slow.
How are customer service and support?
Qualys' technical support is quite good.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was quite straightforward.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Qualys VM as seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Updated: January 2026
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