Top 10 DAST Tools

A DAST tool or DAST scanning tool is a specialized software designed to identify vulnerabilities in applications while they are running. It actively interacts with the application during its execution to detect potential security flaws. This blog explores the best DAST tools, their importance for organizations, key factors in selecting the right API protection tool, and the top DAST Tools.

Let’s get started!

What are DAST Tools?

Image Source

DAST tools are essential for identifying security vulnerabilities in web applications and APIs while they are actively running. These tools mimic actual attacks to identify possible vulnerabilities that could be targeted by harmful entities.

DAST tools start with the web application crawling automatically. In that process, they inject different forms of inputs, such as specific characters or scripts in forms, simulating an attacker's behavior when attacking vulnerabilities.

Based on attack simulations and traffic analysis, DAST tools identify weak points in the web application, including poor coding practices, configuration errors, or logical faults that attackers could exploit.

Why Do Organizations Need DAST Tools?

In today's rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, organizations must prioritize robust security testing for their web applications. Let's explore the key reasons why DAST scanning tools have become an essential component of modern security testing strategies.

Here are more compelling reasons to include DAST tools in the web application testing regime:

Identify security vulnerabilities in web applications

DAST tools function as advanced scanning assistants that detect vulnerabilities hackers could exploit to access web applications. Threat modeling helps address security deficiencies and ensure organizations eliminate vulnerabilities proactively.

Simulate realistic attacks

Dynamic Application Security Testing tools mimic real-world scenarios of how attackers may find and exploit vulnerabilities in web applications. This simulation is essential in identifying possible attack paths and determining effective remediation measures.

Mitigate security breach risks

Given the prevalence of web application attacks, organizations should use Dynamic Application Security Testing tools to reduce the risk of security data breaches. By addressing vulnerabilities that DAST identifies, organizations protect sensitive information and maintain customer and stakeholder trust.

Ensure compliance with security standards

Many industries require adherence to strict security regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. DAST tools help organizations meet these requirements by identifying compliance gaps and providing actionable insights to address them effectively.

Improve DevSecOps integration

This integration will enable application security engineers to include DAST tools into the DevSecOps pipeline to enable continuous testing and vulnerability detection during the development phase, which reduces the remediation cost and ensures a safe web application deployment.

How to choose the right DAST Tool?

Choosing the right DAST tool is important for improving application security and solving problems effectively. Understanding important factors such as compatibility, scalability, and integration can help security engineers make informed decisions that match the objectives of their organization.

Understand the application environment

When selecting a DAST tool, ensure that such a tool is compatible with the technologies and frameworks utilised by the security team involved, be it APIs, web applications, or a microservice. A tool that works on the required conditions ensures thoroughness and accuracy in vulnerability scans.

Evaluate scalability

An effective DAST tool must withstand growing application needs and the load. It should retain performance and accuracy even when the number of apps or the complexity of environments grows.

Check integration capabilities

The tool should interact seamlessly with existing security and development workflows, such as CI/CD pipelines and version control systems. This makes it possible to include vulnerability detection throughout the development lifecycle.

Concentrate on ease of use

An intuitive interface must be used to effectively manage vulnerabilities, making a DAST solution easier to configure for scans, results analysis, and actionable reporting that would help security engineers respond quicker.

Evaluate reporting features

Reporting features are essential when choosing the correct Dynamic Application Security Testing tool. Security teams need detailed reports that categorize vulnerabilities by severity and provide clear solutions to prioritize and address essential concerns effectively.

10 Best DAST Tools in 2025

1. Akto API Security Platform - Comprehensive API Security and testing platform

2. Burp Suite - Application security testing software

3. OWASP ZAP - Web Application Scanner

4. Veracode - Cloud based Application security platform

5. Netsparker - Web vulnerability management tool

6. Acunetix - Web Application and API security scanner

7. AppSpider - Dynamic application security testing solution

8. HCL AppScan - Advanced Application Security testing solution

9. WebInspect - Dynamic application security testing tool

10. Qualys WAS - Web Application Scanning & API Security solution

With organizations increasingly focusing on cybersecurity, the right security testing tools have become more important. Let's explore the list of DAST tools that can help secure web applications through comprehensive vulnerability assessment and testing.

1. Akto API Security Platform

Akto is one of the best DAST tools, which provides full security test capabilities and integrates well with any development pipeline. It ensures that the development process detects vulnerabilities early, keeping the application secure. Its features include automated scanning, real-time detection of vulnerability, detailed reporting, and ease in integration with CI/CD workflows.

Pricing

Image Source

Akto provides flexible pricing options to suit the needs of different organizations:

• Free Plan: This plan is ideal for anyone looking to try out some of Akto's features or simply conduct light API security testing. It supports up to 25 API endpoints per month and allows 12,500 tests per month. With limited scalability, this plan suits early-stage developers or organizations exploring API security without significant costs.

• Professional Plan: Targeted at growing businesses with moderate API security needs, this plan costs $490 per month. It accommodates up to 100 API endpoints and allows up to 200,000 tests per month. This tier includes features that help automate API security processes for mid-sized teams, offering a balance between affordability and functionality.

• Enterprise Plan: Designed for large-scale enterprises with complex and critical API security demands, this plan offers advanced customization options, enhanced scalability, and premium features. Although security engineers can request pricing for this plan, the plan is tailored to organizations that require extensive API testing capabilities and robust support.

2. Burp Suite

Image Source

Burp Suite has dominant features in the DAST landscape, including powerful scanning capability, wide customization options, and robust vulnerability detection. Most security engineers rely on this tool for interactive scanning with manual testing capabilities for exploiting security flaws.

Burp Suite provides advanced functions including spidering, intruder, repeater, sequencer, and extender in addition to performing comprehensive security evaluations by security engineers. There are also several extensions that improve its features.

Pricing

Burp Suite offers two primary editions, Professional and Enterprise, each tailored to different security testing needs. Burp Suite Professional is designed for hands-on security testers and penetration testers. Burp Suite offers it through an annual subscription priced at $449 per user. Each user needs a personal subscription since they do not allow sharing by several users.

They design Burp Suite Enterprise Edition for organizations that require scalable, automated scanning across many applications. This edition supports unlimited users per license, and they base pricing on specific scanning requirements and the number of websites to secure. For more detailed pricing information, organizations should contact PortSwigger directly to receive a quote tailored to their needs.

3. OWASP ZAP

Image Source

OWASP ZAP excels in terms of providing the user with an easily understandable interface, continuous updates, and large numbers of plugins that expand the security test functionality. Also, it can carry out an automated as well as a manual scan for security scanning. This supports both passive and active scanning, spidering, fuzzing, and scripting. Additionally, the OWASP ZAP will integrate with popular development tools and CI/CD pipelines that ensure security testing goes throughout the entire development cycle with no friction.

Pricing

OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) is free and free of licensing fees. A full feature set of ZAP can be downloaded and used for free, making it free for individual and organizational usage in their quest to strengthen web application security.

4. Veracode

Image Source

The most impressive thing about Veracode is that it has a cloud-based platform, deep scanning capabilities, and detailed reporting features to help security teams identify and fix vulnerabilities. It also integrates well with various development tools, giving real-time feedback and ensuring continuous security assessment.

The key features of Veracode include static and dynamic analysis and software composition analysis. It also provides minute remediation guidance and allows for a full dashboard monitor of application security.

Pricing

Veracode does not publicly disclose specific pricing information on its official website. Pricing for Veracode's application security solutions varies based on elements such as the size of the organization, the number of applications to be scanned, and the specific services required. To receive a customized quote that meets with the organization's needs, teams can request a quote directly through Veracode's official channels.

5. Netsparker

Image Source

Netsparker delivers accurate vulnerability detection with its advanced scanning engine, automation features, and seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines. Its unique proof-based scanning approach reduces false positives, enabling security engineers to focus on real security threats.

The key features include automated crawling, vulnerability confirmation, comprehensive reporting, and support for a wide variety of web technologies. Netsparker also offers a friendly user interface and integration with issue-tracking systems.

Pricing

Invicti, formerly Netsparker, has customized pricing for its web application security scanner according to the particular needs of every organization. To get an accurate price quotation, one is supposed to contact Invicti from their website directly as they have a sales team who can provide a custom quote according to the requirements of the organization.

6. Acunetix

Image Source

Acunetix is a comprehensive security testing solution with advanced scanning algorithms, interactive reporting, and easy integration with development workflows. It offers detailed vulnerability assessments and actionable insights to enhance application security.

The key features are automated scanning, advanced crawling, and integration with popular CI/CD tools. Acunetix also supports a range of authentication methods, plus offers a detailed dashboard to monitor the security status.

Pricing

Acunetix provides custom pricing depending on the requirements of the organization. The team is likely to pay based on the number of websites, web applications, and APIs that need to be scanned. It is possible to get a custom quote to fit the requirements by contacting Acunetix directly using their pricing page.

7. AppSpider

Image Source

AppSpider stands out with dynamic scan capabilities, interactive testing functionalities, and detailed reporting, which aids security engineers in tackling security problems accordingly. It also supports multi-audit method authentication for some applications that security engineers test accordingly.

It features automated and manual testing, comprehensive vulnerability detection, detailed reporting, and integration with CI/CD pipelines. AppSpider also has a user-friendly interface and has good documentation to make it easy to use.

Pricing

Image Source

Rapid7's AppSpider does not provide publicly available specific pricing information. However, Rapid7 has a set of security products with clear starting prices. One example is the InsightAppSec solution that provides security testing for web applications starting at $175 per month per application. To get an up-to-date and precise price for AppSpider, one can refer to Rapid7 for further information. They will quote based on the specific needs and requirements of the organization.

8. HCL AppScan

Image Source

HCL AppScan provides robust scanning capabilities, integrations with all types of development tools, and great reporting features. It includes automated scanning, vulnerability management, detailed reporting, and integration with several popular development tools. HCL AppScan supports multiple languages and frameworks, allowing for an application environment of any diversification.

Pricing

Image Source

HCL AppScan offers a complete range of application security testing solutions, with different pricing structures depending on the deployment models and the needs of an organization. For example, HCL AppScan on Cloud has a pay-per-scan option that costs $268.97 USD per scan. A minimum purchase of five scans is required, which gives a one-year subscription.

For other items within the AppScan range, including HCL AppScan Standard, Enterprise, and Source, they do not publicly announce the specific price. These prices are rather a function of the number of users, the deployment size, and the specific needs of an organization.

To obtain pricing that is accurate and suitable for the organization's specific needs, organizations should contact HCL Software directly or get in touch with an authorized HCL AppScan reseller. They can give precise quotations based on the particular requirements of the organization.

9. WebInspect

Image Source

WebInspect is outstanding due to its scanning engine's depth, detailed vulnerability report, and seamless integration into the security operations center. The application supports a wide variety of technologies and frameworks that could be used in enterprise-level security testing.

The key features include automated scanning, advanced crawling, detailed reporting, and integration with popular development tools. WebInspect also provides continuous monitoring and real-time alerts to ensure proactive security management.

Pricing

Micro Focus does not have public pricing information on their website for Fortify WebInspect. Factors such as the scale of deployment, licensing model, and organizational requirements determine the cost of this dynamic application security testing tool.

To get the most accurate and tailored pricing, it is advisable to contact Micro Focus directly or an authorized reseller. They can give a quote tailored to the organization's specific needs and budget considerations.

Akto’s Recommendation

While WebInspect delivers exceptional scanning capabilities, Akto complements it by providing automated API discovery and mapping shadow APIs, which are often overlooked during traditional scanning processes. Additionally, Akto’s runtime vulnerability detection ensures real-time identification of issues like misconfigurations and broken object-level authorization (BOLA), addressing API-specific security concerns that WebInspect might not prioritize.

10. Qualys WAS

Image Source

Qualys WAS provides the cloud-based platform, broad scanning abilities, and extensive reporting to enable an organization to better discover and reduce risks. Real-time alerts accompany continuous monitoring to help a company in its proactive management of security. The key features include automated scanning, detailed reporting, integration with popular development tools, and support for various web technologies. Qualys WAS also offers a user-friendly interface and extensive documentation for ease of use.

Pricing

Several factors, such as the number of web applications, IP addresses, and user licenses required, determine the pricing for Qualys WAS. Qualys offers flexible subscription plans, depending on the needs of organizations, ranging from small business enterprises to large enterprises. Qualys tailors security packages to small businesses' unique needs and provides a low total cost of ownership with flexible pricing. Such packages include features such as vulnerability management, detection and response, patch management, and endpoint security. To obtain a precise quote tailored to the organization's specific requirements, it's recommended to contact Qualys directly.

Final Thoughts

Utilizing the DAST technologies will ensure the application security. The solutions listed above can solve a wide range of security challenges, from web apps and APIs to enterprise-level applications. These DAST tools meet a variety of organizational demands, including real-time scanning, easy integration, and in-depth vulnerability research.

Akto API Security Platform distinguishes itself in API-driven applications with real-time vulnerability detection and smooth integration into DevSecOps workflows. Akto's proactive approach to API security guarantees that it constantly secures applications against potential attacks, making it an excellent solution for modern organizations wishing to improve their security posture. Schedule a Demo Now!

Important Links

• Top 10 API Security Tools

• Top 10 API Security Testing Tools

• Top 10 API Discovery Tools

• API Discovery Solutions