KnowBe4 vs Qualys: Complete Comparison (2026)
In comparing KnowBe4 and Qualys in 2026, KnowBe4 is the stronger choice for companies training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks due to best-in-class phishing simulations. Qualys excels for enterprise security teams needing comprehensive vulnerability and compliance scanning with comprehensive vulnerability management. KnowBe4 offers Phishing simulations, Security training, Compliance training starting at $18/user/yr. Qualys provides Vulnerability scanning, Compliance monitoring, Asset inventory from Custom pricing. For teams prioritizing value, KnowBe4 delivers a hiltonsoftware Score of 71/100. KnowBe4 and Qualys compete in the cybersecurity segment of the SaaS market, where cloud-native solutions, API integrations, and workflow automation drive enterprise and SMB adoption. Other leading cybersecurity tools include Okta, 1Password, Cloudflare. KnowBe4 serves 65K+ orgs users globally (founded 2010) while Qualys reports 10K+ orgs active users (founded 1999).
KnowBe4 vs Qualys at a Glance
What are the main differences between KnowBe4 and Qualys?
KnowBe4 and Qualys differ across ease of use, features, value, support, integrations, scalability, and learning curve. KnowBe4 leads in 6 of 7 categories.
What are the pros and cons of KnowBe4 vs Qualys?
Which is better, KnowBe4 or Qualys?
After evaluating KnowBe4 and Qualys across features, pricing, integrations, and user satisfaction, KnowBe4 earns a higher hiltonsoftware Score of 71/100 versus Qualys at 65/100. KnowBe4 stands out for "best-in-class phishing simulations" and "huge training content library". Qualys delivers competitive advantages in "comprehensive vulnerability management", making Qualys a viable alternative.
Neither KnowBe4 nor Qualys offers a free plan. KnowBe4 starts at $18/user/yr and Qualys at Custom pricing.
Bottom line: Choose KnowBe4 for companies training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks. Choose Qualys for enterprise security teams needing comprehensive vulnerability and compliance scanning. Both KnowBe4 and Qualys are established cybersecurity platforms.
Companies training employees to recognize and avoid phishing attacks.
Enterprise security teams needing comprehensive vulnerability and compliance scanning.
KnowBe4 vs Qualys: Frequently Asked Questions
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Reviewed by Elena Kowalski, Security & Enterprise Editor. Last updated: 2026-04-24. Pricing verified: March 2026.
Read our scoring methodology to understand how the hiltonsoftware Score is calculated.