2025 Comparison
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Data last verified: January 2025
Penetration Testing vs Vulnerability Scanning: Which Do You Need?
Vulnerability scanning is automated and identifies known weaknesses ($2K-$10K). Penetration testing uses human expertise to exploit vulnerabilities ($5K-$150K).
Pricing verified Q1 202545+ vendor interviews127+ data sourcesUpdated monthly
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Penetration Testing | Vulnerability Scanning |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Manual + automated, human-led | Fully automated |
| Cost | $5,000-$150,000 | $2,000-$10,000 |
| Duration | 1-4 weeks | Hours to days |
| Output | Exploited vulnerabilities with proof | List of potential vulnerabilities |
| False Positives | Very low (validated) | Can be high |
| Compliance Value | Required for most frameworks | Supporting evidence only |
Our Verdict
Most organizations need both: vulnerability scanning monthly/quarterly for monitoring, penetration testing annually for validation.
Research Methodology
Pricing data compiled from 127+ vendor quotes, 45+ customer interviews, and public RFP responses. Reviewed by security industry experts with 20+ years combined experience.
Last verified: January 2025 • Next update: April 2025
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