Top 10 DAST Tools: Best Dynamic Application Security Testing Solutions

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced digital world, web applications are prime targets for attackers. While developers strive to write secure code, vulnerabilities often slip through and make it into production. That’s why Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) is critical—it scans running applications in real-world conditions to uncover exploitable flaws like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and misconfigurations.

ZAP (OWASP Zed Attack Proxy)

Strengths: Free, open-source, highly extensible. Ideal for developers and small teams.
Platforms: Works on any OS, integrates via CLI/REST API into pipelines.
Pricing: Free.
Pros: No cost, rich community plugins.
Cons: Needs expertise to configure, manual effort on complex apps.

Jit

Strengths: Cloud-native platform wrapping ZAP with an easy UI and automation. Great for CI/CD.
Platforms: Supports modern stacks and pipelines (GitHub, GitLab, AWS).
Pricing: Starts at ~$50/user/month; free tier for 3 developers.
Pros: Developer-friendly, fast setup, unified security dashboard.
Cons: Relies on ZAP’s core engine, scales cost with team size.

Veracode Dynamic Analysis

Strengths: Enterprise-grade, cloud-based with low false positives and fast setup.
Platforms: Web apps, APIs, SPAs, integrates into CI/CD.
Pricing: Enterprise (custom).
Pros: High accuracy, great reporting, fast onboarding.
Cons: Higher cost, cloud-only scanning.

Detectify

Strengths: SaaS scanner enriched by crowdsourced researcher tests, great for external apps.
Platforms: Internet-facing apps, domains, APIs.
Pricing: From ~€82/month.
Pros: Up-to-date checks, easy to start, good for continuous monitoring.
Cons: SaaS-only, limited for internal networks.

AppCheck

Strengths: Emulates a pen tester, high accuracy, strong API/SPA support.
Platforms: Web apps, GraphQL, SOAP/REST APIs.
Pricing: Custom (typically ~$18,000/year).
Pros: Detailed, actionable reports; low noise.
Cons: Steep learning curve, higher price for small teams.

Spectral

Strengths: Part of Check Point CloudGuard, combines IaC and web security with ML.
Platforms: Web apps, APIs, containers, cloud-native environments.
Pricing: Enterprise (custom).
Pros: Covers code-to-cloud security, AI-driven prioritization.
Cons: DAST is secondary focus, complex pricing.

Escape

Strengths: API-first, business logic flaw detection, API discovery.
Platforms: REST, GraphQL, microservices, SPAs.
Pricing: Tiered SaaS plans (contact for pricing).
Pros: Excellent for API security, low false positives, CI/CD ready.
Cons: Newer in market, less suited for traditional sites.

Invicti (Netsparker)

Strengths: Proof-based DAST with near-zero false positives, broadest feature set.
Platforms: SPAs, REST, SOAP, GraphQL, gRPC; CI/CD integration.
Pricing: Enterprise (custom).
Pros: Highly accurate, enterprise-ready, extensive integrations.
Cons: Premium pricing, feature-rich (steep learning curve).

Checkmarx DAST

Strengths: Part of Checkmarx One platform, combines SAST/SCA insights with DAST.
Platforms: Language-agnostic, web apps/APIs.
Pricing: Enterprise (custom).
Pros: Unified AppSec platform, good for compliance-focused orgs.
Cons: Best fit for Checkmarx users, setup complexity.

Fortify WebInspect

Strengths: Mature enterprise tool with flexible deployment (cloud or on-prem).
Platforms: Web apps, SPAs, authenticated sites.
Pricing: Enterprise (custom).
Pros: Scalable, strong support, good for regulated industries.
Cons: Outdated UI, expensive, requires expertise.

Summary

Each tool offers unique strengths depending on your priorities:

Best Value for Money - OWASP ZAP — Free, open-source, great for smaller teams.

Easiest to Use - Jit — Fast onboarding, developer-friendly UI.

Easiest to Setup - Jit — Automated ZAP deployment with CI/CD in minutes.

Most Feature Rich - Invicti — Proof-based accuracy, broadest tech and integration support.