Quick Overview
- 1#1: Qualys - Provides cloud-based vulnerability scanning, asset discovery, and continuous compliance monitoring specifically for PCI DSS requirements.
- 2#2: Tenable - Offers vulnerability management, exposure analysis, and Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) services to ensure PCI DSS compliance.
- 3#3: Rapid7 InsightVM - Delivers risk-based vulnerability management and remediation tracking to meet PCI DSS security controls.
- 4#4: Trustwave TrustKeeper - Automates PCI DSS compliance validation, scanning, and reporting through a unified dashboard for merchants and service providers.
- 5#5: SecurityMetrics - Simplifies PCI DSS compliance for small businesses with scanning, training, and quarterly reporting tools.
- 6#6: Splunk Enterprise Security - Provides SIEM capabilities for log management, threat detection, and audit reporting required by PCI DSS.
- 7#7: Tripwire Enterprise - Monitors file integrity, configuration changes, and system security to support PCI DSS controls 7 and 11.
- 8#8: IBM QRadar - Delivers SIEM and SOAR for real-time monitoring, incident response, and PCI DSS logging compliance.
- 9#9: OneTrust - Manages governance, risk, and compliance programs including PCI DSS policy mapping and evidence collection.
- 10#10: Drata - Automates continuous PCI DSS compliance monitoring, evidence gathering, and audit readiness workflows.
Tools were ranked based on their ability to address key PCI DSS requirements, deliver robust features (including continuous monitoring, reporting, and vulnerability management), offer intuitive interfaces, and provide strong value, ensuring suitability for businesses of all sizes and operational needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading PCI DSS compliance software, featuring tools like Qualys, Tenable, Rapid7 InsightVM, Trustwave TrustKeeper, and SecurityMetrics, to highlight their key attributes. Readers will gain clarity on each solution's strengths, ease of use, and suitability for various business needs, aiding in informed selection.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qualys Provides cloud-based vulnerability scanning, asset discovery, and continuous compliance monitoring specifically for PCI DSS requirements. | enterprise | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Tenable Offers vulnerability management, exposure analysis, and Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) services to ensure PCI DSS compliance. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Rapid7 InsightVM Delivers risk-based vulnerability management and remediation tracking to meet PCI DSS security controls. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Trustwave TrustKeeper Automates PCI DSS compliance validation, scanning, and reporting through a unified dashboard for merchants and service providers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | SecurityMetrics Simplifies PCI DSS compliance for small businesses with scanning, training, and quarterly reporting tools. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Splunk Enterprise Security Provides SIEM capabilities for log management, threat detection, and audit reporting required by PCI DSS. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Tripwire Enterprise Monitors file integrity, configuration changes, and system security to support PCI DSS controls 7 and 11. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | IBM QRadar Delivers SIEM and SOAR for real-time monitoring, incident response, and PCI DSS logging compliance. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | OneTrust Manages governance, risk, and compliance programs including PCI DSS policy mapping and evidence collection. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | Drata Automates continuous PCI DSS compliance monitoring, evidence gathering, and audit readiness workflows. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
Provides cloud-based vulnerability scanning, asset discovery, and continuous compliance monitoring specifically for PCI DSS requirements.
Offers vulnerability management, exposure analysis, and Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) services to ensure PCI DSS compliance.
Delivers risk-based vulnerability management and remediation tracking to meet PCI DSS security controls.
Automates PCI DSS compliance validation, scanning, and reporting through a unified dashboard for merchants and service providers.
Simplifies PCI DSS compliance for small businesses with scanning, training, and quarterly reporting tools.
Provides SIEM capabilities for log management, threat detection, and audit reporting required by PCI DSS.
Monitors file integrity, configuration changes, and system security to support PCI DSS controls 7 and 11.
Delivers SIEM and SOAR for real-time monitoring, incident response, and PCI DSS logging compliance.
Manages governance, risk, and compliance programs including PCI DSS policy mapping and evidence collection.
Automates continuous PCI DSS compliance monitoring, evidence gathering, and audit readiness workflows.
Qualys
enterpriseProvides cloud-based vulnerability scanning, asset discovery, and continuous compliance monitoring specifically for PCI DSS requirements.
Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) status with automated quarterly external vulnerability scans and PCI-specific compliance reports for Req. 11.2 validation.
Qualys is a cloud-native security and compliance platform specializing in vulnerability management and PCI DSS compliance. It offers asset discovery, continuous scanning, configuration assessment, and automated reporting to meet PCI DSS requirements like quarterly external scans (Req. 11.2). As an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV), Qualys provides validated scans, remediation tracking, and dashboards for maintaining compliance across hybrid environments.
Pros
- ASV-approved scans for official PCI DSS validation
- Comprehensive coverage of all PCI requirements with continuous monitoring
- Scalable cloud platform with deep integrations (SIEM, ticketing)
Cons
- High cost for small organizations
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Relies on internet connectivity for full functionality
Best For
Large enterprises and merchants processing high volumes of cardholder data needing robust, scalable PCI DSS compliance and vulnerability management.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing per asset/user, typically starting at $3,000-$10,000 annually for PCI modules, scaling with scan volume and features.
Tenable
enterpriseOffers vulnerability management, exposure analysis, and Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) services to ensure PCI DSS compliance.
ASV-approved external scanning with automated PCI DSS compliance reports and control mapping
Tenable offers a robust vulnerability management platform, including Tenable.io (now Tenable One) and Nessus, designed to support PCI DSS compliance through automated vulnerability scanning, asset discovery, and risk prioritization across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. It provides PCI-specific dashboards, pre-configured scans for quarterly ASV requirements, and detailed compliance reports that map findings to PCI DSS controls like requirement 6 (vulnerability management) and 11 (scanning). As an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV), Tenable delivers external scan validations essential for maintaining compliance certification.
Pros
- Extensive vulnerability database with over 190,000 plugins for comprehensive PCI-relevant scanning
- PCI DSS-specific reporting and automated workflows for audit readiness
- Scalable exposure management with VPR prioritization to focus on high-risk PCI assets
Cons
- Enterprise pricing can be high for smaller organizations
- Initial setup and agent deployment may require technical expertise
- Scan performance can be resource-intensive on large networks
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex PCI environments needing scalable, ASV-approved vulnerability management and compliance reporting.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at ~$2,500/year for basic Nessus, scaling to $100K+ for full Tenable One platforms based on assets scanned and modules.
Rapid7 InsightVM
enterpriseDelivers risk-based vulnerability management and remediation tracking to meet PCI DSS security controls.
Real Risk scoring that dynamically prioritizes vulnerabilities based on live threat intelligence and business impact for efficient PCI DSS remediation.
Rapid7 InsightVM is a comprehensive vulnerability risk management platform designed to discover assets, assess vulnerabilities, prioritize risks, and track remediation across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. It excels in providing actionable insights through its Real Risk scoring, which goes beyond CVSS to factor in exploitability and business context, making it highly suitable for PCI DSS Requirement 6 on vulnerability management. The tool offers customizable dashboards, automated reporting, and integrations with ticketing systems to support ongoing compliance audits and quarterly scans mandated by PCI DSS.
Pros
- Advanced Real Risk prioritization tailored for compliance workflows
- Robust reporting and export capabilities for PCI DSS audits
- Seamless integrations with SIEM, ITSM, and orchestration tools
Cons
- High cost, especially for smaller environments
- Steep learning curve for advanced configuration and custom rules
- Scan performance can strain resources in large deployments
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with complex, distributed IT environments requiring scalable vulnerability management for PCI DSS compliance.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at approximately $2,000-$5,000 per asset/year, scaling with volume and advanced features.
Trustwave TrustKeeper
specializedAutomates PCI DSS compliance validation, scanning, and reporting through a unified dashboard for merchants and service providers.
ASV-approved external vulnerability scans with automated Quarterly Scan Reports (QSRs) submitted to PCI SSC
Trustwave TrustKeeper is a SaaS platform specializing in vulnerability management and PCI DSS compliance, acting as an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) for quarterly external scans. It provides a centralized dashboard for scan scheduling, automated reporting, remediation workflows, and compliance attestations submitted directly to the PCI SSC. The tool integrates threat intelligence from Trustwave's SpiderLabs to prioritize risks, helping organizations maintain continuous compliance.
Pros
- ASV-certified scanning with direct PCI Council submission
- Robust remediation guidance and asset management
- Integrated threat intelligence for risk prioritization
Cons
- Pricing scales steeply with asset volume
- Primarily scan-focused, less comprehensive for full PCI automation
- Occasional delays in scan processing reported by users
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing reliable ASV scans and vulnerability management for PCI DSS requirements.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting at ~$5,000/year for basic plans, scaling with IPs scanned and features.
SecurityMetrics
specializedSimplifies PCI DSS compliance for small businesses with scanning, training, and quarterly reporting tools.
Automated quarterly ASV scans with one-click compliance reports and remediation tracking
SecurityMetrics is a specialized PCI DSS compliance platform offering automated vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) tools to help merchants and service providers achieve and maintain compliance. As an Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV), it provides quarterly external scans, a compliance dashboard for tracking remediation, and access to Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs) for guidance and validation. The service streamlines evidence collection and reporting, making it easier for businesses handling cardholder data to meet PCI standards without extensive in-house expertise.
Pros
- Comprehensive ASV scanning and penetration testing
- Responsive 24/7 support from PCI experts
- Scalable solutions for merchants of all levels
Cons
- User interface feels somewhat dated and clunky
- Pricing escalates for higher-volume merchants
- Primarily PCI-focused with limited multi-framework support
Best For
Small to mid-sized merchants and service providers seeking reliable, hands-off PCI DSS scanning and validation.
Pricing
Starts at $129/year for basic quarterly scans; $300+ for penetration testing and advanced services, tiered by merchant level and transaction volume.
Splunk Enterprise Security
enterpriseProvides SIEM capabilities for log management, threat detection, and audit reporting required by PCI DSS.
PCI DSS Content Pack with 50+ pre-built use cases, automated reports, and risk-based alerting for continuous compliance monitoring
Splunk Enterprise Security (ES) is a leading SIEM platform that collects, analyzes, and visualizes machine data from across IT environments to detect threats and ensure compliance. For PCI DSS, it provides pre-built content packs including dashboards, reports, and correlation searches aligned with PCI requirements like log monitoring, access control, and vulnerability management. It enables real-time monitoring of cardholder data environments (CDE), automated compliance reporting, and incident response workflows to maintain audit readiness.
Pros
- Comprehensive PCI DSS-specific dashboards, reports, and correlation searches for requirements 10 and 11
- Scalable analytics with machine learning for threat detection in CDE
- Deep integrations with security tools and threat intelligence feeds
Cons
- Steep learning curve for SPL queries and configuration
- High costs based on data volume ingestion
- Resource-intensive deployment requiring significant hardware
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, distributed cardholder data environments needing advanced SIEM for PCI DSS compliance and SOC operations.
Pricing
Licensed by daily data ingest (typically $150-$300/GB/day/year for Enterprise + ES premium; custom quotes start at $10,000+/month for mid-sized deployments)
Tripwire Enterprise
enterpriseMonitors file integrity, configuration changes, and system security to support PCI DSS controls 7 and 11.
Advanced baseline integrity checking with behavioral analysis to differentiate legitimate from unauthorized changes
Tripwire Enterprise is a robust file integrity monitoring (FIM) and configuration management solution designed to detect unauthorized changes across IT environments. It supports PCI DSS compliance through automated monitoring of critical files, systems, and configurations, generating audit-ready reports for requirements like 11.5 (FIM) and 10 (access logging). The platform also includes vulnerability management and policy enforcement to maintain secure baselines and reduce compliance risks.
Pros
- Exceptional file integrity monitoring with precise change detection for PCI DSS Req 11.5
- Comprehensive compliance reporting and evidence collection for audits
- Scalable architecture suitable for large enterprise deployments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and policy configuration
- Premium pricing that may not suit smaller organizations
- Deployment can be resource-intensive in complex environments
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises with extensive IT infrastructures requiring reliable FIM for ongoing PCI DSS compliance.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing based on assets monitored; typically starts at $20,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments.
IBM QRadar
enterpriseDelivers SIEM and SOAR for real-time monitoring, incident response, and PCI DSS logging compliance.
Universal DSM ecosystem enabling seamless ingestion and correlation of logs from thousands of PCI-relevant devices and applications
IBM QRadar is a comprehensive SIEM platform that aggregates, correlates, and analyzes security events from diverse sources in real-time to detect threats and ensure compliance. For PCI DSS, it excels in log management (Requirement 10), vulnerability assessment, continuous monitoring, and automated reporting to protect cardholder data environments. Its advanced analytics and offense prioritization help organizations respond to incidents efficiently while generating audit-ready reports.
Pros
- Extensive support for over 1,000 device types via DSMs for superior log normalization
- AI-driven analytics and threat intelligence for proactive PCI DSS monitoring
- Robust compliance reporting and dashboards tailored to PCI requirements
Cons
- Complex deployment and configuration requiring skilled administrators
- High costs for licensing, hardware, and ongoing maintenance
- Resource-intensive performance demands significant infrastructure
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, hybrid environments seeking enterprise-grade SIEM for PCI DSS compliance and threat detection.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starts at around $50,000 annually, scaling with events-per-second (EPS) volume, storage, and add-ons like XDR modules.
OneTrust
enterpriseManages governance, risk, and compliance programs including PCI DSS policy mapping and evidence collection.
AI-driven continuous monitoring and risk intelligence for proactive PCI DSS control validation
OneTrust is a comprehensive governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) platform that supports PCI DSS compliance through automated policy management, third-party risk assessments, data mapping, and continuous control monitoring. It helps organizations identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with payment card data handling across their ecosystem. The platform integrates with existing security tools to provide real-time compliance insights and reporting for PCI DSS requirements like network security, access controls, and vulnerability management.
Pros
- Extensive automation for assessments and workflows tailored to PCI DSS controls
- Strong third-party and vendor risk management essential for PCI scope expansion
- Scalable integrations with SIEM, IAM, and other security tools for holistic compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its enterprise-scale complexity
- High implementation time and costs for full deployment
- Overkill for organizations solely focused on PCI DSS without broader GRC needs
Best For
Large enterprises handling complex supply chains and multiple regulatory frameworks including PCI DSS.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on modules, users, and customization.
Drata
enterpriseAutomates continuous PCI DSS compliance monitoring, evidence gathering, and audit readiness workflows.
Real-time continuous control monitoring with automated remediation workflows
Drata is a compliance automation platform that supports PCI DSS compliance by continuously monitoring controls, automating evidence collection, and providing audit-ready reports. It integrates with over 100 cloud services and tools to map PCI requirements to organizational assets, reducing manual effort in scoping and validation. Ideal for teams managing multiple frameworks, Drata offers real-time dashboards and risk management features to maintain ongoing compliance posture.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with cloud providers for seamless PCI control monitoring
- Automated evidence gathering and audit trail generation saves significant time
- Multi-framework support including PCI DSS alongside SOC 2 and ISO 27001
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller organizations
- Initial setup requires detailed scoping and configuration
- Customization options for complex PCI environments may need professional services
Best For
Mid-sized SaaS and fintech companies seeking automated PCI DSS compliance within a broader GRC strategy.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing typically starting at $15,000-$25,000 annually, based on employee count, controls monitored, and integrations.
Conclusion
Choosing the right PCI DSS compliance software is a critical step for any organization, and the reviewed tools showcase diverse strengths to meet varying needs. Leading the pack, Qualys excels with its cloud-based approach, combining vulnerability scanning, asset discovery, and continuous monitoring to align closely with PCI requirements. Tenable and Rapid7 InsightVM follow as strong alternatives, offering robust vulnerability management and risk-based tools that cater to different operational priorities.
Take the first step toward streamlined compliance by exploring Qualys—its comprehensive features make it a top choice for organizations aiming to simplify and strengthen their PCI DSS adherence.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison