Introduction
Application Security Testing (AST) platforms are specialized software solutions designed to find and fix security vulnerabilities in computer programs. These platforms generally use two main methods: Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST). SAST tools look at the application’s source code while it is not running (like an editor checking a book for errors), while DAST tools test the application while it is active (like a test driver checking a car on the road). Together, they help developers ensure that their software is safe from hackers who might try to steal data or crash the system.
In today’s digital world, software is the backbone of almost every business. Whether it is a mobile banking app or a healthcare portal, these applications handle sensitive personal information every second. This makes them a prime target for cybercriminals. Application Security Testing platforms are vital because they allow companies to find “holes” in their security before a criminal does. By automating the search for common mistakes—such as poorly protected passwords or “backdoors”—these platforms save companies from the massive financial and reputational damage that follows a data breach.
Real-world use cases for these platforms include checking a new website for weaknesses before it goes live, scanning a mobile app for privacy issues, and ensuring that third-party code used in a project is safe. When choosing a platform, you should evaluate it based on how many programming languages it supports, how accurately it finds real problems without reporting “fake” ones (false positives), and how well it integrates into the tools your developers already use every day.
Best for: These tools are essential for software developers, security engineers, and IT managers. They are a perfect fit for companies of all sizes, especially those in the finance, healthcare, and e-commerce industries that must follow strict security laws.
Not ideal for: They may not be necessary for very simple, non-connected projects like a basic offline calculator or a personal hobby site that does not handle any user data. In those cases, a simple manual code review is often enough.
Top 10 Application Security Testing (SAST/DAST) Platforms Tools
1 — Veracode
Veracode is a comprehensive, cloud-native security platform designed to provide a “single pane of glass” view for all application security needs. It is built for large organizations that need to manage security across thousands of applications simultaneously.
Key features:
- Offers a unified platform for SAST, DAST, and Software Composition Analysis (SCA).
- Provides a “Pipeline Scan” that gives developers feedback in seconds.
- Includes “Security Labs” to help train developers on how to fix the bugs found.
- Features a high-level executive dashboard for tracking security scores over time.
- Supports a massive variety of programming languages and frameworks.
- Offers automated fix suggestions to speed up the repair process.
Pros:
- It is extremely scalable, making it a top choice for global corporations.
- Because it is cloud-based, there is no expensive hardware for you to maintain.
- The reporting is very professional and meets many legal compliance needs.
Cons:
- The full suite can be quite expensive for smaller businesses.
- The scanning process for very large projects can sometimes take a while.
Security & compliance: SSO, encryption, audit logs, SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and HIPAA compliant.
Support & community: Excellent documentation, 24/7 technical support, and a very active community of security experts.
2 — Checkmarx
Checkmarx is a leader in the security space, known specifically for its powerful SAST capabilities. It is designed to sit directly inside the developer’s workflow, catching security mistakes as they are being typed.
Key features:
- “Checkmarx One” platform combines SAST, DAST, and API security.
- Deep integration with popular coding environments like VS Code and IntelliJ.
- “KICS” (Keeping Infrastructure as Code Secure) finds flaws in cloud setups.
- Specialized scanning for mobile applications and modern APIs.
- Visual “Attack Path” maps that show exactly how a hacker could exploit a bug.
- Real-time feedback for developers during the coding process.
Pros:
- It is widely considered to have one of the best SAST engines in the industry.
- It is great at finding complex vulnerabilities that span multiple files.
- The developer experience is very smooth and does not feel “interruptive.”
Cons:
- Setting up the initial configuration can be complex for new users.
- It can sometimes report “false positives” that require manual checking.
Security & compliance: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA compliant.
Support & community: High-quality documentation, professional onboarding, and a dedicated customer success team.
3 — Snyk
Snyk is a modern security platform that focuses on “Developer-First” security. It is designed to be extremely easy for programmers to use, making security a natural part of building software rather than a separate, boring task.
Key features:
- Lightning-fast SAST engine that scans code as you write.
- Deep focus on Software Composition Analysis (SCA) to find bugs in “open-source” code.
- Automatic “Fix PRs” that create the code changes needed to repair a bug.
- Specialized tools for securing “Containers” and cloud-native apps.
- Integrates perfectly with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket.
- Simple, colorful interface that is easy for non-security people to read.
Pros:
- It is probably the easiest tool to set up and start using immediately.
- The focus on fixing bugs (not just finding them) saves a huge amount of time.
- It has a very generous free tier for small teams and open-source projects.
Cons:
- Its DAST features are not as deep or advanced as some other “heavy” platforms.
- It may lack some of the very complex reporting required by government agencies.
Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, GDPR, and SSO support.
Support & community: Fantastic online community, huge library of tutorial videos, and great free training courses.
4 — Fortify (by OpenText)
Fortify is one of the oldest and most respected names in the security industry. It offers incredibly deep and detailed scanning that is often the “gold standard” for companies with very high security requirements.
Key features:
- Available as both a cloud service and a “on-premise” software for your own servers.
- “Fortify Static Code Analyzer” supports over 30 different programming languages.
- “WebInspect” provides high-powered DAST scanning for complex websites.
- Deep integration with the software “building” process (CI/CD pipelines).
- Comprehensive compliance reporting for almost every major legal standard.
- Advanced AI that helps reduce the number of false alarms.
Pros:
- It is extremely thorough and finds issues that many other tools miss.
- It is highly customizable, allowing you to create your own security rules.
- It is perfect for organizations that are not allowed to use the “public cloud.”
Cons:
- It is very technical and can be difficult for a beginner to use.
- It can be slower than more modern, lightweight tools like Snyk.
Security & compliance: FIPS 140-2, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO certifications.
Support & community: Extensive enterprise-level support and a long history of professional documentation.
5 — Burp Suite (by PortSwigger)
Burp Suite is the most famous tool in the world for “Pentesting” (ethical hacking). While it is primarily a DAST tool, it is the favorite choice for security experts who want to manually test an application’s defenses.
Key features:
- Industry-leading web vulnerability scanner that finds “Top 10” risks like SQL injection.
- “Proxy” tool that allows a human to see and change every message the app sends.
- Extensive library of “BApp” extensions to add new features.
- Automated “scheduled” scanning for continuous security checks.
- Deep integration with the browser for easy manual testing.
- “Burp Suite Enterprise” for companies that want to automate everything.
Pros:
- It is the absolute best tool for finding complex logic flaws in a website.
- There is a massive community of experts who share tips and tricks.
- It is very reasonably priced for the amount of power it provides.
Cons:
- It is very much a “pro” tool and is not designed for regular developers.
- It does not provide SAST (source code) scanning.
Security & compliance: Varies (Enterprise version supports SSO and audit logs).
Support & community: The largest community of web security experts in the world and excellent online guides.
6 — SonarQube
SonarQube is a tool that many developers already use to check the “quality” of their code (like making sure it isn’t messy). It has added powerful security features to help teams find bugs and safety risks at the same time.
Key features:
- Scans for “Code Smells,” “Bugs,” and “Vulnerabilities” in one go.
- Provides a very clear “Quality Gate” that prevents unsafe code from being finished.
- Supports over 30 programming languages.
- Visual “Security Hotspots” that show developers which parts of the code are risky.
- Integrates directly into the “Pull Request” process in GitHub or GitLab.
- Offers a free, open-source version for small teams.
Pros:
- Developers love it because it helps them write cleaner, better code.
- It is very easy to read and provides a simple “A” through “F” grade for security.
- It is very affordable compared to most dedicated security platforms.
Cons:
- Its security scanning is not as deep as a specialized tool like Fortify or Checkmarx.
- The DAST capabilities are very limited or non-existent.
Security & compliance: Varies (Enterprise and Data Center versions support SSO and audit logs).
Support & community: Enormous open-source community and very detailed online documentation.
7 — Invicti (formerly Netsparker)
Invicti is a DAST-focused platform that prides itself on being “Dead Accurate.” It uses a special technology to automatically “prove” that a bug is real, so your developers don’t waste time on fake alerts.
Key features:
- “Proof-Based Scanning” actually exploits a bug in a safe way to prove it exists.
- Automatically finds every website and API your company has (even the ones you forgot).
- Scans everything from modern “Single Page Apps” to old-fashioned websites.
- Integrates with ticketing systems like Jira to send bugs directly to developers.
- Provides detailed “how-to-fix” instructions for every problem found.
- Scalable engine that can scan hundreds of sites at the same time.
Pros:
- The “Zero False Positives” promise saves hours of boring manual checking.
- It is very good at finding “Shadow IT”—websites you didn’t know were active.
- It is very easy to use for people who are not security experts.
Cons:
- It is primarily a DAST tool, so it doesn’t see inside your source code.
- It can be expensive if you have a very large number of websites to scan.
Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and HIPAA compliant.
Support & community: Very responsive customer support and excellent onboarding for new teams.
8 — Rapid7 InsightAppSec
Rapid7 is a major name in general cybersecurity, and their InsightAppSec tool is a powerful DAST solution that focuses on being fast and easy to manage for large companies.
Key features:
- Cloud-based DAST that can scan websites sitting behind your company’s firewall.
- Over 90 different attack types are tested automatically.
- “Replay” feature allows developers to see exactly how a bug was found.
- Clear “Compliance” reports for PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and more.
- Universal translator that understands modern JavaScript frameworks.
- Integrates with the rest of the Rapid7 “Insight” platform.
Pros:
- It is very good at explaining bugs in a way that developers can understand.
- The “all-in-one” platform is great for companies that want to manage all security in one place.
- It is very stable and reliable for high-volume scanning.
Cons:
- It does not include SAST (code scanning) as part of this specific tool.
- Some users find the interface a bit “corporate” and less modern.
Security & compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001 compliant.
Support & community: Professional 24/7 support and a very large network of security partners.
9 — Contrast Security
Contrast Security is unique because it uses a method called IAST (Interactive Application Security Testing). It works like a “security camera” inside the application while it is running, watching for bad behavior from the inside out.
Key features:
- “Contrast Assess” provides real-time security testing during normal use.
- “Contrast Protect” can actually block attacks in real-time on your live site.
- Does not require a “slow scan”—security info is gathered while the app is being used.
- Extremely low “false positive” rate because it sees exactly how the code is running.
- Works perfectly with modern “DevOps” and fast-moving software teams.
- Automatically creates a “Bill of Materials” for all your open-source code.
Pros:
- It is very fast because there is no separate “scan time” to wait for.
- It provides much more accurate info than regular DAST tools.
- It is excellent for protecting applications that are already live.
Cons:
- It requires you to install a small “agent” inside your application code.
- It only works for specific programming languages (like Java, .NET, and Python).
Security & compliance: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and HIPAA compliant.
Support & community: High-quality engineering support and very clear technical guides.
10 — HCL AppScan
HCL AppScan is a veteran in the security world, offering a full range of SAST, DAST, and IAST tools. It is known for its ability to handle very complex enterprise applications that other tools struggle to understand.
Key features:
- Complete suite of tools including AppScan Standard (DAST) and AppScan Source (SAST).
- “Incremental” scanning that only checks the parts of the code you changed.
- Powerful “Static Analysis” that can find very deep and hidden logic bugs.
- Specialized scanning for mobile apps (both Android and iOS).
- Built-in machine learning to help prioritize which bugs are the most dangerous.
- Comprehensive reports for every major global security standard.
Pros:
- It is incredibly powerful and handles the largest enterprise apps with ease.
- It provides a very high level of detail for security researchers.
- It is a very stable and long-term solution for serious businesses.
Cons:
- The interface can feel a bit old and complex for modern developers.
- It usually requires a team of security experts to get the most out of it.
Security & compliance: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA compliant.
Support & community: Enterprise-grade support and a long history of professional training.
Comparison Table
| Tool Name | Best For | Platform(s) Supported | Standout Feature | Rating |
| Veracode | Large Enterprises | Cloud / SaaS | Unified SAST/DAST/SCA | High |
| Checkmarx | Security Experts | Cloud / On-Prem | Visual Attack Paths | High |
| Snyk | Modern Developers | Cloud / SaaS | Auto-Fix PRs | High |
| Fortify | Gov / High Security | Cloud / On-Prem | Deepest scanning depth | High |
| Burp Suite | Ethical Hackers | Windows / Mac | Manual Testing Proxy | High |
| SonarQube | Code Quality Teams | Cloud / On-Prem | Clean Code + Security | High |
| Invicti | Accuracy / Speed | Cloud / SaaS | Proof-Based Scanning | High |
| Rapid7 | IT/Security Teams | Cloud / SaaS | Rapid Attack Replay | N/A |
| Contrast | Real-time Safety | Agent-based | Inside-out IAST | N/A |
| HCL AppScan | Enterprise Apps | Cloud / On-Prem | Incremental Scanning | N/A |
Evaluation & Scoring of AST Platforms
The following scores are based on a weighted rubric. A score of 100 means the tool is perfect in that specific area. Note that “Developer-First” tools score higher on ease of use, while “Enterprise” tools score higher on feature depth.
| Category (Weight) | Snyk / SonarQube | Veracode / Fortify | Burp Suite / Invicti |
| Core features (25%) | 80 | 98 | 92 |
| Ease of use (15%) | 95 | 65 | 75 |
| Integrations (15%) | 98 | 85 | 80 |
| Security & compliance (10%) | 85 | 100 | 90 |
| Performance (10%) | 95 | 70 | 85 |
| Support & community (10%) | 90 | 95 | 98 |
| Price / value (15%) | 95 | 70 | 85 |
| Total Weighted Score | 90 | 85 | 87 |
Which Application Security Testing Tool Is Right for You?
Choosing the right platform depends on your company’s size, budget, and who will actually be using the tool.
Solo Users vs SMB vs Mid-Market vs Enterprise
If you are a solo developer or a small business (SMB), you should look for simplicity. Snyk or SonarQube are fantastic because they don’t require you to be a security expert to understand the results. For mid-market companies that are growing quickly, Invicti or Contrast Security provide the accuracy needed to keep moving fast. Large enterprises with complex rules should choose a heavy-duty platform like Veracode, Checkmarx, or Fortify, as these tools are built to handle the scale and compliance needs of a giant corporation.
Budget-Conscious vs Premium Solutions
If you have a limited budget, start with the free versions of SonarQube or Snyk. They provide excellent value for zero cost. If you have a larger budget and need to protect a high-value application (like a banking site), it is worth paying for a premium solution like Veracode or Checkmarx to get the deepest possible scanning.
Feature Depth vs Ease of Use
If you want a tool that “just works” and gives developers clear instructions on how to fix things, Snyk is the winner. If you want a tool that will find every possible tiny risk, even if it’s hard to use, Fortify or HCL AppScan are the right choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between SAST and DAST?
SAST looks at the code while it is sitting still (Static). DAST tests the application while it is running and active (Dynamic). You usually need both to be fully safe.
Which tool is the easiest for beginners?
Snyk and SonarQube are widely considered the easiest for non-security people to start with.
Are these tools expensive?
Some have free versions, but professional plans for businesses can range from $50 a month to many thousands of dollars per year depending on the number of apps you have.
Can these tools find all security bugs?
No tool is perfect. They find the most common and dangerous mistakes, but a human security expert is still very helpful for finding complex logic errors.
What are “False Positives”?
This is when a security tool reports a “bug” that isn’t actually a problem. Good tools like Invicti try to keep these as low as possible.
Do I need to install anything on my computer?
Many modern tools are “SaaS,” meaning they run in the cloud and you don’t need to install anything. Some older enterprise tools require you to install software on your own servers.
Can these tools check my mobile apps?
Yes, platforms like Checkmarx, Veracode, and HCL AppScan have special features for scanning iPhone and Android apps.
How often should I run a security scan?
Ideally, you should run a scan every time you change your code. Most modern tools allow you to do this automatically.
What is “Software Composition Analysis” (SCA)?
This is a feature that looks for bugs in the “libraries” or “open-source” code that your app uses, rather than the code you wrote yourself.
Is it safe to put my code into a cloud security tool?
Yes, leading companies like Snyk and Veracode use high-level encryption and security to ensure that your source code stays private and safe.
Conclusion
Application security is not a “one-time” task; it is a continuous journey. Choosing the right SAST/DAST platform is a huge step toward making your software safe and your customers happy. There is no single “best” tool for everyone. If you are a developer who wants speed, Snyk is your best partner. If you are an enterprise that needs deep compliance, Veracode or Fortify are the industry leaders. If you are a security expert, Burp Suite is likely already in your toolkit.
The most important thing is to pick a tool that your team will actually use. By bringing security testing into your daily workflow, you can catch mistakes early, save money, and build a reputation for quality and trust. Remember, a safe application is a successful application.