Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) platforms have become fundamental for safeguarding web applications as digital assets and attack surfaces scale in both size and complexity.
The modern DAST landscape is shaped by increased API adoption, rapid deployment cycles, and the rise of AI-driven vulnerabilities, making 2025 a turning point for intelligent, automated security solutions.
This article presents a comprehensive and SEO-optimized review of the top 10 DAST platforms for 2025, featuring technical evaluation, clear pros and cons, and direct comparison.
Web application threats have evolved significantly, with the majority of breaches today resulting from vulnerabilities in running code exposed by dynamic user interactions and APIs.
DAST platforms are uniquely suited to identify these runtime weaknesses, deliver actionable insights for remediation, and verify security postures across modern environments.
Why Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Platforms In 2025
The explosion of cloud-native apps, APIs, and AI services means threats are no longer static new vulnerabilities and misconfigurations rapidly emerge during runtime.
DAST platforms merge automated, continuous scanning, smart integrations, and threat intelligence, making them indispensable for organizations prioritizing uninterrupted development, regulatory compliance, and risk reduction.
In 2025, leading tools leverage AI, predictive analytics, and continuous monitoring for superior protection, supporting both traditional web architectures and API-first, microservices environments.
Comparison Table: Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Platforms In 2025
Tool Name Verified DASTAPI ScanningCI/CD IntegrationAI CapabilitiesProof-Based DetectionInvicti Yes Yes Yes Yes YesAcunetix Yes Yes YesLimited YesBurp Suite Yes Yes YesLimited YesCheckmarx Yes Yes Yes Yes YesRapid7 Yes Yes Yes Yes YesVeracode Yes Yes Yes Yes YesOpenText Fortify Yes Yes Yes Yes YesIntruder Yes Yes YesLimited YesAstra Security Yes Yes YesLimited YesAikido Security Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
1. Invicti
Invicti
Why We Picked It
Invicti stands out for delivering a DAST-first AppSec platform built for enterprise-scale automation.
Its proof-based scanning technology ensures exploitability confirmation with industry-leading accuracy, drastically reducing false positives and accelerating remediation.
AI-powered features surface complex vulnerabilities and prioritize actionable risks through predictive scoring and in-depth technical reports.
Integration with over 50 developer tools makes Invicti seamless across CI/CD and development pipelines. Native IAST and full API testing covering REST, SOAP, GraphQL, and gRPC ensure coverage of modern architectures.
The platform merges DAST, API Security, SCA, and ASPM, providing unified risk insights in real time.
Invicti is ideal for large organizations needing scale, compliance-driven workflows, and measurable security outcomes.
Specifications
Invicti supports automated scanning at scale and integrates natively with developer toolchains, CI/CD platforms, and ticketing systems.
The engine offers predictive risk modeling, technical remediation guidance, and role-based access management for compliance and large teams.
Scanning covers single-page apps, advanced login mechanisms, and hidden API endpoints.
Invicti achieves 99.98% vulnerability validation using its proprietary scanner, and is upgradable to include SAST/SCA modules from Mend.io for complete AppSec management.
Reason to Buy
Organizations benefit from Invicti’s proof-based results, comprehensive reporting, and regulatory compliance support.
AI-enhanced vulnerability detection addresses real-world and emerging threats, minimizing manual overhead for AppSec teams.
Extensive integrations streamline security testing into SDLC workflows, and multi-policy scanning enables tailored risk management across complex environments.
Features
Invicti delivers proof-based scanning, predictive analytics, native API testing, 50+ integrations, role-based access control, large-scale scheduling, advanced reporting, compliance mapping, and optional SAST/SCA modules.
Its continuous learning engine improves detection of novel web and API threats.
Pros
Superior accuracy, minimal false positives
Deep coverage including modern web tech and APIs
AI-augmented threat prioritization
Compliance and audit-ready reporting
Cons
Higher price point for smaller teams
Complex initial setup for non-technical operators
Best For: Large enterprises, compliance-focused teams, CI/CD workflows
🔗 Try Invicti here → InvictiOfficial Website
2. Acunetix
Acunetix
Why We Picked It
Acunetix delivers powerful DAST and IAST capabilities optimized for SMBs and mid-market organizations needing reliable, granular vulnerability detection.
Its focus on deep web scanning includes advanced crawling and proof-based findings, reducing false positives and supporting compliance programs.
The platform is approachable for mid-sized teams, blending automation with fine-tuned scanning logic suitable for both simple and complex web apps.
Integration options allow Acunetix to fit seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines, while its detailed reports help expedite remediation and compliance documentation.
Comprehensive training resources and technical support are available for onboarding and skill development.
Specifications
Acunetix utilizes dynamic and interactive scanning engines to analyze live web apps, APIs, and password-protected or multi-page forms.
It includes automated vulnerability management, compliance-ready reporting, and CI/CD integration support. The pricing model supports SMB adoption.
Its AcuSensor feature provides IAST-like insights identifying more vulnerabilities inside runtime environments compared to pure black-box scanners.
Reason to Buy
With proof-based validation and extensive vulnerability coverage, Acunetix efficiently meets compliance and remediation needs for organizations that want certainty in their app security.
The platform balances configuration granularity with usability, making accurate testing readily accessible for teams without extensive security expertise.
Features
Automated scanning, IAST-style proof agent, advanced crawl and API discovery, compliance reporting, customizable dashboard, CI/CD and ticketing integration, and support for OpenAPI3, Swagger2, and RAML APIs.
Pros
Intuitive interface and strong reporting
Granular scanning for complex web technologies
Good value for SMBs
Compliance-specific scan modules
Cons
Multi-domain apps require separate configs
Limited AI and automation depth compared to enterprise platforms
Best For: SMBs, compliance-driven programs, technical security analysts
🔗 Try Acunetix here → AcunetixOfficial Website
3. PortSwigger (Burp Suite)
PortSwigger (Burp Suite)
Why We Picked It
Burp Suite DAST provides scalable enterprise scanning, reputable for minimizing false positives and maximizing operational efficiency across complex portfolios.
Automation capabilities extend from basic web scanning to continuous and out-of-band testing, targeting web apps, APIs, and advanced login flows.
Burp’s deep integration into CI/CD and reporting tools supports DevSecOps, and its role-based access model makes it a fit for organizations scaling development and security teams.
The platform is well-recognized for flexibility, scheduling, and bulk scan operation.
Specifications
Server-deployed, accessed via a web interface and REST API, Burp Suite DAST supports extreme scalability and multi-user management.
Automated scanning modules are configurable for target navigation and privileged areas, including SPAs and API endpoints with OpenAPI, Swagger, and Postman support.
Advanced scan modes balance depth and speed, with scalable parallel scans across portfolios.
Reason to Buy
Burp Suite DAST is a top choice for automated, scheduled scanning needs while delivering robust reporting, compliance, and CI/CD-friendly integration for web application teams.
Organizations benefit from broad portfolio coverage and operational flexibility.
Features
Automated and scalable scanning, API scanning, advanced browser navigation, continuous schedule, CI/CD integration, OAST capabilities, and customizable reporting with broad format support.
Pros
Highly scalable architecture
Bulk scheduling and automation
Deep API and SPA scan support
Industry low false positives
Cons
Steeper learning curve for initial setup
Separate licensing needed for some features
Best For: Enterprise teams, DevSecOps environments, high-volume scanning
🔗 Try Burp Suite here → BurpSuiteOfficial Website
4. Checkmarx
Checkmarx
Why We Picked It
Checkmarx offers a unified security testing experience with effortless setup and actionable insights, making it suitable for both developer-centric and compliance-driven security teams.
The platform’s integration with AI and ASPM ensures ongoing risk prioritization and the ability to streamline scans into CI/CD pipelines.
Comprehensive API security and advanced authentication flows set Checkmarx apart for organizations dealing with interconnected web applications.
The streamlined interface expedites onboarding, offering immediate value through automated configuration and clear vulnerability mapping.
Specifications
Checkmarx DAST supports real-time analysis, full SDLC integration, browser-based and automated authentication, API security scanning (REST, SOAP, gRPC), and risk-based vulnerability scoring.
Compliance mapping and detailed reporting make it suitable for regulated industries.
Reason to Buy
Organizations seeking actionable, risk-based insights benefit from Checkmarx’s ability to prioritize and automate discovery and remediation, blending coverage with operational simplicity.
Features
Effortless authentication recording, multi-environment API scanning, CI/CD automation, unified compliance mapping, centralized reporting, advanced analytics.
Pros
Unified platform with SAST/DAST
Smart authentication and API testing
Risk-based prioritization
Fast onboarding
Cons
Feature depth may require premium licensing
Custom API scan flows require scripting
Best For: DevSecOps teams, complex API environments, regulated industries
🔗 Try Checkmarx here → CheckmarxOfficial Website
5. Rapid7
Rapid7
Why We Picked It
Rapid7 InsightAppSec reimagines vulnerability management for hybrid and AI-powered applications, integrating threat intelligence with exposure command for context-rich remediation.
New features include advanced LLM scanning for AI-powered threats, developer-centric reporting, and seamless cloud-to-code visibility.
Automated pre-production testing extends coverage to internal web apps on closed networks for organizations needing layered security assurance.
Specifications
Rapid7 provides black-box testing and universal translation for modern web, mobile, and cloud APIs.
The platform supports advanced dashboard customization, SOAR integration, and context-driven risk scoring. LLM-specific test modules address prompt injection and AI app risks.
Reason to Buy
Organizations deploying both legacy and GenAI-based applications benefit from Rapid7’s focus on new attack surfaces and intelligent remediation workflows that reduce operational overhead
Features
Cloud-native architecture, universal translator, LLM security modules, SOAR escalation, hybrid scan engine, customizable reporting.
Pros
AI-powered scanning and risk prioritization
Hybrid app and cloud support
In-depth developer reporting
Integrated exposure and remediation management
Cons
Custom pricing may be costlier for SMBs
Feature set may be overwhelming for small teams
Best For: Enterprise, cloud-native, and GenAI-powered application security
🔗 Try Rapid7 here → Rapid7Official Website
6. Veracode
Veracode
Why We Picked It
Veracode’s cloud-native platform stands out for rapid onboarding, automated scanning, and actionable results with industry-low false positive rates.
Real-time feedback, flexible scheduling, and granular scan management are ideal for companies needing both depth and scale in their security program.
The unified dashboard visualizes AppSec status and remediation priorities across dynamic assets and APIs. Integrations allow for continuous security throughout development and deployment.
Specifications
Automated DAST and API scanning, multi-environment support, AI-based login script creation, centralized risk dashboard, and compliance reporting.
Platform scales from single web apps to hundreds of assets across internal and external environments.
Reason to Buy
Speed, scalability, and <5% false positive rates make Veracode a reliable choice for security teams needing trusted, automated protection and actionable remediation insights.
Features
Cloud-native scan engine, developer-centric feedback, API/endpoint coverage, compliance mapping, multi-faceted insights, flexible scan scheduling.
Pros
Quick start onboarding
Low false positive rate
Scalable scanning for large portfolios
Excellent developer feedback integration
Cons
Advanced features require enterprise licensing
Custom reporting may require additional configuration
Best For: Large-scale portfolios, automated scan environments, developer security teams
🔗 Try Veracode here → VeracodeOfficial Website
7. OpenText (Fortify)
OpenText (Fortify)
Why We Picked It
OpenText Fortify DAST merges in-depth web application scanning with event-based macro recording and advanced multi-policy scans, suitable for organizations needing flexibility and precision.
Its intelligent engines customize attacks based on app structure, offering real-time audit and crawl logic.
Composite settings allow for tailored configurations, marrying traditional and AI-driven assessment across service-oriented architectures.
Specifications
Supports composite scan settings, multi-policy scanning, modern authentication flows, expanded gRPC and OpenAPI/YAML API coverage, customizable reporting, and event-driven macro recorder.
Reason to Buy
OpenText Fortify’s flexible configuration, advanced multi-service and API scanning, and compliance reporting make it indispensable for teams handling complex or regulated environments.
Features
Macro recording, gRPC/REST/SOAP API scan, event-driven configuration, composite scan settings, customizable user agents, multi-format reporting.
Pros
Versatile scan configurations
Supports advanced authentication workflows
Comprehensive vulnerability database
Detailed remediation and prevention guidance
Cons
Complex configuration for new users
Premium support required for custom setups
Best For: Regulated sectors, APIs, organizations with complex authentication needs
🔗 Try Fortify here → FortifyOfficial Website
8. Intruder
Intruder
Why We Picked It
Intruder delivers automated attack surface management and DAST scanning focusing on simplicity, continuous monitoring, and deep integration with DevOps and issue trackers.
Combining commercial and open-source engines, it efficiently identifies known vulnerabilities and configuration weaknesses for SMBs and lean security teams.
Specifications
Cloud-based, easy-to-configure, integrates with CI/CD and ticketing systems, and offers continuous asset monitoring. Supports authenticated and unauthenticated web app scanning.
Reason to Buy
Intruder’s straightforward setup, automated vulnerability scanning, and prioritization make it ideal for smaller organizations or those seeking low-overhead security management.
Features
Continuous scanning, asset monitoring, API integration, DevOps pipeline connection, consolidated reporting, multi-engine scan logic.
Pros
Easy to deploy and operate
Simple pricing for SMBs
High-level automation
Reporting for auditors and customers
Cons
Limited advanced and AI features
May not scale for large enterprise needs
Best For: SMBs, low-overhead teams, automated monitoring
🔗 Try Intruder here → IntruderOfficial Website
9. Astra Security
Astra Security
Why We Picked It
Astra Security blends automated vulnerability scanning with manual pentesting and AI-first defensive strategies, providing a 360° view of security posture and continuous proactive insights.
The platform supports more than 10,000 security checks per scan and targets known vulnerabilities as well as custom exploits.
Specifications
Intelligent scanner, manual pentest augmentation, real-time reporting, and compliance-driven scan options. Designed to simplify findings interpretation and empower both security experts and business users.
Reason to Buy
Astra Security simplifies security for organizations needing actionable, interpretable results and manual expert guidance on top of automated DAST scanning.
Features
AI-driven security posture management, automated scanner, manual pentesting support, compliance modules, continuous reporting, proactive defensive checks.
Pros
Hybrid automation/manual approach
Continuous defensive scanning
Compliance-friendly reporting
Cons
Limited enterprise-scale built-in integrations
Full manual pentest coverage may incur extra cost
Best For: SMBs, hybrid automation/manual security workflows
🔗 Try Astra Security here → AstraSecurityOfficial Website
10. Aikido Security
Aikido Security
Why We Picked It
Aikido Security unifies SAST and DAST scanning, offering developer-friendly, context-aware vulnerability identification and AI-powered autofix features.
It’s designed for “no-nonsense security” that integrates directly with developer workflows (CI/CD, IDEs, GitHub, Slack) and provides one-click remediation for typical findings.
Automated API discovery, authenticated scans, and actionable advice distinguish the platform for collaborative security teams.
Specifications
Cloud-based, auto-remediation engine, GDPR/OWASP risk prioritization, REST/GraphQL API scan, developer tool integrations, continuous scan scheduling.
Reason to Buy
Developer-centric organizations benefit from real-time feedback as part of daily workflows, AI-generated fixes, and high accessibility for both lean and enterprise teams.
Features
Unified dashboard, context-aware DAST/SAST scans, automated API scan/discovery, authenticated scan, Slack/Email alerts, auto-remediation.
Pros
Instant actionable findings
Highly integrated developer experience
AI-powered autofix
Systematic coverage for APIs and front-end
Cons
Custom enterprise modules may require extra setup
Rapid remediation may omit deep manual analysis
Best For: Developer teams, CI/CD integration, API-heavy applications
🔗 Try Aikido Security here → AikidoSecurityOfficial Website
Conclusion
Choosing the best DAST platform in 2025 means balancing automation, integration, API and cloud coverage, proof-based validation, and AI-driven insights for sustainable web security.
Invicti, Acunetix, and Burp Suite deliver enterprise-grade automation and accuracy; Checkmarx and Veracode excel in unified, API-ready workflows; Rapid7 and Fortify add compliance and risk intelligence; Intruder, Astra, and Aikido provide agile, developer-friendly experiences for lean teams.
As attack surfaces expand, these platforms deliver essential protection for organizations of any scale and digital maturity.
The post Top 10 Best Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) Platforms in 2025 appeared first on Cyber Security News.
