Invicti vs Wordfence Security
Invicti and Wordfence Security serve different market segments. Your organization's size, budget, and security requirements will determine which is the better fit.
Note: Invicti and Wordfence Security target different market segments. This comparison highlights the trade-offs between solutions designed for different organizational sizes.
Overview
Invicti and Wordfence Security are both popular web application firewall solutions. This comparison will help you understand the key differences and choose the right one for your needs.
Application security testing platform offering DAST and IAST scanning. Formerly Netsparker. Products include Invicti (enterprise DAST) and Acunetix (SMB DAST). Not a WAF, but a vulnerability scanner that finds the vulnerabilities WAFs protect against. OWASP Gold sponsor. Proof-based scanning reduces false positives. Custom enterprise pricing.
The most popular WordPress security plugin with endpoint firewall, malware scanner, and login security protecting over 5 million sites worldwide.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Invicti | Wordfence Security |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Custom (enterprise, annual contract) | Freemium (Free tier + paid subscriptions) |
| Ease of Use | 3.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.3/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Support | 4.0/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Platforms | Scans any web application accessible via HTTP/HTTPS. Supports REST APIs, GraphQL, SOAP, single-page applications (React, Angular, Vue), and traditional server-rendered applications. On-premises scanner available for internal applications. | WordPress (self-hosted) |
| Compliance | SOC 2 Type 2, helps with PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, GDPR compliance scanning | Contact vendor |
Pricing Comparison
Invicti
Model: Custom (enterprise, annual contract)
Acunetix (SMB)
Custom (starts ~$4,500/year)
Invicti (Enterprise)
Custom (annual contract)
Wordfence Security
Model: Freemium (Free tier + paid subscriptions)
Free Tier AvailableFree
$0
Premium
$149/year (~$12.42/month)
Care
$590/year (~$49.17/month)
Response
$1,250/year (~$104.17/month)
Features Comparison
Invicti
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Proof-Based Scanning
When a vulnerability is found, Invicti attempts to safely exploit it and provides concrete proof. For SQL injection, it extracts actual data. For file inclusion, it reads a specific file. This eliminates the false positive problem that plagues most security scanners.
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DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing)
Tests running web applications by sending crafted HTTP requests and analyzing responses. Finds SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, file inclusion, authentication flaws, and other OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities in production or staging environments.
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IAST (Interactive Application Security Testing)
Instruments the application at runtime to provide deeper vulnerability detection. Combines external scanning with internal application visibility. Finds vulnerabilities that pure DAST scanning might miss, such as insecure deserialization or business logic flaws.
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API Security Testing
Scans REST APIs, GraphQL endpoints, and SOAP services. Imports API definitions (OpenAPI/Swagger, WSDL, GraphQL schemas) and tests all endpoints for vulnerabilities. Critical for modern applications where APIs are the primary attack surface.
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CI/CD Pipeline Integration
Integrates with Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, and other CI/CD platforms. Automatically scans applications as part of the deployment pipeline. Fails builds if critical vulnerabilities are found.
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WAF Rule Export
Exports discovered vulnerabilities as WAF rules that can be imported into WAF products. Creates targeted virtual patches for specific vulnerabilities found during scanning. Bridges the gap between vulnerability discovery and runtime mitigation.
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Compliance Reporting
Generates compliance reports mapped to PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and OWASP Top 10 requirements. Useful for demonstrating due diligence during audits and regulatory reviews.
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Single-Page Application Support
Full support for scanning modern JavaScript applications built with React, Angular, or Vue. Invicti executes JavaScript, interacts with dynamic page elements, and discovers application states that traditional crawlers miss.
Wordfence Security
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Endpoint Firewall (WAF)
Application-level firewall running within WordPress with deep visibility into user sessions and access levels.
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Malware Scanner
Scans core files, themes, and plugins for malware, backdoors, SEO spam, and code injections.
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Threat Defense Feed
Continuously updated firewall rules, malware signatures, and IP blocklist based on global threat intelligence.
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Login Security
Two-factor authentication, login CAPTCHA, limit login attempts, and leaked password protection.
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Live Traffic
Real-time view of all traffic including hack attempts, with ability to block by IP, country, or pattern.
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Country Blocking
Block traffic from specific countries known for originating attacks (Premium feature).
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Security Audit Log
Tamper-proof log tracking all security events across your site (Premium feature).
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Vulnerability Database
Access to database of 12,000+ WordPress ecosystem vulnerabilities with scanner integration.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
Invicti
- You need: Enterprise security teams evaluating WAF effectiveness against actual application vulnerabilities. DevSecOps teams wanting automated vulnerability scanning in CI/CD pipelines. Organizations needing compliance scanning for PCI DSS, HIPAA, or ISO 27001. Security consultants performing application security assessments.
- You're using: Scans any web application accessible via HTTP/HTTPS. Supports REST APIs, GraphQL, SOAP, single-page applications (React, Angular, Vue), and traditional server-rendered applications. On-premises scanner available for internal applications.
Wordfence Security
- You need: WordPress site owners, bloggers, small businesses on WordPress, WooCommerce stores, WordPress agencies managing multiple sites
- You want to start with a free tier
- You're using: WordPress (self-hosted)
We recommend evaluating both options with a trial or free tier before committing. Consider your existing infrastructure, team expertise, compliance requirements, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for startups: Invicti or Wordfence Security?
Wordfence Security offers a free tier while Invicti does not, making Wordfence Security more accessible for budget-conscious startups. Wordfence Security scores higher for ease of use (4.7/5), which is valuable for smaller teams. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which has better support: Invicti or Wordfence Security?
Wordfence Security has a higher support rating (4.2/5) compared to Invicti (4.0/5). However, support quality can vary based on your plan tier - enterprise customers typically receive more responsive support from both providers. Consider evaluating support during a trial period.
Which is easier to implement: Invicti or Wordfence Security?
Wordfence Security scores higher for ease of use (4.7/5) versus Invicti (3.5/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Invicti or Wordfence Security?
Wordfence Security offers a free tier while Invicti requires a paid plan. Wordfence Security scores higher for value (4.5/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for WordPress: Invicti or Wordfence Security?
Wordfence Security is particularly well-suited for WordPress with specialized features. For WordPress-specific threats like plugin vulnerabilities and brute force attacks, look for providers with WordPress-specific rule sets.