Feature Comparison: Scanning Capabilities

Both tools provide comprehensive vulnerability scanning, but implementation details reveal important differences. ZAP's active scanner includes over 90 scan rules covering the OWASP Top 10 and beyond, with all features available in the free version. Scan policies are fully customizable, allowing fine-tuned testing for specific vulnerability classes. The scanner operates at full speed without artificial throttling, limited only by target application capacity and configured thread counts.

Burp Suite Professional offers a sophisticated scanner with excellent vulnerability detection. However, the Community edition severely limits scanning capabilities—active scanning is completely disabled, leaving only manual testing features. This limitation makes the free version unsuitable for comprehensive security testing. Even Professional edition users report that optimal results require additional manual configuration and testing, suggesting the scanner alone doesn't justify the price difference.

Passive scanning capabilities show similar patterns. ZAP's passive scanner analyzes all proxied traffic in real-time, identifying issues like missing security headers, information disclosure, and weak cryptography without sending additional requests. This feature operates at full capacity in the free version. Burp Suite Community edition includes basic passive scanning but lacks many advanced detection capabilities reserved for paid versions.