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12 Best DevSecOps Tools Shortlist

After a thorough evaluation, I've handpicked these for my top shortlist of best DevSecOps tools, with deeper explanations of each one below:

  1. Edge Delta - Best for real-time observability and analytics
  2. mabl - Best for AI-driven end-to-end testing
  3. Headlessforms - Best for creating form endpoints in minutes
  4. Datadog - Best for full-stack application monitoring
  5. GitLab - Best for comprehensive CI/CD in a single application
  6. New Relic - Best for performance engineering and analysis
  7. Flosum - Best for Salesforce-specific DevOps
  8. Octopus Deploy - Best for automated deployments for .NET applications
  9. VMware - Best for managing a multi-cloud environment
  10. Wiz IaC Scanning - Best for identifying risks in Infrastructure as Code
  11. Sysdig - Best for container and Kubernetes security
  12. Honeycomb - Best for observability and debugging in production systems

In the demanding world of web application security, I rely on open-source DevSecOps tools. What do they do? These tools integrate programming languages and Static Application Security Testing (SAST) to target security vulnerabilities, providing threat modeling and remediation.

What is a DevSecOps Tool?

A DevSecOps tool is a specialized software designed to integrate and automate security within the DevOps process, creating an absolute collaboration between development and operations teams. Typically used by developers, IT professionals, and security experts, these tools help to proactively vulnerability scanning, manage security risks, and ensure compliance in an increasingly complex and threat-prone digital environment.

Their use extends to fostering secure coding practices, managing software supply chains, monitoring web applications and infrastructure in real-time, and responding swiftly to security incidents. With these tools, you'll gain a robust security platform with Software Composition Analysis (SCA), static code analysis, and access control that ensures code quality while warding off cybersecurity malware. By placing security at the heart of software development and deployment, DevSecOps tools empower teams to create robust, secure products while maintaining the speed and efficiency of DevOps workflows.

Overview of the 12 Best DevSecOps Tools

1. Edge Delta - Best for real-time observability and analytics

A photo focused on the log search tab of the tool Edge Delta.
The log search option of Edge Delta provides a comprehensive graph and list of logs monitored inside.

Edge Delta is a cutting-edge DevSecOps tool with real-time observability and analytics powered by machine learning. Get immediate insights into your system's performance and security.

Why I Picked Edge Delta:

Edge Delta delivers a powerful solution for observability and analytics that sets it apart. It harnesses real-time data to give you insight into your DevOps processes. I chose it for the list due to its exceptional capacity to handle massive volumes of data with minimal latency, enabling instant response to potential issues. It shines as the best for real-time observability and analytics, as its performance-focused design ensures timely and accurate insight.

Standout features & integrations:

Edge Delta boasts the ability to process and analyze data at the source, a unique feature that can drastically reduce costs and time for data transport and storage. Its autonomous monitoring capability also canenables you to pinpoint issues swiftly and reliably. For integrations, it stands strong with major data platforms such as AWS, Azure, GCP, and more, providing a highly compatible solution that fits into diverse technological ecosystems.

Pricing:

From $10/user/month (billed annually)

Pros:

  • Efficient real-time analytics
  • Autonomous monitoring capability
  • Broad compatibility with major data platforms

Cons:

  • Requires a steep learning curve for new users
  • The cost may be higher for smaller DevSecOps teams
  • Customization options can be overwhelming

2. mabl - Best for AI-driven end-to-end testing

A screenshot of the test automation elements in the tool Mabl.
Test automation in Mabl goes through different sets of elements to provide cohesive automations. Take a look at a screenshot of the details when processing a test automation.

mabl is an intelligent end-to-end test automation platform that offers AI-driven testing capabilities. As the solution is equipped with machine learning algorithms, it proves highly effective at managing and executing complex testing scenarios, justifying its standing as the best for AI-driven end-to-end testing.

Why I Picked mabl:

In my evaluation, mabl stood out for its innovative application of AI to the testing landscape. I chose mabl because it allows teams to create, execute, and maintain reliable tests quickly. What makes it unique is its use of machine learning to adapt tests as your application evolves - this feature truly justifies its place as the best for AI-driven end-to-end testing.

Standout features & integrations:

mabl's AI learning capabilities truly set it apart - it auto-heals tests, meaning they evolve with your application, saving significant time during the testing phase. Furthermore, its easy-to-read test output helps users identify issues quickly. On the integration front, mabl plays well with others, providing integration with popular CI/CD and IDE tools such as Jenkins, Bamboo, CircleCI, and more.

Pricing:

From $59/user/month (billed annually)

Pros:

  • Intelligent auto-healing tests
  • Extensive integration capabilities
  • Clear and useful test output

Cons:

  • Could be pricey for small teams
  • Requires learning to fully utilize AI capabilities
  • Limited capabilities for performance testing

3. Headlessforms - Best for creating form endpoints in minutes

A screenshot of the form builder feature for Headlessforms.
Here's a screenshot of the form builder inside Headlessforms.

Headlessforms is a specialized tool that helps developers quickly set up form endpoints. This ability to facilitate speedy form creation makes it an optimal choice for tasks requiring swift form integration, cementing its place as the best for creating form endpoints in minutes.

Why I Picked Headlessforms:

When it comes to setting up forms, speed and reliability matter, that’s why I picked Headlessforms. Its emphasis on rapid-form endpoint creation makes it a standout. This tool does a specific job well, which is why it's best for anyone needing to create form endpoints in record time.

Standout features & integrations:

Headlessforms offers a streamlined form creation process that bypasses server setup, a huge timesaver. It also delivers robust spam filtering features, an essential open-source component of any form tool. For integrations, Headlessforms shines by providing webhooks that can easily connect with any of your existing systems.

Pricing:

From $10/user/month

Pros:

  • Swift form endpoint creation
  • Strong spam filtering
  • Versatile webhooks for integrations

Cons:

  • Limited to form-related tasks
  • Might be overkill for occasional form creators
  • Lack of advanced customization options

4. Datadog - Best for full-stack application monitoring

A photo of the customizable dashboard made for the tool Datadog.
Datadog's dashboard is customizable, making it easier when organizing your screen for your DevSecOps needs.

Datadog is a powerful tool designed to provide extensive full-stack application monitoring. With its in-depth insights across your entire stack, it firmly earns the title of the best comprehensive application surveillance tool.

Why I Picked Datadog:

I chose Datadog for its unmatched ability to delve deep into every layer of your applications. Its breadth of monitoring capabilities stands out, uniquely suited for teams seeking a thorough understanding of their entire stack. That's why it's the best for full-stack application monitoring.

Standout features & integrations:

Datadog offers real-time performance dashboards, extensive automation, and advanced alerting capabilities. These features empower you to stay proactive about potential issues. On the integration front, Datadog supports many platforms, including AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, and many more, ensuring compatibility with your existing infrastructure.

Pricing:

From $15/user/month (billed annually)

Pros:

  • Comprehensive full-stack monitoring
  • Extensive automation features
  • Wide range of integrations

Cons:

  • Can be complex for beginners
  • Higher cost compared to some alternatives
  • Can be overwhelming due to the sheer volume of data

5. GitLab - Best for comprehensive CI/CD in a single application

A photo focused on the visual dashboard of GitLab.
GitLab’s visual dashboard lets you view your pipelines in one place.

GitLab offers a unified platform for managing the entire DevOps lifecycle in one application, with special attention given to robust CI/CD capabilities. It consolidates source code base management, CI/CD, and security into a single, efficient workflow, thereby earning the distinction of being the best for comprehensive CI/CD within a single application.

Why I Picked GitLab:

I selected GitLab for its impressive ability to integrate numerous aspects of the DevOps lifecycle into one platform. This distinctive quality of streamlining varied tasks sets it apart from other tools. Moreover, its excellent CI/CD capabilities make it the prime choice for teams seeking to enhance their deployment process within a single application.

Standout features & integrations:

GitLab provides features like automated testing, multi-cloud deployments, and security scanning, all contributing to more efficient CI/CD practices. It also integrates with popular tools like Kubernetes, Docker, and Prometheus, supporting effective and diverse tech stack implementation.

Pricing:

From $19/user/month (billed annually)

Pros:

  • Consolidated CI/CD process
  • Wide range of security features
  • Extensive integration support

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • Higher cost for premium features
  • Complex UI can be intimidating

6. New Relic - Best for performance engineering and analysis

A screenshot displaying the APM dashboard of New Relic.
Take a look at how the APM dashboard of New Relic looks like, keeping track of application performances.

New Relic is a tool that offers observability and real-time analytics to help developers and operations teams understand, debug, and improve the performance of their applications. Its strong focus on performance analysis and engineering excels at helping teams refine and maintain high-quality, high-performance applications.

Why I Picked New Relic:

I picked New Relic due to its robust suite of features aimed at performance analysis, including detailed analytics and flexible data visualizations. This tool offers real-time insights for developers to quickly address performance issues, making it the top choice for performance engineering and analysis.

Standout features & integrations:

New Relic features extensive real-time analytics, distributed tracing, and error tracking, which are critical for a detailed understanding of application performance. It also integrates with various other tools like AWS, Azure, and GCP, thus extending its functionality across multiple platforms.

Pricing:

From $99/user/month (billed annually)

Pros:

  • Powerful performance analytics
  • Real-time insights for faster troubleshooting
  • Broad range of integrations

Cons:

  • Higher price point
  • Steep learning curve for some users
  • Customization can be complex

7. Flosum - Best for Salesforce-specific DevOps

A photo focused on the home page of the tool Flosum.
The home page of Flosum organizes views for different information relevant to your organizations needs for a comprehensive development lifecycle.

Flosum is a comprehensive DevOps solution designed specifically for Salesforce. It provides robust tools for version control, continuous integration, and deployment, simplifying the whole Salesforce development lifecycle. With its Salesforce-focused features, it is indeed best for teams working primarily with Salesforce.

Why I Picked Flosum:

In my selection process, Flosum stood out due to its targeted capabilities for Salesforce environments. It is distinct in providing a complete DevOps solution tailored to Salesforce, including features such as rollback, version control, and deployment. Therefore, I determined it would be the best tool for Salesforce-specific DevOps.

Standout features & integrations:

Flosum offers robust version control, impeccable deployments, and a comprehensive rollback feature that distinguishes it from other DevOps tools. Moreover, Flosum integrates smoothly with other Salesforce solutions, providing a unified environment for Salesforce development.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $125/user/month (billed annually)

Pros:

  • Tailored for Salesforce environments
  • Comprehensive DevOps features
  • Absolute integration with Salesforce solutions

Cons:

  • Relatively high pricing
  • May be over-specialized for non-Salesforce teams
  • Initial setup can be complex

8. Octopus Deploy - Best for automated deployments for .NET applications

A screenshot highlighting the process tab of Octopus Deploy.
Here's Octopus Deploy, organizing the process of your application from automation to deployment.

Octopus Deploy is an automation deployment and release management server. It is designed to simplify the deployment of ASP.NET applications, databases, Windows services, and much more. It shines particularly well when dealing with .NET applications, making it an excellent choice for specific use cases.

Why I Picked Octopus Deploy:

When I explored different tools, Octopus Deploy stood out due to its profound integration with .NET applications. It has the edge over similar tools due to its native .NET support, making it ideal for automated deployments of .NET applications. This targeted .NET focus led to my choice of Octopus Deploy for this category.

Standout features & integrations:

One of the key features of Octopus Deploy is its extensive automation capabilities. It allows users to automate the deployment of .NET applications, data repository updates, Windows services, and more. This tool integrates well with other popular DevOps tools like TeamCity, Jenkins, Azure DevOps, and GitHub.

Pricing:

Pricing begins at $20/month for up to 5 users (billed annually).

Pros:

  • Exceptional support for .NET application deployments
  • Wide array of integrations with other DevOps tools
  • Extensive automation capabilities

Cons:

  • Slightly steep learning curve for new users
  • Its focus on .NET may not be suitable for all types of applications
  • Customization options could be improved

9. VMware - Best for managing a multi-cloud environment

A screenshot of the overview for the expense summary done in the tool VMWare.
Get a closer look at the overview for the expense summary done in VMWare.

VMware is a well-established provider of cloud computing and virtualization software and services. VMware supports private, public, and hybrid clouds, making it an excellent option for businesses to manage their IT environments efficiently.

Why I Picked VMware:

While considering various tools for multi-cloud environment management, I selected VMware because of its comprehensive cloud solutions and extensive track record. VMware offers diverse solutions for data center, cloud infrastructure, networking, security, and digital workspace technologies. It simplifies multi-cloud management with ease.

Standout features & integrations:

VMware offers robust features like centralized management, network and security virtualization, and intelligent operations. It allows organizations to manage multi-cloud environments efficiently and securely. Moreover, VMware integrates with other leading solutions such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and IBM Cloud.

Pricing:

VMware's pricing is dependent on the specific services used, and they often require a custom quote. Therefore, exact pricing is available upon request.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive multi-cloud management capabilities
  • Robust security and networking features
  • Integrations with major cloud providers

Cons:

  • Pricing information is not readily available
  • Some users may find the platform complex due to its wide range of offerings
  • Dependency on vendor-specific technologies could limit flexibility

10. Wiz IaC Scanning - Best for identifying risks in Infrastructure as Code

A photo focused on the ticketing and messaging feature of the tool Wiz IaC Scanning.
Here's Wiz IaC Scanning. providing a wide array of features, one of which is its ticketing and messaging platform.

Wiz IaC Scanning is designed to identify risks in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) configurations. It provides insight into potential vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and compliance issues in your IaC setup. Because of its focused abilities on IaC risk detection, Wiz IaC Scanning is best for those looking to secure their infrastructure setup.

Why I Picked Wiz IaC Scanning:

I chose Wiz IaC Scanning for this list because of its unique commitment to identifying IaC risks. It stands out with its ability to scan Terraform, CloudFormation, Kubernetes, and other IaC configurations, providing an in-depth analysis tool that not all tools offer. With its robust IaC risk detection capabilities, I judged Wiz IaC Scanning as the best tool for identifying risks in Infrastructure as Code.

Standout features & integrations:

Wiz IaC Scanning provides a comprehensive overview of potential risks in your IaC setup. It includes misconfiguration detection, compliance assessments, and risk prioritization. In terms of integrations, it works well with major IaC providers, including Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, and Kubernetes, ensuring a wide coverage of your IaC landscape.

Pricing:

The pricing for Wiz IaC Scanning is not readily available on the website, which suggests that it likely depends on the specific needs of the organization. Therefore, exact pricing is available upon request.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive coverage of IaC configurations
  • Detailed risk assessments
  • Integration with major IaC providers

Cons:

  • Pricing information is not readily available
  • The tool might be overkill for small projects or organizations
  • Learning curve might be steep for users not familiar with IaC risk management

11. Sysdig - Best for container and Kubernetes security

A photo displaying the dashboard of the tool Sysdig.
This is Sysdig's monitoring dashboard showing which workloads are running at any given point in time, and which deployments are having problems.

Sysdig offers comprehensive security and visibility for cloud-native platforms, including containers and Kubernetes. The tool aims to ensure the security and reliability of your applications running on these modern infrastructures. Given its thorough security metrics for containers and Kubernetes, Sysdig qualifies as the best tool for this use case.

Why I Picked Sysdig:

I selected Sysdig due to its powerful approach to container and Kubernetes security. Its differentiating factor is the profound visibility it provides into Kubernetes services and workloads, along with the tool's strong emphasis on incident response. I believe Sysdig is the best tool for securing container and Kubernetes environments, offering an exceptional balance of prevention, detection, and response capabilities.

Standout features & integrations:

Sysdig delivers key features such as container runtime security, Kubernetes audit and compliance, and automated incident response. Additionally, it comes with an intuitive UI that visualizes threat and compliance data. It integrates with Kubernetes, Docker, AWS, GCP, Azure, and numerous CI/CD pipelines, making it a perfect fit for diverse development environments.

Pricing:

Sysdig has pricing plans starting at $50/month per host and a free trial option. Additional features may have extra costs.

Pros:

  • Deep visibility into Kubernetes workloads
  • Robust container runtime security
  • Wide range of cloud and CI/CD integrations

Cons:

  • Pricing can quickly increase with additional features
  • The interface might be complex for beginners
  • The free tier has significant limitations

12. Honeycomb - Best for observability and debugging in production systems

A screenshot of the visualized system metrics of the tool Honeycomb.
Take a look at the visualized system metrics with Honeycomb.

Honeycomb is a tool designed to provide insight into production systems, allowing for effective debugging and improved system health. As a platform for high cardinality data and collaborative problem solving, it's uniquely positioned to enhance observability in production environments.

Why I Picked Honeycomb:

In my quest to select the ideal tool for observability and debugging, Honeycomb stood out due to its robust feature set and ability to handle complex, high-cardinality data. Honeycomb is the best tool for debugging and ensuring reliable observability in production systems because developers can ask any necessary questions to fully understand their software's behavior.

Standout features & integrations:

Honeycomb’s standout features include its dynamic sampling, which reduces noise, and its trace view, allowing for clear visibility into requests' path. Additionally, Honeycomb's Query Builder enables complex queries, aiding in-depth debugging. Honeycomb provides vital integrations with numerous platforms like Kubernetes, AWS, and GCP and tools like Terraform, making it flexible and versatile.

Pricing:

Honeycomb starts at $25/month per user for the development team level. Cost per user may decrease with more users.

Pros:

  • Great for high cardinality data
  • Robust trace view for improved observability
  • Supports a wide range of integrations

Cons:

  • Starting price is higher compared to some competitors
  • Has a steeper learning curve
  • UI may be overwhelming for beginners

Other Noteworthy DevSecOps Tools

Below is a list of additional DevSecOps tools that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.

  1. Buildkite - Good for scalable and flexible CI/CD pipelines
  2. GitHub - Good for version control and collaborative software development
  3. Wrike - Good for project management and collaboration in large teams
  4. Bitbucket - Good for integrated Git code management and collaboration
  5. Anypoint Platform - Good for designing, building, and managing APIs and integrations
  6. PyCharm - Good for Python development with smart coding assistance
  7. Open DevOps - Good for end-to-end DevOps workflow management
  8. Rollbar - Good for real-time error tracking and debugging
  9. Splunk Enterprise - Good for big data analysis and operational intelligence
  10. Tempo Timesheets - Good for time tracking and reporting in Jira
  11. Site 24x7 - Good for full-stack monitoring of IT infrastructure
  12. OpsGenie - Good for incident management with powerful alerting functionality
  13. Travis CI - Good for continuous integration in software development
  14. Azure DevOps Services - Good for end-to-end DevOps toolchain in the Azure ecosystem
  15. SpiraTeam - Good for integrated project management with requirements and quality assurance

Selection Criteria for Choosing DevSecOps Tools

My extensive experience researching and using various software tools has assessed numerous DevOps, project management, and development tools. Each of these software tools that made it onto my list, I've personally tried and tested to ensure they meet specific criteria that are most crucial for this category of software.

Core Functionality

For this type of software, the core functionalities I deem essential include:

  • Project Management: The tool should facilitate planning, organizing, and managing resources to successfully complete specific project goals and objectives.
  • Code Deployment: The software should enable automated and streamlined open-source code deployment, allowing continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD).
  • Monitoring and Error Tracking: The tool should provide comprehensive visibility into the system, enabling real-time monitoring and error tracking.
  • Version Control: The software should enable efficient management of changes to documents, computer programs, large websites, and other information.

Key Features

The key features that stand out in this type of software include:

  • Integration Capability: It should easily integrate with other tools in the software ecosystem to create a flawless workflow.
  • Scalability: The tool should be able to handle an increase in workload or expand in response to increased demand.
  • Security: Given the sensitive nature of the data these tools handle, strong software security features are a must.
  • Collaboration Features: The software should foster teamwork by providing features that make it easy for team members to collaborate.

Usability

When it comes to usability, these software tools should exhibit the following characteristics:

  • Intuitive User Interface (UI): Given the technical nature of DevOps and project management tools, an intuitive UI that simplifies complex tasks is necessarySoftware. An interface that provides easy navigation and clear, concise information is a key usability aspect.
  • Easy Onboarding: A tool should have a simple setup process and provide resources such as tutorials or guides that help new users get acquainted with the software quickly.
  • Robust Customer Support: A readily available customer support team that can swiftly address issues or provide clarifications enhances the overall user experience.
  • Customizability: Each team has unique needs. A software that offers customizable features, enabling teams to adapt it to their specific requirements, improves usability.

Most Common Questions Regarding DevSecOps Tools (FAQs)

What are the benefits of using DevSecOps tools?

Using DevSecOps tools comes with a myriad of benefits. They aid in:

  1. Automating Processes: These tools automate repetitive tasks, saving time and reducing the risk of human errors.
  2. Improving Security: By integrating security into each stage of the development process, these tools enhance the overall security posture of applications.
  3. Increasing Deployment Speed: Through continuous integration and continuous delivery, DevSecOps tools enable faster , reducing the time to market.
  4. Enhancing Collaboration: They foster better collaboration between development, operations, and security teams, leading to more efficient workflows.
  5. Providing Visibility: DevSecOps tools offer comprehensive visibility into the system, making monitoring and detecting errors or threats easiercode deployment.

How much do DevSecOps tools typically cost?

The cost of DevSecOps tools varies widely, depending on the complexity of the tool, the size of your organization, and the specific features you require.

What are the common pricing models for these tools?

DevSecOps tools typically follow a few different pricing models. Many offer a subscription-based model where you pay a monthly or annual fee per user. Some tools also provide a tiered pricing model, where the cost depends on the features or level of service you require.

What is the typical range of pricing for these tools?

The pricing for DevSecOps tools can range from free for basic, limited usage to several thousand dollars per month for enterprise-level features and support. Some mid-range tools might cost between $20 to $100 per user per month.

What are the cheapest and most expensive DevSecOps tools?

The cheapest DevSecOps tools generally offer a free tier, such as certain versions of GitHub or Bitbucket. However, these free versions are often limited in their features or usage. The most expensive tools, like Splunk Enterprise, can cost several thousand dollars monthly, offering a wide range of advanced features suitable for large organizations.

Are there any free DevSecOps tool options?

Yes, some DevSecOps tools offer free versions. For example, GitHub offers a free tier suitable for small projects and Bitbucket provides a free tier for small teams. These free options are often limited in features and scalability and may not include comprehensive support.

Summary

In this guide, we've navigated the landscape of DevSecOps tools, investigating their strengths and the unique value they offer in different scenarios.

Here are three key takeaways to keep in mind when choosing the best DevSecOps tool for your needs:

1. Consider Your Specific Needs: To choose the right tool, consider each one's selling points and compare them to your needs. There's a solution for you, whether you need infrastructure as code, Kubernetes security, or better observability in production systems.

2. Mind the Core Functionality and Key Features: For successful DevSecOps processes, you need a tool that offers essential features like automated policy checks, comprehensive vulnerability databases, and granular security controls. It should also integrate well with other tools in your tech stack, and have robust reporting capabilities, and real-time alerting.

3. Pricing is a Major Factor: Understanding the pricing models for DevSecOps tools is crucial. Some services charge per-user-per-month, while others charge based on data usage or number of hosts. It's important to consider your budget and any extra costs like setup fees before selecting a tool..

What do you think?

We are always looking to improve our list of DevSecOps tools and would greatly appreciate your input. If you have any suggestions or personal experiences with tools that you believe should be included, please don't hesitate to share them with us. Your insights will help enhance our community's knowledge and understanding of the topic. You can contact us directly or simply leave a comment below. Thank you for your contribution.

Paulo Gardini Miguel
By Paulo Gardini Miguel

Paulo is the Director of Technology at the rapidly growing media tech company BWZ. Prior to that, he worked as a Software Engineering Manager and then Head Of Technology at Navegg, Latin America’s largest data marketplace, and as Full Stack Engineer at MapLink, which provides geolocation APIs as a service. Paulo draws insight from years of experience serving as an infrastructure architect, team leader, and product developer in rapidly scaling web environments. He’s driven to share his expertise with other technology leaders to help them build great teams, improve performance, optimize resources, and create foundations for scalability.