AppGuard vs DefectDojo
An honest comparison of two open source security platforms. AppGuard focuses on core ASPM with native scanning, while DefectDojo provides broad tool aggregation.
Key differences
Approach
AppGuard: Lightweight ASPM with native scanning capabilities
DefectDojo: Vulnerability aggregator with 200+ tool integrations
Setup
AppGuard: Docker Compose, single command deployment
DefectDojo: Complex setup with PostgreSQL, Celery, Redis
Modern stack
AppGuard: Go + React, fast and resource-efficient
DefectDojo: Python/Django, heavier resource requirements
Feature comparison
| Feature | AppGuard | DefectDojo |
|---|---|---|
| Native SAST/DAST/secrets/IaC scanning | No | |
| Single-command Docker Compose deploy | No | |
| EPSS risk scoring | No | |
| MCP Server integration | No | |
| Version comparison | No | |
| 200+ tool integrations | No | |
| Custom tool plugins | No | |
| Team-based RBAC |
When to choose which
Choose AppGuard when
Choose AppGuard if you want a lightweight, modern ASPM platform with native SAST/SCA/DAST scanning, EPSS risk scoring, and minimal setup. Best for teams that value simplicity and developer experience.
Choose DefectDojo when
Choose DefectDojo if you need to aggregate results from 200+ security tools and have the resources for a heavier deployment. Best for large organizations with diverse tool ecosystems.