Censys vs Shodan

Struggling to choose between Censys and Shodan? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Censys is a Security & Privacy solution with tags like search-engine, cybersecurity, device-scanning.

It boasts features such as Internet-wide search engine for devices, Scans IPv4 space for open ports and services, Provides details on software versions, certificates, and more, API access for automated queries, Customizable search filters, Historical data on changes over time and pros including Comprehensive visibility into Internet-connected assets, Helps identify vulnerabilities and misconfigurations, Useful for penetration testing, network mapping, and threat hunting, Powerful API for integrating into workflows, Free tier available with generous usage limits.

On the other hand, Shodan is a Security & Privacy product tagged with search-engine, device-scanner, vulnerability-assessment, cybersecurity.

Its standout features include Search engine for Internet-connected devices, Find devices based on filters like location, ports, banners, etc, Provides visibility into Internet-facing devices and services, and it shines with pros like Easy to discover Internet-connected devices, Powerful search and filtering capabilities, Helps identify vulnerabilities and insecure configurations.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Censys

Censys

Censys is a search engine that allows users to view information on servers, websites, and devices that are connected to the internet. It provides insights into open ports, software versions, IP addresses, and more to improve cybersecurity.

Categories:
search-engine cybersecurity device-scanning

Censys Features

  1. Internet-wide search engine for devices
  2. Scans IPv4 space for open ports and services
  3. Provides details on software versions, certificates, and more
  4. API access for automated queries
  5. Customizable search filters
  6. Historical data on changes over time

Pricing

  • Freemium
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Comprehensive visibility into Internet-connected assets

Helps identify vulnerabilities and misconfigurations

Useful for penetration testing, network mapping, and threat hunting

Powerful API for integrating into workflows

Free tier available with generous usage limits

Cons

Limited coverage of IPv6 space

No built-in vulnerability scanning

Can only view limited details without a paid account

Data not updated in real time

Requires technical knowledge to use effectively


Shodan

Shodan

Shodan is a search engine for Internet-connected devices. It allows users to find specific types of devices based on filters like location, ports, banners, and more. Shodan provides visibility into Internet-facing devices and services that are often overlooked or forgotten.

Categories:
search-engine device-scanner vulnerability-assessment cybersecurity

Shodan Features

  1. Search engine for Internet-connected devices
  2. Find devices based on filters like location, ports, banners, etc
  3. Provides visibility into Internet-facing devices and services

Pricing

  • Freemium
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Easy to discover Internet-connected devices

Powerful search and filtering capabilities

Helps identify vulnerabilities and insecure configurations

Cons

Requires paid subscription for full access

Some consider scanning without permission unethical

Exposes sensitive information about devices