Shodan vs Censys

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

Shodan is a Security & Privacy solution with tags like search-engine, device-scanner, vulnerability-assessment, cybersecurity.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including Easy to discover Internet-connected devices, Powerful search and filtering capabilities, Helps identify vulnerabilities and insecure configurations.

On the other hand, Censys is a Security & Privacy product tagged with search-engine, cybersecurity, device-scanning.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like 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.

Feature	Shodan	Censys
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Security & Privacy	Security & Privacy

Product Overview

Shodan

Description: 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.

Censys

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

Shodan Features

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

Censys Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

Shodan

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

Censys

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

Pricing Comparison

Shodan

• Freemium
• Subscription-Based

Censys

• Freemium
• Subscription-Based