Burp Suite vs. OWASP ZAP: What Should You Choose in 2025?

This article clearly compares Burp Suite and OWASP ZAP for web application security testing. It highlights their key features, strengths, and ideal use cases—from manual testing to CI/CD integration. You’ll learn how each tool fits different security needs to help you make the right choice.

Which tool gives you better protection—Burp Suite or OWASP ZAP?

Web applications face daily threats like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and broken access control. Choosing the right security testing tool matters more than ever as attacks grow. Burp Suite and OWASP ZAP are two widely used options in this space. Each offers useful features for tasks like penetration testing, API checks, and CI/CD pipelines. Their differences, though, can affect your workflow and results.

This blog compares Burp Suite vs OWASP ZAP to help you pick the one that fits your goals best.

Ready to weigh your options and move forward with clarity?

Which is Better, OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite?

The answer depends on your security testing goals, budget, and technical expertise.

Here's a breakdown:

Burp Suite: The Industry Standard for Professionals

Burp Suite, developed by PortSwigger, is widely recognized among penetration testers, bug bounty hunters, and security teams for its comprehensive capabilities. It has multiple versions, including the free Community Edition and the feature-rich Burp Suite Pro (Professional Edition).

Key Features:

• Intercepting proxy for capturing and manipulating traffic

• Intruder for automated fuzzing

• Repeater and manual request editor for manual testing

• Decoder, Comparer, and scanner for deep vulnerability analysis

• Advanced API security testing support

• High accuracy in vulnerability scanning, with fewer false positives

• BApp Store for add-ons that extend functionality

Burp Suite’s ease of use, powerful automation, and depth of analysis make it the go-to choice for testing web applications professionally.

OWASP ZAP: Free and Flexible for Beginners

OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy) is an open-source tool the OWASP Foundation manages. It is ideal for users looking for a free tool to perform web application security testing with strong automation capabilities.

Key Features:

• AJAX spider for mapping single-page applications

• Scripting support with JavaScript for UI and scan customization

• YAML-based automation framework for CI/CD pipelines

• Active and passive vulnerability scanning

• Easily installable add-ons via the marketplace

OWASP ZAP excels in CI/CD environments and is well-suited for API security testing, particularly when integrated into development workflows.

Head-to-Head Summary

What Are the Disadvantages of OWASP ZAP?

Despite being a powerful tool and a great free tool, OWASP ZAP does come with limitations:

1. Lack of Malformed Request Handling

ZAP cannot send malformed HTTP requests, a critical feature for advanced penetration testing. This restricts the ability to explore edge-case vulnerabilities essential for deep application security testing.

2. Less Intuitive Interface

Due to the UI's less polished design, fuzzing and manual exploration require more effort. For example, fuzzer results appear in a single window, making analysis harder than Burp Suite’s tab-based view.

3. Limited Header Manipulation in Fuzzing

ZAP does not allow changing HTTP headers directly during fuzzing—this can hinder identifying vulnerabilities related to session management or header-based controls.

4. Documentation Gaps

Compared to PortSwigger Burp Suite, ZAP’s documentation can feel fragmented, especially for users new to security testing or scripting.

5. Accuracy in Scanning

Its vulnerability scanning can produce more false positives than Burp Suite Pro, requiring testers to verify many results manually.

Practical Scenarios for Choosing a Tool

Scenario 1: A Small Startup Testing a Web App

Choose: OWASP ZAP

• Budget constraints make the free version attractive.

• YAML automation helps integrate into CI/CD.

• Strong for initial security testing phases.

Scenario 2: A Pentester Auditing an E-Commerce Site

Choose: Burp Suite Pro

• Needs to send malformed HTTP requests.

• Requires precise detection of common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting.

• Benefit from the manual request editor, Intruder, and Comparer features.

Scenario 3: Testing an Internal API Platform

Choose: Burp Suite Pro or ZAP

• Burp Suite offers better API security accuracy.

• ZAP offers easier automation and scripting flexibility.

Comparing Community and Ecosystem Support

• Burp Suite:

  ◦ Strong presence in forums, Reddit, and bug bounty platforms.

  ◦ Rich ecosystem of add-ons and BApps.

  ◦ Preferred by professional penetration testers and pen testers.

• OWASP ZAP:

  ◦ Flagship open-source project by OWASP.

  ◦ Active community, but fewer professional-grade extensions.

  ◦ Ideal for teams that value community support over commercial solutions.

Make the Smart Move for Your Application Security

Choosing between Burp Suite and OWASP ZAP involves aligning the tool with your security testing goals, technical needs, and budget.

The right choice hinges on your team’s needs:

• If you need advanced penetration testing, reliable vulnerability scanning, and efficient manual testing capabilities, opt for Burp Suite Pro.

• Choose OWASP ZAP if you prioritize automation, need a free tool, and want easy scripting for CI/CD pipelines.

In a world where web application vulnerabilities can cost more than downtime, having the right tool isn't optional—it's essential.

Start testing smarter—choose the tool that empowers your team to stay secure, proactive, and ahead of threats.