SecurityScorecard Alternatives
for MSPs (2026)
SecurityScorecard was built for enterprise risk and compliance teams with six-figure budgets. MSPs managing client portfolios need accurate domain security scoring that's fast to deploy, easy to automate, and priced for the SMB market. Here's how your options stack up.
SecurityScorecard vs. the Alternatives
| Tool | Monthly Cost | Target User | API Access | Scan Types | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SecurityScorecard | $1,500+/mo | Enterprise | Yes | Full | No |
| BitSight | $2,500+/mo | Enterprise | Yes | Full | No |
| Qualys SSL Labs | Free | Everyone | Limited | SSL only | Yes |
| ComplianceLayer | $0–$599/mo | MSPs / Devs | Yes | Full (SSL + DNS + Headers + Ports) | Yes |
Why MSPs Choose ComplianceLayer Over SecurityScorecard
94% cost reduction
SecurityScorecard's entry price is ~$1,500/month. ComplianceLayer's Professional plan — with 500 scans/month — costs $249/month. For most MSPs, that's enough to cover every client domain with room to spare.
No enterprise procurement
SecurityScorecard requires a demo, contract review, and annual commitment. ComplianceLayer lets any MSP sign up and start scanning immediately — month-to-month, cancel anytime.
Developer-friendly REST API
One API call, one JSON response. No SDK required. MSPs integrate ComplianceLayer into their PSA, RMM, or custom scripts in hours — not weeks of enterprise API onboarding.
Client-ready letter grades
SecurityScorecard uses a 0-100 numeric score that requires explanation. ComplianceLayer's A–F grades per category are immediately intuitive in client conversations, reducing QBR prep time.
Remediation included
Every failing check comes with specific fix instructions. MSPs don't need to research how to add a DMARC record or configure HSTS — the guidance is in the API response.
Focused on external attack surface
SecurityScorecard includes supply chain risk and dark web signals useful for enterprise GRC programs. ComplianceLayer focuses on what MSPs actually control and can fix: SSL, DNS/email auth, headers, and open ports.
ComplianceLayer vs. SecurityScorecard: Key Differences
| Dimension | SecurityScorecard | ComplianceLayer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price (annual) | ~$18,000+/yr | $0 (Free) → $1,188/yr (Starter) |
| Contract required | Yes (annual) | No — month-to-month |
| Time to first scan | Days (sales cycle) | Under 5 minutes |
| Grading system | A–F overall score | A–F per category (SSL, DNS, Headers, Ports) |
| Remediation steps | General guidance | Specific fix instructions per finding |
| API complexity | Complex, multi-endpoint | Single POST endpoint, simple JSON |
| Supply chain / dark web | Yes (enterprise feature) | Not included (focused scope) |
| Free tier | No | Yes (10 scans/mo, no credit card) |
Common questions
What is the best alternative to SecurityScorecard for MSPs?
ComplianceLayer is the top-rated SecurityScorecard alternative for MSPs and small IT teams. SecurityScorecard starts at approximately $1,500/month and requires an annual enterprise contract. ComplianceLayer covers the same core external risk categories — SSL/TLS, DNS/email security (SPF, DMARC, DKIM), HTTP security headers, and open port detection — with plans starting free and scaling to $599/month. No contract, no sales call required.
Does ComplianceLayer cover the same checks as SecurityScorecard?
ComplianceLayer covers all major external domain risk categories: SSL/TLS certificate validity and cipher strength, DNS email authentication (SPF, DMARC, DKIM), HTTP security headers (HSTS, CSP, X-Frame-Options, and more), and open port scanning for exposed services. SecurityScorecard also adds supply chain and dark web monitoring — features more relevant to enterprise risk programs than day-to-day MSP operations.
Can I use ComplianceLayer to generate client security reports?
Yes. ComplianceLayer returns structured JSON with A-F letter grades per category and specific remediation steps for every failing check. MSPs use this data to generate monthly security reports, populate QBR slide decks, or feed PSA/RMM dashboards via the REST API. PDF report export is included on all plans.
Is there a free SecurityScorecard alternative?
ComplianceLayer offers a free tier with 10 domain scans per month — no credit card required. Each scan covers SSL, DNS/email, HTTP headers, and open ports with full A-F grading and remediation guidance. SecurityScorecard does not offer a meaningful free tier for MSP use. ComplianceLayer's free plan is the most comprehensive free option for external domain security assessment.