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KnowBe4 vs Tenable

A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

KnowBe4 logo

KnowBe4

Cybersecurity

Try KnowBe4
VS
Tenable logo

Tenable

Cybersecurity

Try Tenable

A
About KnowBe4

KnowBe4 is a security awareness training platform that helps organizations reduce their vulnerability to social engineering attacks by educating employees. It offers a massive library of training content, simulated phishing campaigns, and detailed analytics to measure how well staff can identify threats. The platform is used by organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises, across virtually every industry. What sets it apart is the sheer scale of its content library — thousands of training modules, videos, games, and templates — largely driven by the involvement of well-known hacker Kevin Mitnick as its former chief hacking officer. It's become one of the most widely adopted security awareness platforms globally.

B
About Tenable

Tenable provides a suite of vulnerability management and exposure assessment tools that help organizations discover, assess, and prioritize security weaknesses across their entire attack surface. Its flagship products — Tenable Nessus, Tenable.io (now Tenable Vulnerability Management), and Tenable.sc (SecurityCenter) — are widely used by security teams ranging from small businesses to large enterprises. The platform stands out for its extensive vulnerability plugin library, which is one of the largest in the industry, and its ability to cover IT assets, cloud environments, containers, OT/IoT devices, and Active Directory. Tenable is particularly well-regarded for helping teams move from reactive vulnerability scanning to proactive risk-based prioritization using its Vulnerability Priority Rating (VPR) system.

Pricing Comparison

Tool
KnowBe4
Tenable
Price
Custom pricing
Custom pricing
Category
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity
Rating
3.8 (23)
3.9 (28)
Free Plan
No
No
Integrations
8+ apps
8+ apps
Founded
2010
2002

Feature Comparison

Feature
KnowBe4
Tenable
Interactive security awareness training modules
Simulated phishing attack campaigns
Phishing security test results tracking
Customizable training content options
Automated user risk assessments
Continuous network vulnerability scanning
Real-time threat intelligence integration
Compliance reporting for various standards
Prioritization of vulnerabilities by risk
Remediation tracking and management
Customizable dashboards and reporting

Choose KnowBe4

KnowBe4 offers security awareness training and simulated phishing attacks to reduce human risk.

Try KnowBe4 Free

Read full review

Choose Tenable

Tenable provides comprehensive cybersecurity solutions for vulnerability management.

Try Tenable Free

Read full review

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Score Comparison

Ease of Use
7.0
6.0
Features
9.0
9.0
Pricing
5.0
5.0
Support
8.0
7.0
Integrations
8.0
8.0
Overall
7.4
7.0
KnowBe4Tenable

Our Verdict

KnowBe4Winner

Your team values proactive training to reduce human risk through simulated phishing attacks.

Easier to get started
Better support
Tenable

Your enterprise focuses on comprehensive vulnerability management across a diverse IT environment.

KnowBe4 vs Tenable: The Bottom Line

Both KnowBe4 and Tenable are strong cybersecurity tools, but they serve different needs. Tenable has a higher user rating (3.9 vs 3.8). On pricing, KnowBe4 is more affordable starting at $100/mo.

Still unsure? Check the full reviews for KnowBe4 and Tenable, explore KnowBe4 alternatives, or use our AI search to describe exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is KnowBe4 or Tenable better?

It depends on your needs. KnowBe4 (3.8★) is from $100/mo, while Tenable (3.9★) is from $150/mo. Tenable has a higher user rating.

Can I switch from KnowBe4 to Tenable?

Yes. Most SaaS tools offer data export features. Check if Tenable has a migration guide or import tool specifically for KnowBe4 users. Many offer onboarding assistance for switchers.

Which is cheaper, KnowBe4 or Tenable?

KnowBe4 starts at $100/mo, which is cheaper than Tenable at $150/mo.

What are the main differences between KnowBe4 and Tenable?

KnowBe4 focuses on interactive security awareness training modules and simulated phishing attack campaigns, while Tenable emphasizes continuous network vulnerability scanning and real-time threat intelligence integration. Both are in the Cybersecurity category but serve slightly different use cases.