In an era of rapid DevOps and cloud-native development, protecting code and applications is mission-critical. Leading AppSec vendors now offer broad platforms covering static/dynamic analysis, open-source scanning, container and mobile security, and even runtime self-protection. These tools integrate into CI/CD pipelines and IDEs, enabling “shift-left” security. Below we highlight ten standout companies (enterprise giants and agile startups) that shine in web, mobile, cloud, and DevSecOps security.
Checkmarx – AI-Driven SAST Leader
A longtime market leader, Checkmarx excels at static code analysis (SAST) and is expanding into IAST/RASP. Its Checkmarx One platform uses AI-assisted scanning to handle trillions of code lines every month for global enterprises. The company has earned consistent recognition as a leader in SAST and is heavily investing in AI-related frameworks. Checkmarx suits large organizations such as finance, government, and software firms that need deep, customizable scans. Pricing is enterprise-level, available via custom quotes.
Snyk – Developer-Centric Security Platform
Snyk offers a developer-first platform that combines SAST, software composition analysis (SCA), container, and IaC scanning. Its strength lies in seamless integration with IDEs, Git repositories, and issue trackers. A free tier and team plans starting at about $25 per developer per month make it attractive for SMBs, while its enterprise solutions serve major global brands. Snyk is trusted by thousands of companies, including Google and Salesforce, and is best for teams seeking developer-friendly, continuous security.
Veracode – Comprehensive AppSec Platform
Veracode is a cloud-based suite offering SAST, DAST, SCA, container, and IaC scanning. Its Risk Manager tool aggregates findings and suggests fixes, while Package Firewall automatically blocks malicious or vulnerable dependencies. These innovations cut remediation times dramatically and reduce supply-chain risks before they reach production. With strong IDE and Git integrations, Veracode is ideal for enterprises that manage large-scale applications and need compliance-driven solutions.
Black Duck Software – Broad AST & SCA Suite
Formerly part of Synopsys, Black Duck Software is now independent and offers one of the most comprehensive application security portfolios. Its Polaris platform unifies Coverity SAST, Black Duck SCA, WhiteHat DAST, Seeker IAST, and Defensics fuzzing. Recognized as a consistent leader in the industry, Black Duck enables enterprises to secure code, open-source components, and APIs under a single umbrella. It is a top choice for highly regulated sectors like defense and healthcare.
Contrast Security – Runtime Self-Protection Platform
Contrast Security takes a unique approach by embedding sensors into running applications, enabling runtime application self-protection (RASP). This real-time detection and prevention model works continuously without needing separate scans. It supports Java, .NET, and Node.js microservices and is optimized for modern cloud-native environments. With high customer satisfaction scores and well-known enterprise clients, Contrast is ideal for organizations that need continuous protection across fast-moving DevOps pipelines.
HCL AppScan (Fortify) – Enterprise AppSec Suite
HCL AppScan, formerly Fortify, is a mature enterprise solution offering SAST, DAST, IAST, and SCA for web, mobile, and APIs. Known for its robust compliance capabilities, it serves heavily regulated industries like finance and government. AppScan is available as both on-premises and SaaS, making it flexible for organizations with strict data residency requirements. Pricing is quote-based, often tailored for large-scale deployments.
GitLab – Integrated DevSecOps Platform
GitLab is more than a DevOps tool – its Ultimate tier provides a complete security suite, including SAST, DAST, dependency scanning, container security, IaC scanning, and secret detection. With security embedded directly in the CI/CD pipeline, GitLab enables continuous security testing with minimal friction. Pricing starts at $29 per user per month for the Premium tier, while Ultimate includes advanced security features. This makes it suitable for startups leveraging the free tier as well as enterprises managing large teams.
Sonatype Nexus Lifecycle – Open-Source Security
Sonatype focuses on software supply-chain protection with its Nexus Lifecycle product. It automatically generates SBOMs, enforces open-source policies, and blocks risky or malicious libraries during development. Trusted by millions of developers and a majority of Fortune 100 companies, Sonatype is ideal for organizations prioritizing open-source governance and dependency risk management.
NowSecure – Mobile App Security Suite
NowSecure specializes in mobile application security testing. Its SaaS platform automates static and dynamic testing for iOS and Android apps and continuously monitors third-party applications for risk. NowSecure is particularly strong in detecting privacy issues, data leaks, and compliance gaps in mobile environments. It is widely adopted by financial institutions, telecom providers, and government agencies where mobile security is mission-critical.
StackHawk – Dev-Friendly API/DAST
StackHawk is a modern DAST solution built for developers, focusing on APIs and web applications. It supports REST, GraphQL, SOAP, and gRPC, making it versatile for modern architectures. Its transparent pricing model starts at $49 per developer per month, making it cost-effective for startups and growing teams. With easy integration into CI/CD pipelines, StackHawk allows developers to run scans continuously and catch issues early.
Final Thoughts
Each of these vendors has earned credibility through innovation, customer adoption, and industry recognition. Large enterprises may favor platforms like Checkmarx, Veracode, or Black Duck for breadth and compliance, while startups and developer-led teams might prefer tools like Snyk or StackHawk. Mobile-first organizations should look to NowSecure, and supply chain conscious teams will benefit from Sonatype.
Choosing the right AppSec solution depends on your application landscape, development workflows, and risk profile but the companies above represent the most trusted names leading the field in 2025.
