Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to AWS GuardDuty · 📟 monitoring
AWS GuardDuty vs ProjectDiscovery
Monitor infrastructure for exploitable vulnerabilities with real-time detection, automated workflows, and zero false positives. Here is how ProjectDiscovery ($0/mo open source) stacks up against AWS GuardDuty ($35/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
ProjectDiscovery is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for AWS GuardDuty. Switching from AWS GuardDuty ($35/mo) saves $420/yr per solo seat, or $2,100/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Local.
The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
ProjectDiscovery
$0.00/mo · Open Source
AWS GuardDuty vs ProjectDiscovery Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | AWS GuardDuty (Paid) | ProjectDiscovery (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $35 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $420 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $420) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $2,100 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $2,100) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $4,200 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $4,200) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopcross-platformone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 32.7k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from AWS GuardDuty to ProjectDiscovery
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How to deploy ProjectDiscovery
Clone https://github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
Where your data lives
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
Why fork ProjectDiscovery instead of vibe-coding a AWS GuardDuty clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for AWS GuardDuty or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 1 battle-tested open-source alternatives like ProjectDiscovery.
AWS GuardDuty vs ProjectDiscovery FAQ
Is ProjectDiscovery a good free alternative to AWS GuardDuty?+
Yes. ProjectDiscovery is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for AWS GuardDuty. Monitor infrastructure for exploitable vulnerabilities with real-time detection, automated workflows, and zero false positives.
What is the catch when switching from AWS GuardDuty to ProjectDiscovery?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How much do you save switching from AWS GuardDuty to ProjectDiscovery?+
AWS GuardDuty costs $35/mo ($420/yr) per seat, whereas ProjectDiscovery is $0/mo. Switching saves $420/yr for a solo user, $2,100/yr for a 5-person team, and $4,200/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host ProjectDiscovery instead of AWS GuardDuty?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
