Anchore vs Nuclei: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Anchore and Nuclei comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Anchore
Container security scanning and compliance
Best for you if:
- • You need ci/cd features specifically
- • Anchore is a container security platform that scans images for vulnerabilities and policy violations
- • It integrates into CI/CD pipelines to prevent insecure containers from reaching production
Nuclei
Automate custom vulnerability detection and map internet-exposed assets at scale.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need automation features specifically
- • Automates custom vulnerability detection using security templates.
- • Maps internet-exposed assets and monitors cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure, Cloudflare).
| At a Glance |  Anchore |  Nuclei |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | CI/CD | Automation |
Rating | 82/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Anchore | Nuclei |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CI/CDVulnerability Scanning | AutomationInfrastructure as Code |
How Anchore and Nuclei Compare
Anchore
Container security scanning and compliance
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Nuclei
Automate custom vulnerability detection and map internet-exposed assets at scale.
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Anchore is a ci/cd tool. Nuclei is in automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Anchore
Want the highest-rated option?
Anchore: 82/100. Nuclei: 84/100.
Go with: Nuclei
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Nuclei
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Anchore is a ci/cd tool. Nuclei is in automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Nuclei scores higher: 84/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Nuclei
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Anchore
- Better fit for ci/cd
The Bottom Line
Nuclei (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anchore or Nuclei better?
Nuclei scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Anchore and Nuclei used for?
Anchore: Container security scanning and compliance. Nuclei: Automate custom vulnerability detection and map internet-exposed assets at scale..
What does Anchore cost vs Nuclei?
Anchore is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Nuclei is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.