Anchore vs Quay: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Anchore and Quay 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.
Bottom line: Anchore wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick. Pick Quay if you need cloud & infrastructure.
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 want container security scanning
- • You want policy compliance
Quay
Enterprise container registry with built-in security scanning
Best for you if:
- • You want container registry
- • You want red Hat backed
| At a Glance | Anchore | Quay |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Anchore or Quay?
Choose Anchore if
Container security scanning and compliance
- You want container security scanning
- You want policy compliance
- Your work is security-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
Choose Quay if
Enterprise container registry with built-in security scanning
- You want container registry
- You want red Hat backed
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not security-shaped
| Feature | Anchore | Quay |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | SecurityDeveloper Tools | Cloud & InfrastructureSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
Anchore
Container security scanning and compliance
Anchore's pricing is fair, offering a robust Free tier for basic container security.
Strengths
- +Container security scanning
- +Policy compliance
- +CI/CD integration
- +Open source option
- +Good documentation
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Setup complexity
- -Enterprise expensive
- -False positives
- -UI could improve
Key features
Quay
Enterprise container registry with built-in security scanning
Quay's pricing is quite generous, especially with its robust free Developer tier offering unlimited public repos and security scanning.
Watch out
No clear overage pricing for private repos beyond Micro tier.
Strengths
- +Container registry
- +Red Hat backed
- +Good security scanning
- +Enterprise features
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Complex setup
- -Learning curve
- -Enterprise focus
- -Documentation gaps
- -Pricing unclear
Key features
Pricing: Anchore vs Quay
| Plan | Anchore | Quay |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Developer |
| Tier 2 | Custom Enterprise | $6 month Micro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Anchore pricing and Quay pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Anchore
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
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 security tool. Quay is in cloud & infrastructure. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Anchore
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Quay
- Better fit for cloud & infrastructure
The Bottom Line
Anchore wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anchore or Quay better?
Anchore is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Anchore and Quay used for?
Anchore: Container security scanning and compliance. Quay: Enterprise container registry with built-in security scanning.
What does Anchore cost vs Quay?
Anchore is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Quay is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.