Anchore vs tfsec: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Anchore and tfsec 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 want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 7.3/10)
- • 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
tfsec
Security scanner for your Terraform code.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Scans Terraform code for security vulnerabilities.
- • Identifies misconfigurations before deployment.
| At a Glance |  Anchore |  tfsec |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | CI/CD | CI/CD |
Rating | 82/100 | 73/100 |
| Feature | Anchore | tfsec |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 73 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CI/CDVulnerability Scanning | CI/CDInfrastructure as Code |
How Anchore and tfsec Compare
Anchore
Container security scanning and compliance
Free tier available · 82/100 score
tfsec
Security scanner for your Terraform code.
Free · 73/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
tfsec is free. Anchore is freemium.
Go with: tfsec
Want the highest-rated option?
Anchore: 82/100. tfsec: 73/100.
Go with: Anchore
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Anchore
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Anchore is freemium. tfsec is free. Go with tfsec if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are ci/cd tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Anchore scores higher: 82/100 vs 73/100.
Key Takeaways
Anchore
- Higher score: 82/100 vs 73
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
tfsec
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Anchore (82/100) is our pick. That said, tfsec is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anchore or tfsec better?
Anchore scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Anchore is freemium and tfsec is free.
What are Anchore and tfsec used for?
Anchore: Container security scanning and compliance. tfsec: Security scanner for your Terraform code..
What does Anchore cost vs tfsec?
Anchore is freemium (free tier + paid plans). tfsec is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.