Arcjet vs Semgrep: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Arcjet and Semgrep 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: Semgrep wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick. Pick Arcjet if you need security.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Arcjet
Real-time AI agent security and policy enforcement
Best for you if:
- • You want enforces security at the action boundary, catching issues that other controls miss
- • You want supports a wide range of AI agent frameworks and web frameworks
Semgrep
Static analysis for finding bugs
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want code analysis tool
- • You want good pattern matching
| At a Glance | Arcjet | Semgrep |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $25/moIndividual | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Developer Tools |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Arcjet or Semgrep?
Choose Arcjet if
Real-time AI agent security and policy enforcement
- You want enforces security at the action boundary, catching issues that other controls miss
- You want supports a wide range of AI agent frameworks and web frameworks
- Your work is security-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
Choose Semgrep if
Static analysis for finding bugs
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want code analysis tool
- You want good pattern matching
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not security-shaped
| Feature | Arcjet | Semgrep |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 16 reviews | ★4.6/5 56 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityAI Agents | Developer ToolsSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
Arcjet
Real-time AI agent security and policy enforcement
Arcjet's pricing is reasonable for a niche runtime security tool, but the $25/mo Individual tier offers only 1 hour log retention and no SIEM export, making it expensive for solo users.
Watch out
Only 1 hour log retention on $25/mo tier forces $299/mo upgrade for 24 hours
Strengths
- +Enforces security at the action boundary, catching issues that other controls miss
- +Supports a wide range of AI agent frameworks and web frameworks
- +Provides detailed audit trails for compliance and debugging
Weaknesses
- -Pricing can be complex with separate usage fees for web and agent requests
- -Requires integration and setup, which may be a barrier for non-technical users
Key features
Semgrep
Static analysis for finding bugs
Semgrep offers a genuinely useful free tier (10 contributors, 50 repos) that covers most small teams.
Strengths
- +Code analysis tool
- +Good pattern matching
- +Multi-language
- +Active development
- +Good for security
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Enterprise features paid
- -False positives
- -Configuration needed
- -Resource usage
Key features
Pricing: Arcjet vs Semgrep
| Plan | Arcjet | Semgrep |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $25/mo Individual | Free Community |
| Tier 2 | $299/mo Startup | $40 Teams |
| Tier 3 | Custom Enterprise | Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Arcjet pricing and Semgrep pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Semgrep has a free tier. Arcjet is paid only.
Go with: Semgrep
Want the highest-rated option?
Arcjet: 4.6/5 (16 reviews). Semgrep: 4.6/5 (56 reviews).
Go with: Arcjet
Value user reviews?
Arcjet: 16 reviews (4.6/5). Semgrep: 56 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Semgrep
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Arcjet is paid. Semgrep is freemium. Semgrep lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Arcjet is a security tool. Semgrep is in developer tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Semgrep
- Larger review base (56 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Arcjet
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Semgrep wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arcjet or Semgrep better?
Semgrep is rated in our evaluation. Arcjet is paid and Semgrep is freemium.
What are Arcjet and Semgrep used for?
Arcjet: Real-time AI agent security and policy enforcement. Semgrep: Static analysis for finding bugs.
What does Arcjet cost vs Semgrep?
Arcjet is a paid tool. Semgrep is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.