Black Duck vs GitGuardian: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Black Duck and GitGuardian 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:
Black Duck
Comprehensive application security for managing software risk and accelerating secure delivery.
Best for you if:
- • You need vulnerability scanning features specifically
- • Manages software risk and accelerates secure delivery.
- • Secures AI-generated code and the software supply chain.
GitGuardian
Secrets detection
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • GitGuardian is a secrets detection platform that scans code for leaked credentials
- • It monitors repositories and pipelines to prevent API keys and passwords from leaking
| At a Glance |  Black Duck |  GitGuardian |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Vulnerability Scanning | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Black Duck | GitGuardian |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Vulnerability ScanningSecurity Monitoring | IDE & Code EditorsVulnerability Scanning |
How Black Duck and GitGuardian Compare
Black Duck
Comprehensive application security for managing software risk and accelerating secure delivery.
Paid
GitGuardian
Secrets detection
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Black Duck is a vulnerability scanning tool. GitGuardian is in ide & code editors.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
GitGuardian has a free tier. Black Duck is paid only.
Go with: GitGuardian
Want the highest-rated option?
GitGuardian scores 86/100. Black Duck is unrated.
Go with: GitGuardian
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: GitGuardian
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Black Duck is paid. GitGuardian is freemium. GitGuardian lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Black Duck is a vulnerability scanning tool. GitGuardian is in ide & code editors. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
GitGuardian
- Higher score: 86/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Black Duck
- Better fit for vulnerability scanning
The Bottom Line
GitGuardian (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Duck or GitGuardian better?
GitGuardian scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Black Duck is paid and GitGuardian is freemium.
What are Black Duck and GitGuardian used for?
Black Duck: Comprehensive application security for managing software risk and accelerating secure delivery.. GitGuardian: Secrets detection.
What does Black Duck cost vs GitGuardian?
Black Duck is a paid tool. GitGuardian is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.