Checkmarx vs Codacy: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Checkmarx and Codacy 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Best for you if:
- • You need security features specifically
- • Checkmarx is an enterprise application security testing platform for finding vulnerabilities in code
- • It provides SAST, SCA, and DAST scanning integrated into CI/CD pipelines
Codacy
Automated code quality and security analysis
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need code review features specifically
- • Codacy is an automated code review tool that checks code quality and security issues
- • It integrates with Git workflows to enforce standards and catch bugs before merge
| At a Glance |  Checkmarx |  Codacy |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Code Review |
Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Checkmarx or Codacy?
Choose Checkmarx if
Application security testing platform
- Enterprise SAST
- Good vulnerability detection
- CI/CD integration
- Your work is security-shaped, not code review-shaped
Choose Codacy if
Automated code quality and security analysis
- Automated code review
- Multi-language
- Security scanning
- You want a free tier before you commit
- Your work is code review-shaped, not security-shaped
| Feature | Checkmarx | Codacy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.2/5 65 reviews | ★4.4/5 31 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityDeveloper Tools | Code ReviewTesting & QA |
In-Depth Analysis
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Strengths
- +Enterprise SAST
- +Good vulnerability detection
- +CI/CD integration
- +Compliance support
- +Many languages
Weaknesses
- -Very expensive
- -False positives
- -Learning curve
- -Complex setup
- -Slow scans
Key features
Codacy
Automated code quality and security analysis
Strengths
- +Automated code review
- +Multi-language
- +Security scanning
- +PR integration
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -False positives
- -Setup complexity
- -Some rules dated
- -Performance varies
- -Less known
Key features
Pricing: Checkmarx vs Codacy
| Plan | Checkmarx | Codacy |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | custom Essentials | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | custom Professional | $18 month per user Pro |
| Tier 3 | custom Enterprise | $40 month per user Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Checkmarx pricing and Codacy pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Codacy has a free tier. Checkmarx is paid only.
Go with: Codacy
Want the highest-rated option?
Checkmarx: 4.2/5 (65 reviews). Codacy: 4.4/5 (31 reviews).
Go with: Codacy
Value user reviews?
Checkmarx: 65 reviews (4.2/5). Codacy: 31 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Checkmarx
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Checkmarx is paid. Codacy is freemium. Codacy lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Checkmarx is a security tool. Codacy is in code review. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Codacy is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.2/5.
Key Takeaways
Checkmarx
- Larger review base (65 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Codacy
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.2/5
- Better fit for code review
The Bottom Line
Checkmarx is our pick. Codacy has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Checkmarx or Codacy better?
Checkmarx is rated in our evaluation. Checkmarx is paid and Codacy is freemium.
What are Checkmarx and Codacy used for?
Checkmarx: Application security testing platform. Codacy: Automated code quality and security analysis.
What does Checkmarx cost vs Codacy?
Checkmarx is a paid tool. Codacy is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.