Checkmarx vs GitGuardian: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Checkmarx 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:
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Best for you if:
- • You need code review 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
GitGuardian
Secrets detection
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • 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 |  Checkmarx |  GitGuardian |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Code Review | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 78/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Checkmarx | GitGuardian |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Code ReviewTesting & QA | IDE & Code EditorsVulnerability Scanning |
How Checkmarx and GitGuardian Compare
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Paid · 78/100 score
GitGuardian
Secrets detection
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Checkmarx is a code review tool. GitGuardian is in ide & code editors.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
GitGuardian has a free tier. Checkmarx is paid only.
Go with: GitGuardian
Want the highest-rated option?
Checkmarx: 78/100. GitGuardian: 86/100.
Go with: GitGuardian
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: GitGuardian
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Checkmarx is paid. GitGuardian is freemium. GitGuardian lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Checkmarx is a code review tool. GitGuardian is in ide & code editors. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
GitGuardian scores higher: 86/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
GitGuardian
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 78
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Checkmarx
- Better fit for code review
The Bottom Line
GitGuardian (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Checkmarx or GitGuardian better?
GitGuardian scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Checkmarx is paid and GitGuardian is freemium.
What are Checkmarx and GitGuardian used for?
Checkmarx: Application security testing platform. GitGuardian: Secrets detection.
What does Checkmarx cost vs GitGuardian?
Checkmarx is a paid tool. GitGuardian is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.