Checkmarx vs Syft: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Checkmarx and Syft side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Syft leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Best for you if:
- • You want enterprise SAST
Syft
Generate Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) from container images and filesystems.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Checkmarx requires payment)
| At a Glance | Checkmarx | Syft |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Not published | Free 100% free |
Category | Testing & QA Security | Security DevOps |
Rating | 4.1/5 G2 4.2 · Capterra 3.9 56 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Checkmarx or Syft?
Choose Checkmarx if
- You want enterprise SAST
- You want good vulnerability detection
- You work in testing & QA, not security
Choose Syft if
- You want a fully free tool (Checkmarx requires payment)
- You want comprehensive SBOM generation for diverse software components
- You want broad support for packaging ecosystems and image formats
- You work in security, not testing & QA
In-Depth Analysis
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Strengths
- Pro: Enterprise SAST
- Pro: Good vulnerability detection
- Pro: CI/CD integration
- Pro: Compliance support
- Pro: Many languages
Weaknesses
- Con: Very expensive
- Con: False positives
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Complex setup
- Con: Slow scans
Key features
Syft
Generate Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) from container images and filesystems.
Syft's pricing is exceptionally generous, offering a fully-featured open-source solution for free.
Strengths
- Pro: Comprehensive SBOM generation for diverse software components
- Pro: Broad support for packaging ecosystems and image formats
- Pro: Seamless integration with vulnerability scanning tools like Grype
- Pro: Multiple output formats and SBOM conversion capabilities
- Pro: Enhances software supply chain security with signed attestations
Weaknesses
- Con: Primarily a CLI tool, which might require command-line familiarity
- Con: Requires integration with other tools (like Grype) for full vulnerability detection
Key features
Plans and prices: Checkmarx vs Syft
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Checkmarx |
| checkmarx.com/pricing read Oct 6, 2026 |
| Syft |
| github.com/anchore/syft read Oct 17, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Checkmarx pricing and Syft pricing.
Key Takeaways
Checkmarx
- Choose if you want application security testing platform
Syft
- Has a free plan
What the data shows
On the data below, Syft leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Only Checkmarx has a published user rating (4.1/5 from 56 reviews); Syft has none we can show.
- Only Syft has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Checkmarx and Syft compare in 2026?
On the data below, Syft leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Only Checkmarx has a published user rating (4.1/5 from 56 reviews); Syft has none we can show. Only Syft has a free plan.
What are Checkmarx and Syft used for?
Checkmarx: Application security testing platform. Syft: Generate Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) from container images and filesystems.
What does Checkmarx cost vs Syft?
Checkmarx has no public paid-plan price on file. Syft is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 17, 2026.
What's the main difference between Checkmarx and Syft?
Checkmarx's main strength: enterprise SAST. Syft's main strength: comprehensive SBOM generation for diverse software components.