Checkmarx vs tfsec: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Checkmarx and tfsec 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 want the higher-rated option (7.8/10 vs 7.3/10)
- • 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
tfsec
Security scanner for your Terraform code.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need ci/cd features specifically
- • Scans Terraform code for security vulnerabilities.
- • Identifies misconfigurations before deployment.
| At a Glance |  Checkmarx |  tfsec |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Code Review | CI/CD |
Rating | 78/100 | 73/100 |
| Feature | Checkmarx | tfsec |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 73 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Code ReviewTesting & QA | CI/CDInfrastructure as Code |
How Checkmarx and tfsec Compare
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Paid · 78/100 score
tfsec
Security scanner for your Terraform code.
Free · 73/100 score
Checkmarx is a code review tool. tfsec is in ci/cd.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
tfsec is free. Checkmarx is paid.
Go with: tfsec
Want the highest-rated option?
Checkmarx: 78/100. tfsec: 73/100.
Go with: Checkmarx
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Checkmarx
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Checkmarx is paid. tfsec is free. Go with tfsec if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Checkmarx is a code review tool. tfsec is in ci/cd. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Checkmarx scores higher: 78/100 vs 73/100.
Key Takeaways
Checkmarx
- Higher score: 78/100 vs 73
- Our pick for this comparison
tfsec
- Completely free
- Better fit for ci/cd
The Bottom Line
Checkmarx (78/100) is our pick. That said, tfsec is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Checkmarx or tfsec better?
Checkmarx scores 78/100 in our evaluation. Checkmarx is paid and tfsec is free.
What are Checkmarx and tfsec used for?
Checkmarx: Application security testing platform. tfsec: Security scanner for your Terraform code..
What does Checkmarx cost vs tfsec?
Checkmarx is a paid tool. tfsec is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.