Checkov vs ScoutSuite: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Checkov and ScoutSuite 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:
Checkov
Infrastructure as code security
Best for you if:
- • You need infrastructure as code features specifically
- • Free open-source infrastructure-as-code security scanner by Bridgecrew (Prisma Cloud)
- • 1000+ built-in policies for Terraform, CloudFormation, Kubernetes, and Dockerfile
ScoutSuite
Open-source multi-cloud security auditing tool for posture assessment.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.4/10 vs 7.0/10)
- • You need vulnerability scanning features specifically
- • Open-source multi-cloud security auditing tool.
- • Assesses cloud security posture and highlights risks.
| At a Glance |  Checkov |  ScoutSuite |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Infrastructure as Code | Vulnerability Scanning |
Rating | 70/100 | 74/100 |
| Feature | Checkov | ScoutSuite |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 70 | 74 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Infrastructure as CodeVulnerability Scanning | Vulnerability ScanningSecurity Monitoring |
How Checkov and ScoutSuite Compare
Checkov
Infrastructure as code security
Free · 70/100 score
ScoutSuite
Open-source multi-cloud security auditing tool for posture assessment.
Free · 74/100 score
Checkov is a infrastructure as code tool. ScoutSuite is in vulnerability scanning.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Checkov
Want the highest-rated option?
Checkov: 70/100. ScoutSuite: 74/100.
Go with: ScoutSuite
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ScoutSuite
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Checkov is a infrastructure as code tool. ScoutSuite is in vulnerability scanning. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
ScoutSuite scores higher: 74/100 vs 70/100.
Key Takeaways
ScoutSuite
- Higher score: 74/100 vs 70
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Checkov
- Better fit for infrastructure as code
The Bottom Line
ScoutSuite (74/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Checkov or ScoutSuite better?
ScoutSuite scores 74/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Checkov and ScoutSuite used for?
Checkov: Infrastructure as code security. ScoutSuite: Open-source multi-cloud security auditing tool for posture assessment..
What does Checkov cost vs ScoutSuite?
Checkov is completely free. ScoutSuite is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.