Checkov vs Terrascan: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Checkov and Terrascan 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:
Checkov
Infrastructure as code security
Best for you if:
- • Free open-source infrastructure-as-code security scanner by Bridgecrew (Prisma Cloud)
- • 1000+ built-in policies for Terraform, CloudFormation, Kubernetes, and Dockerfile
Terrascan
Detect compliance and security violations across Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to mitigate risk.
Best for you if:
- • Scans Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for security and compliance violations.
- • Includes 500+ out-of-the-box policies and supports custom policies via OPA/Rego.
| At a Glance |  Checkov |  Terrascan |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Contact sales/moPrisma Cloud | Free |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Checkov or Terrascan?
Choose Checkov if
Infrastructure as code security
- IaC security scanning
- Many frameworks
- Open source
Choose Terrascan if
Detect compliance and security violations across Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to mitigate risk.
- Infrastructure as Code security scanner
- Policy as code approach
- Multi-IaC support (Terraform, K8s, etc.)
| Feature | Checkov | Terrascan |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | SecurityDeveloper Tools | SecurityDevOps |
In-Depth Analysis
Checkov
Infrastructure as code security
Strengths
- +IaC security scanning
- +Many frameworks
- +Open source
- +Policy as code
- +CI/CD integration
Weaknesses
- -False positives
- -Learning curve
- -Output verbose
- -Custom policies complex
- -Documentation gaps
Key features
Terrascan
Detect compliance and security violations across Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to mitigate risk.
Strengths
- +Infrastructure as Code security scanner
- +Policy as code approach
- +Multi-IaC support (Terraform, K8s, etc.)
- +Open-source and free
- +CI/CD integration ready
Weaknesses
- -Configuration required
- -False positives possible
- -Policy writing needed
- -Learning curve for rules
- -May slow CI pipelines
Key features
Pricing: Checkov vs Terrascan
| Plan | Checkov | Terrascan |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 Open Source | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | Contact sales Prisma Cloud | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Checkov pricing and Terrascan pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Checkov
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Checkov
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Terrascan
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?
Both are security tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Terrascan
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Checkov
- Choose if you want infrastructure as code security
The Bottom Line
Terrascan is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Checkov or Terrascan better?
Terrascan is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Checkov and Terrascan used for?
Checkov: Infrastructure as code security. Terrascan: Detect compliance and security violations across Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to mitigate risk..
What does Checkov cost vs Terrascan?
Checkov is completely free. Terrascan is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.