Cilium vs Falco: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Cilium and Falco 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:
Cilium
Cloud native networking, observability, and security powered by eBPF.
Best for you if:
- • You need container orchestration features specifically
- • eBPF-based networking, observability, and security for cloud native environments.
- • Provides high-performance data path and granular policy enforcement in Kubernetes.
Falco
Cloud-native runtime security
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Falco is an open-source runtime security tool for Kubernetes and containers
- • It detects abnormal behavior and security threats using kernel-level monitoring
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Container Orchestration | Monitoring |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Cilium | Falco |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Container OrchestrationMonitoring | MonitoringContainer Orchestration |
Understanding the Differences
Both Cilium and Falco solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Cilium positions itself as "cloud native networking, observability, and security powered by ebpf." while Falcofocuses on "cloud-native runtime security". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Cilium
Cilium makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Falco
Falco is worth considering if you need a free tool. Scoring 86/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Cilium lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Cilium
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Falco is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Falco
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Falco
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Falco won't cost you anything.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Falco higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Falco more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Falco Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Cilium If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Falco (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Falco scores higher in our analysis, but Cilium might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cilium or Falco better?
Based on our analysis, Falco scores higher with 86/100. Cilium isfreemium while Falco is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Cilium to Falco easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Cilium and Falco offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Cilium is freemium with a free tier.Falco is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.