Clair vs tfsec: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Clair 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:
Clair
Static vulnerability analysis for containers
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 7.3/10)
- • You need container orchestration features specifically
- • Clair is an open-source vulnerability scanner for container images
- • It analyzes container layers and reports known security vulnerabilities from multiple databases
tfsec
Security scanner for your Terraform code.
Best for you if:
- • You need ci/cd features specifically
- • Scans Terraform code for security vulnerabilities.
- • Identifies misconfigurations before deployment.
| At a Glance |  Clair |  tfsec |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Container Orchestration | CI/CD |
Rating | 80/100 | 73/100 |
| Feature | Clair | tfsec |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 73 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Container OrchestrationVulnerability Scanning | CI/CDInfrastructure as Code |
How Clair and tfsec Compare
Clair
Static vulnerability analysis for containers
Free · 80/100 score
tfsec
Security scanner for your Terraform code.
Free · 73/100 score
Clair is a container orchestration tool. tfsec is in ci/cd.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Clair
Want the highest-rated option?
Clair: 80/100. tfsec: 73/100.
Go with: Clair
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Clair
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?
Clair is a container orchestration tool. tfsec is in ci/cd. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Clair scores higher: 80/100 vs 73/100.
Key Takeaways
Clair
- Higher score: 80/100 vs 73
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
tfsec
- Better fit for ci/cd
The Bottom Line
Clair (80/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clair or tfsec better?
Clair scores 80/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Clair and tfsec used for?
Clair: Static vulnerability analysis for containers. tfsec: Security scanner for your Terraform code..
What does Clair cost vs tfsec?
Clair is completely free. tfsec is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.