Clair vs Trivy: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Clair and Trivy 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:
Clair
Static vulnerability analysis for containers
Best for you if:
- • Clair is an open-source vulnerability scanner for container images
- • It analyzes container layers and reports known security vulnerabilities from multiple databases
Trivy
Security scanner for containers
Best for you if:
- • Trivy is an open-source security scanner for containers and code
- • It finds vulnerabilities in images, filesystems, and IaC
| At a Glance |  Clair |  Trivy |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Clair or Trivy?
Choose Clair if
Static vulnerability analysis for containers
- Container vulnerability scanning
- Open source
- Quay.io integration
Choose Trivy if
Security scanner for containers
- Free and open source
- Fast scanning
- Easy to use
| Feature | Clair | Trivy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 86 reviews | ★4.3/5 12 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityVulnerability Scanning | SecurityDevOps |
In-Depth Analysis
Clair
Static vulnerability analysis for containers
Strengths
- +Container vulnerability scanning
- +Open source
- +Quay.io integration
- +Good accuracy
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Setup complexity
- -Learning curve
- -UI basic
- -Documentation improving
- -Less known
Key features
Trivy
Security scanner for containers
Strengths
- +Free and open source
- +Fast scanning
- +Easy to use
Weaknesses
- -Basic reporting
- -No managed option
Key features
Pricing: Clair vs Trivy
| Plan | Clair | Trivy |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Clair pricing and Trivy pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Clair
Want the highest-rated option?
Clair: 4.4/5 (86 reviews). Trivy: 4.3/5 (12 reviews).
Go with: Clair
Value user reviews?
Clair: 86 reviews (4.4/5). Trivy: 12 reviews (4.3/5).
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?
Both are security tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Clair is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Trivy
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Clair
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (86 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Trivy is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clair or Trivy better?
Trivy is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Clair and Trivy used for?
Clair: Static vulnerability analysis for containers. Trivy: Security scanner for containers.
What does Clair cost vs Trivy?
Clair is completely free. Trivy is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.