CodeQL vs Refuse: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between CodeQL and Refuse 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:
CodeQL
Discover vulnerabilities across a codebase with industry-leading semantic code analysis.
Best for you if:
- • Semantic code analysis engine for vulnerability discovery.
- • Allows querying code like data to find security flaws.
Refuse
Block vulnerable package installs across your dev and CI/CD
Best for you if:
- • Blocks vulnerable package installations across 21 ecosystems.
- • Offers both hosted and self-hosted deployment options.
| At a Glance |  CodeQL |  Refuse |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose CodeQL or Refuse?
Choose CodeQL if
Discover vulnerabilities across a codebase with industry-leading semantic code analysis.
- Powerful code analysis
- Security focus
- GitHub integration
Choose Refuse if
Block vulnerable package installs across your dev and CI/CD
- Significantly enhances software supply chain security by preventing vulnerable package installations.
- Supports a broad range of package managers and development environments.
- Offers flexible deployment options including a free self-hosted solution and a generous free hosted tier.
| Feature | CodeQL | Refuse |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | SecurityDeveloper Tools | SecurityDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
CodeQL
Discover vulnerabilities across a codebase with industry-leading semantic code analysis.
Strengths
- +Powerful code analysis
- +Security focus
- +GitHub integration
- +Custom queries
- +Free for public repos
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Query writing complex
- -Slow scans
- -Resource intensive
- -False positives
Key features
Value 80/100. CodeQL is best-in-class for code security scanning.
Watch out: Per-committer pricing can scale quickly
Refuse
Block vulnerable package installs across your dev and CI/CD
Strengths
- +Significantly enhances software supply chain security by preventing vulnerable package installations.
- +Supports a broad range of package managers and development environments.
- +Offers flexible deployment options including a free self-hosted solution and a generous free hosted tier.
- +Provides specific safe version suggestions when blocking vulnerable packages.
- +Easy to install and integrate into existing workflows (shell, CI/CD, agents).
Weaknesses
- -Requires an additional step in the package installation workflow, which might introduce a slight overhead.
- -The hosted Pro tier with higher scan limits is planned for future release.
Key features
Value 95/100. Refuse offers a very generous pricing model, with both a self-hosted and a hosted free tier at $0.
Watch out: No annual discount mentioned for Hosted Pro
Pricing: CodeQL vs Refuse
| Plan | CodeQL | Refuse |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free (Public repos) | $0/ forever OSS / Self-host |
| Tier 2 | $30 month per committer Code Security | $0/ forever Hosted Free |
| Tier 3 | $19 month per committer Secret Protection | $5/ month Hosted Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on CodeQL pricing and Refuse pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: CodeQL
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. 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 ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
CodeQL
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Refuse
- Choose if you want block vulnerable package installs across your dev and CI/CD
The Bottom Line
CodeQL is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CodeQL or Refuse better?
CodeQL is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are CodeQL and Refuse used for?
CodeQL: Discover vulnerabilities across a codebase with industry-leading semantic code analysis.. Refuse: Block vulnerable package installs across your dev and CI/CD.
What does CodeQL cost vs Refuse?
CodeQL is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Refuse is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.