CodeQL vs ScoutSuite: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between CodeQL and ScoutSuite 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:
CodeQL
Discover vulnerabilities across a codebase with industry-leading semantic code analysis.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 7.4/10)
- • You need debugging features specifically
- • Semantic code analysis engine for vulnerability discovery.
- • Allows querying code like data to find security flaws.
ScoutSuite
Open-source multi-cloud security auditing tool for posture assessment.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need vulnerability scanning features specifically
- • Open-source multi-cloud security auditing tool.
- • Assesses cloud security posture and highlights risks.
| At a Glance |  CodeQL |  ScoutSuite |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Debugging | Vulnerability Scanning |
Rating | 84/100 | 74/100 |
| Feature | CodeQL | ScoutSuite |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 74 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DebuggingCode Review | Vulnerability ScanningSecurity Monitoring |
How CodeQL and ScoutSuite Compare
CodeQL
Discover vulnerabilities across a codebase with industry-leading semantic code analysis.
Free tier available · 84/100 score
ScoutSuite
Open-source multi-cloud security auditing tool for posture assessment.
Free · 74/100 score
CodeQL is a debugging tool. ScoutSuite is in vulnerability scanning.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
ScoutSuite is free. CodeQL is freemium.
Go with: ScoutSuite
Want the highest-rated option?
CodeQL: 84/100. ScoutSuite: 74/100.
Go with: CodeQL
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: CodeQL
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
CodeQL is freemium. ScoutSuite is free. Go with ScoutSuite if free matters most.
What's your use case?
CodeQL is a debugging tool. ScoutSuite is in vulnerability scanning. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
CodeQL scores higher: 84/100 vs 74/100.
Key Takeaways
CodeQL
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 74
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
ScoutSuite
- Completely free
- Better fit for vulnerability scanning
The Bottom Line
CodeQL (84/100) is our pick. That said, ScoutSuite is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CodeQL or ScoutSuite better?
CodeQL scores 84/100 in our evaluation. CodeQL is freemium and ScoutSuite is free.
What are CodeQL and ScoutSuite used for?
CodeQL: Discover vulnerabilities across a codebase with industry-leading semantic code analysis.. ScoutSuite: Open-source multi-cloud security auditing tool for posture assessment..
What does CodeQL cost vs ScoutSuite?
CodeQL is freemium (free tier + paid plans). ScoutSuite is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.