Earthly vs Semgrep: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Earthly and Semgrep 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.
Bottom line: Semgrep wins this matchup. Our overall Developer Tools pick is Porkbun. Our free Developer Tools pick is Jotai. Pick Earthly if you need DevOps.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Earthly
Automate engineering standards enforcement across every tool, team, and deployment.
Best for you if:
- • You want ensures consistent application of engineering standards and compliance automatically
- • You want significantly reduces build times and improves build reliability
Semgrep
Static analysis for finding bugs
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want code analysis tool
- • You want good pattern matching
| At a Glance | Earthly | Semgrep |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | DevOps | Developer Tools |
Rating | - | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Earthly or Semgrep?
Choose Earthly if
Automate engineering standards enforcement across every tool, team, and deployment.
- You want ensures consistent application of engineering standards and compliance automatically
- You want significantly reduces build times and improves build reliability
- Your work is DevOps-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
Choose Semgrep if
Static analysis for finding bugs
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want code analysis tool
- You want good pattern matching
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not DevOps-shaped
| Feature | Earthly | Semgrep |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.6/5 56 reviews |
| Categories | DevOpsDeveloper Tools | Developer ToolsSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
Earthly
Automate engineering standards enforcement across every tool, team, and deployment.
Strengths
- +Ensures consistent application of engineering standards and compliance automatically.
- +Significantly reduces build times and improves build reliability.
- +Provides clear visibility into standards adherence across the organization.
- +Integrates seamlessly with existing CI/CD tools and complements policy tools like OPA.
- +Empowers developers with instant feedback and proactive guidance, reducing last-minute blockers.
Weaknesses
- -Requires initial setup to define and codify standards.
- -The learning curve for Earthfiles syntax, though familiar, might exist for new users.
Key features
Semgrep
Static analysis for finding bugs
Semgrep offers a genuinely useful free tier (10 contributors, 50 repos) that covers most small teams.
Watch out
Modules are priced separately ($30 each for SAST and SCA, $15 for Secrets)
Strengths
- +Code analysis tool
- +Good pattern matching
- +Multi-language
- +Active development
- +Good for security
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Enterprise features paid
- -False positives
- -Configuration needed
- -Resource usage
Key features
Pricing: Earthly vs Semgrep
| Plan | Earthly | Semgrep |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Community |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $40 Teams |
| Tier 3 | N/A | Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Earthly pricing and Semgrep pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Semgrep has a free tier. Earthly is paid only.
Go with: Semgrep
Want the highest-rated option?
Semgrep is rated 4.6/5. Earthly has no ratings yet.
Go with: Semgrep
Value user reviews?
Earthly: no ratings yet. Semgrep: 56 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Semgrep
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Earthly is paid. Semgrep is freemium. Semgrep lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Earthly is a DevOps tool. Semgrep is in developer tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Semgrep is rated 4.6/5; Earthly has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Semgrep
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Earthly
- Better fit for DevOps
The Bottom Line
Semgrep wins this matchup. Our overall Developer Tools pick is Porkbun. Our free Developer Tools pick is Jotai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Earthly or Semgrep better?
Semgrep is rated in our evaluation. Earthly is paid and Semgrep is freemium.
What are Earthly and Semgrep used for?
Earthly: Automate engineering standards enforcement across every tool, team, and deployment.. Semgrep: Static analysis for finding bugs.
What does Earthly cost vs Semgrep?
Earthly is a paid tool. Semgrep is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.