Falco vs mkcert: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Falco and mkcert 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:
Falco
Cloud-native runtime security
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Falco is an open-source runtime security tool for Kubernetes and containers
- • It detects abnormal behavior and security threats using kernel-level monitoring
mkcert
Create local trusted dev certificates
Best for you if:
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • mkcert is a tool for creating locally-trusted development certificates
- • It generates TLS certificates for localhost without complex setup
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Monitoring | API Tools |
Rating | 86/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Falco | mkcert |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | MonitoringContainer Orchestration | API ToolsTerminal Tools |
Understanding the Differences
Both Falco and mkcert solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Falco positions itself as "cloud-native runtime security" while mkcertfocuses on "create local trusted dev certificates". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Falco
Falco makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose mkcert
mkcert is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Falco lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Falco
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Falco handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Falco
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Falco
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Falco is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Falco higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted mkcert more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Falco Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider mkcert If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Falco (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Falco scores higher in our analysis, but mkcert might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Falco or mkcert better?
Based on our analysis, Falco scores higher with 86/100. Falco isfree while mkcert is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Falco to mkcert easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Falco and mkcert offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Falco is completely free.mkcert is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.