Fortify vs Checkmarx: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Fortify and Checkmarx 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:
Fortify
Comprehensive application security testing for identifying and remediating vulnerabilities.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need vulnerability scanning features specifically
- • Comprehensive SAST, DAST, and IAST capabilities
- • Integrates security into the SDLC
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need code review features specifically
- • Checkmarx is an enterprise application security testing platform for finding vulnerabilities in code
- • It provides SAST, SCA, and DAST scanning integrated into CI/CD pipelines
| At a Glance |  Fortify |  Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Vulnerability Scanning | Code Review |
Rating | —/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | Fortify | Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Vulnerability Scanning | Code ReviewTesting & QA |
How Fortify and Checkmarx Compare
Fortify
Comprehensive application security testing for identifying and remediating vulnerabilities.
Free tier available
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Paid · 78/100 score
Fortify is a vulnerability scanning tool. Checkmarx is in code review.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Fortify has a free tier. Checkmarx is paid only.
Go with: Fortify
Want the highest-rated option?
Checkmarx scores 78/100. Fortify is unrated.
Go with: Checkmarx
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Checkmarx
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Fortify is freemium. Checkmarx is paid. Fortify lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Fortify is a vulnerability scanning tool. Checkmarx is in code review. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Checkmarx
- Higher score: 78/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Fortify
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for vulnerability scanning
The Bottom Line
Checkmarx (78/100) is our pick. Fortify has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fortify or Checkmarx better?
Checkmarx scores 78/100 in our evaluation. Fortify is freemium and Checkmarx is paid.
What are Fortify and Checkmarx used for?
Fortify: Comprehensive application security testing for identifying and remediating vulnerabilities.. Checkmarx: Application security testing platform.
What does Fortify cost vs Checkmarx?
Fortify is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Checkmarx is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.