FOSSA vs Checkmarx: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between FOSSA 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:
FOSSA
Control your software supply chain with automated open source security, compliance, and quality management.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need vulnerability scanning features specifically
- • Automates open source security, license compliance, and quality management.
- • Scans all third-party code, including packages, containers, SBOMs, binaries, and snippets.
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 |  FOSSA |  Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Vulnerability Scanning | Code Review |
Rating | —/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | FOSSA | 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 ScanningCompliance Management | Code ReviewTesting & QA |
How FOSSA and Checkmarx Compare
FOSSA
Control your software supply chain with automated open source security, compliance, and quality management.
Free tier available
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Paid · 78/100 score
FOSSA is a vulnerability scanning tool. Checkmarx is in code review.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
FOSSA has a free tier. Checkmarx is paid only.
Go with: FOSSA
Want the highest-rated option?
Checkmarx scores 78/100. FOSSA 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?
FOSSA is freemium. Checkmarx is paid. FOSSA lets you start free.
What's your use case?
FOSSA 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
FOSSA
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for vulnerability scanning
The Bottom Line
Checkmarx (78/100) is our pick. FOSSA has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FOSSA or Checkmarx better?
Checkmarx scores 78/100 in our evaluation. FOSSA is freemium and Checkmarx is paid.
What are FOSSA and Checkmarx used for?
FOSSA: Control your software supply chain with automated open source security, compliance, and quality management.. Checkmarx: Application security testing platform.
What does FOSSA cost vs Checkmarx?
FOSSA is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Checkmarx is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.