GitHub Advanced Security vs LGTM: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between GitHub Advanced Security and LGTM 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: GitHub Advanced Security is our overall pick for security workflows. Pick LGTM if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
GitHub Advanced Security
GitHub Advanced Security
Best for you if:
- • You need github advanced security
- • You want a completely free tool
LGTM
Code analysis platform integrated into GitHub for identifying security vulnerabilities.
Best for you if:
- • A code analysis platform that identified security issues and code quality problems.
- • Powered by CodeQL technology, it integrated with GitHub for continuous analysis.
| At a Glance |  GitHub Advanced Security |  LGTM |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose GitHub Advanced Security or LGTM?
Choose GitHub Advanced Security if
GitHub Advanced Security
- You need security features specifically.
Choose LGTM if
Code analysis platform integrated into GitHub for identifying security vulnerabilities.
- Integrated directly into GitHub for seamless workflow (now via GitHub code scanning)
- Utilized powerful CodeQL analysis engine
- Automated detection of security issues
| Feature | GitHub Advanced Security | LGTM |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | SecurityCode Review | SecurityDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
GitHub Advanced Security
GitHub Advanced Security
Value 70/100. The pricing is generous since GitHub Advanced Security is free for open-source projects, but this represents a limited data set.
Watch out: No paid tiers listed, assume seat or usage overages
LGTM
Code analysis platform integrated into GitHub for identifying security vulnerabilities.
Strengths
- +Integrated directly into GitHub for seamless workflow (now via GitHub code scanning)
- +Utilized powerful CodeQL analysis engine
- +Automated detection of security issues
- +Provided code quality insights
Weaknesses
- -No longer available as a standalone product
- -Requires migration to GitHub code scanning for continued use of its core functionality
- -Advanced build configurations might require manual migration effort
Key features
Pricing: GitHub Advanced Security vs LGTM
| Plan | GitHub Advanced Security | LGTM |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on GitHub Advanced Security pricing and LGTM pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: GitHub Advanced Security
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are security tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
GitHub Advanced Security
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
LGTM
- Choose if you want code analysis platform integrated into GitHub for identifying security vulnerabilities
The Bottom Line
GitHub Advanced Security is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GitHub Advanced Security or LGTM better?
GitHub Advanced Security is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are GitHub Advanced Security and LGTM used for?
GitHub Advanced Security: GitHub Advanced Security. LGTM: Code analysis platform integrated into GitHub for identifying security vulnerabilities..
What does GitHub Advanced Security cost vs LGTM?
GitHub Advanced Security is completely free. LGTM is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.