Gitleaks vs Checkmarx: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Gitleaks 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:
Gitleaks
Detect secrets in Git repositories
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need vulnerability scanning features specifically
- • Gitleaks is an open-source tool for detecting secrets in Git repositories
- • It scans commits and files for API keys, passwords, and other sensitive data
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Best for you if:
- • 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 |  Gitleaks |  Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Vulnerability Scanning | Code Review |
Rating | 82/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | Gitleaks | Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Vulnerability ScanningSecurity Monitoring | Code ReviewTesting & QA |
How Gitleaks and Checkmarx Compare
Gitleaks
Detect secrets in Git repositories
Free · 82/100 score
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Paid · 78/100 score
Gitleaks is a vulnerability scanning tool. Checkmarx is in code review.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Gitleaks is free. Checkmarx is paid.
Go with: Gitleaks
Want the highest-rated option?
Gitleaks: 82/100. Checkmarx: 78/100.
Go with: Gitleaks
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Gitleaks
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Gitleaks is free. Checkmarx is paid. Go with Gitleaks if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Gitleaks is a vulnerability scanning tool. Checkmarx is in code review. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Gitleaks scores higher: 82/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
Gitleaks
- Higher score: 82/100 vs 78
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Checkmarx
- Better fit for code review
The Bottom Line
Gitleaks (82/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gitleaks or Checkmarx better?
Gitleaks scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Gitleaks is free and Checkmarx is paid.
What are Gitleaks and Checkmarx used for?
Gitleaks: Detect secrets in Git repositories. Checkmarx: Application security testing platform.
What does Gitleaks cost vs Checkmarx?
Gitleaks is completely free. Checkmarx is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.