Grype vs Refuse: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Grype and Refuse 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: Grype wins this matchup. Podman is our overall CI/CD pick. Podman is our free CI/CD pick. Pick Refuse if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Grype
Vulnerability scanner for container images
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Refuse requires payment)
- • You want open source vulnerability scanner
- • You want container scanning
Refuse
Block vulnerable package installs across your dev and CI/CD
Best for you if:
- • You want significantly enhances software supply chain security by preventing vulnerable package installations
- • You want supports a broad range of package managers and development environments
| At a Glance | Grype | Refuse |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Security | Security |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Grype or Refuse?
Choose Grype if
Vulnerability scanner for container images
- You want a fully free tool (Refuse requires payment)
- You want open source vulnerability scanner
- You want container scanning
Choose Refuse if
Block vulnerable package installs across your dev and CI/CD
- You want significantly enhances software supply chain security by preventing vulnerable package installations
- You want supports a broad range of package managers and development environments
| Feature | Grype | Refuse |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | SecurityTesting & QA | SecurityDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Grype
Vulnerability scanner for container images
Grype's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free and open-source.
Strengths
- +Open source vulnerability scanner
- +Container scanning
- +Fast
- +CI/CD integration
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -CLI only
- -Learning curve
- -Database updates needed
- -False positives possible
- -Enterprise features limited
Key features
Refuse
Block vulnerable package installs across your dev and CI/CD
Refuse offers a very generous pricing model, with both a self-hosted and a hosted free tier at $0.
Watch out
Potential for overage fees if exceeding scan limits
Strengths
- +Significantly enhances software supply chain security by preventing vulnerable package installations.
- +Supports a broad range of package managers and development environments.
- +Offers flexible deployment options including a free self-hosted solution and a generous free hosted tier.
- +Provides specific safe version suggestions when blocking vulnerable packages.
- +Easy to install and integrate into existing workflows (shell, CI/CD, agents).
Weaknesses
- -Requires an additional step in the package installation workflow, which might introduce a slight overhead.
- -The hosted Pro tier with higher scan limits is planned for future release.
Key features
Pricing: Grype vs Refuse
| Plan | Grype | Refuse |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | $0/ forever OSS / Self-host |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $0/ forever Hosted Free |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $5/ month Hosted Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Grype pricing and Refuse pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Grype is free. Refuse is freemium.
Go with: Grype
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?
Grype is free. Refuse is freemium. Go with Grype if free matters most.
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
Grype
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Refuse
- Choose if you want block vulnerable package installs across your dev and CI/CD
The Bottom Line
Grype wins this matchup. Podman is our overall CI/CD pick. Podman is our free CI/CD pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grype or Refuse better?
Grype is rated in our evaluation. Grype is free and Refuse is freemium.
What are Grype and Refuse used for?
Grype: Vulnerability scanner for container images. Refuse: Block vulnerable package installs across your dev and CI/CD.
What does Grype cost vs Refuse?
Grype is completely free. Refuse is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.