Harbor vs Aqua Security: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Harbor and Aqua Security 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:
Harbor
Open-source container registry
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Harbor is an open-source container registry with security and compliance features
- • It provides vulnerability scanning, access control, and image signing for containers
Aqua Security
Cloud native security for containers and Kubernetes
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 7.6/10)
- • Aqua Security is a cloud-native security platform protecting containerized applications
- • It secures the full container lifecycle from build to runtime with vulnerability scanning
| At a Glance |  Harbor |  Aqua Security |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Container Orchestration | Container Orchestration |
Rating | 76/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Harbor | Aqua Security |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 76 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Container OrchestrationVulnerability Scanning | Container OrchestrationVulnerability Scanning |
How Harbor and Aqua Security Compare
Harbor
Open-source container registry
Free tier available · 76/100 score
Aqua Security
Cloud native security for containers and Kubernetes
Paid · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Harbor has a free tier. Aqua Security is paid only.
Go with: Harbor
Want the highest-rated option?
Harbor: 76/100. Aqua Security: 86/100.
Go with: Aqua Security
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Aqua Security
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Harbor is freemium. Aqua Security is paid. Harbor lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are container orchestration tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Aqua Security scores higher: 86/100 vs 76/100.
Key Takeaways
Aqua Security
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 76
- Our pick for this comparison
Harbor
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Aqua Security (86/100) is our pick. Harbor has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harbor or Aqua Security better?
Aqua Security scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Harbor is freemium and Aqua Security is paid.
What are Harbor and Aqua Security used for?
Harbor: Open-source container registry. Aqua Security: Cloud native security for containers and Kubernetes.
What does Harbor cost vs Aqua Security?
Harbor is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Aqua Security is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.