Lakera vs Falco: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Lakera and Falco 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Lakera
The AI-native security platform to accelerate GenAI development and protect against emerging threats.
Best for you if:
- • You need security monitoring features specifically
- • Provides real-time, AI-native security for generative AI applications.
- • Offers prompt injection prevention, data leakage protection, and content moderation.
Falco
Cloud-native runtime security
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Falco is an open-source runtime security tool for Kubernetes and containers
- • It detects abnormal behavior and security threats using kernel-level monitoring
| At a Glance |  Lakera | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Security Monitoring | Monitoring |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Lakera | Falco |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Security MonitoringVulnerability Scanning | MonitoringContainer Orchestration |
Understanding the Differences
Both Lakera and Falco solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Lakera positions itself as "the ai-native security platform to accelerate genai development and protect against emerging threats." while Falcofocuses on "cloud-native runtime security". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Lakera
Lakera makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Falco
Falco is worth considering if you need a free tool. Scoring 86/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Lakera lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Lakera
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Falco is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Falco
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Falco
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Falco won't cost you anything.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Falco higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Falco more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Falco Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Lakera If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Falco (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Falco scores higher in our analysis, but Lakera might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakera or Falco better?
Based on our analysis, Falco scores higher with 86/100. Lakera isfreemium while Falco is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Lakera to Falco easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Lakera and Falco offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Lakera is freemium with a free tier.Falco is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.