LGTM vs Codacy: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between LGTM and Codacy 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:
LGTM
Code analysis platform integrated into GitHub for identifying security vulnerabilities.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need security features specifically
- • A code analysis platform that identified security issues and code quality problems.
- • Powered by CodeQL technology, it integrated with GitHub for continuous analysis.
Codacy
Automated code quality and security analysis
Best for you if:
- • You need code review features specifically
- • Codacy is an automated code review tool that checks code quality and security issues
- • It integrates with Git workflows to enforce standards and catch bugs before merge
| At a Glance |  LGTM |  Codacy |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $18/month per userPro |
Best For | Security | Code Review |
Rating | - | - |
Choose LGTM or Codacy?
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
- You want a fully free tool (Codacy requires payment)
- Your work is security-shaped, not code review-shaped
Choose Codacy if
Automated code quality and security analysis
- Automated code review
- Multi-language
- Security scanning
- Your work is code review-shaped, not security-shaped
| Feature | LGTM | Codacy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.4/5 31 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityDeveloper Tools | Code ReviewTesting & QA |
In-Depth Analysis
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
Codacy
Automated code quality and security analysis
Strengths
- +Automated code review
- +Multi-language
- +Security scanning
- +PR integration
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -False positives
- -Setup complexity
- -Some rules dated
- -Performance varies
- -Less known
Key features
Pricing: LGTM vs Codacy
| Plan | LGTM | Codacy |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $18 month per user Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $40 month per user Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on LGTM pricing and Codacy pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
LGTM is free. Codacy is freemium.
Go with: LGTM
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: LGTM
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Codacy
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
LGTM is free. Codacy is freemium. Go with LGTM if free matters most.
What's your use case?
LGTM is a security tool. Codacy is in code review. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Codacy
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
LGTM
- Completely free
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
Codacy is our pick. That said, LGTM is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LGTM or Codacy better?
Codacy is rated in our evaluation. LGTM is free and Codacy is freemium.
What are LGTM and Codacy used for?
LGTM: Code analysis platform integrated into GitHub for identifying security vulnerabilities.. Codacy: Automated code quality and security analysis.
What does LGTM cost vs Codacy?
LGTM is completely free. Codacy is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.