LGTM vs SonarCloud: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between LGTM and SonarCloud 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: SonarCloud is our overall pick for code review workflows. Pick LGTM if you need security.
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.
SonarCloud
Cloud code quality and security analysis
Best for you if:
- • You need code review features specifically
- • SonarCloud is a cloud-based code quality and security analysis service
- • It scans code for bugs, vulnerabilities, and code smells automatically
| At a Glance |  LGTM |  SonarCloud |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $10/monthTeam |
Best For | Security | Code Review |
Rating | - | - |
Choose LGTM or SonarCloud?
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 (SonarCloud requires payment)
- Your work is security-shaped, not code review-shaped
Choose SonarCloud if
Cloud code quality and security analysis
- Cloud code quality
- Good for open source
- Multi-language
- Your work is code review-shaped, not security-shaped
| Feature | LGTM | SonarCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.3/5 7 reviews |
| Categories | SecurityDeveloper Tools | Code ReviewSecurity |
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
SonarCloud
Cloud code quality and security analysis
Strengths
- +Cloud code quality
- +Good for open source
- +Multi-language
- +PR decoration
- +Free for public repos
Weaknesses
- -Expensive for private
- -Line-based pricing
- -False positives
- -Can be slow
- -SonarQube overlap
Key features
Pricing: LGTM vs SonarCloud
| Plan | LGTM | SonarCloud |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $10 month Team |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on LGTM pricing and SonarCloud pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
LGTM is free. SonarCloud 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: SonarCloud
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
LGTM is free. SonarCloud is freemium. Go with LGTM if free matters most.
What's your use case?
LGTM is a security tool. SonarCloud is in code review. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
SonarCloud
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
LGTM
- Completely free
- Better fit for security
The Bottom Line
SonarCloud is our pick. That said, LGTM is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LGTM or SonarCloud better?
SonarCloud is rated in our evaluation. LGTM is free and SonarCloud is freemium.
What are LGTM and SonarCloud used for?
LGTM: Code analysis platform integrated into GitHub for identifying security vulnerabilities.. SonarCloud: Cloud code quality and security analysis.
What does LGTM cost vs SonarCloud?
LGTM is completely free. SonarCloud is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.