LGTM vs SonarQube: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between LGTM and SonarQube 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:
LGTM
Code analysis platform integrated into GitHub for identifying security vulnerabilities.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need code review 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.
SonarQube
Code quality and security
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need debugging features specifically
- • SonarQube is a self-hosted code quality platform for continuous inspection
- • It analyzes code for bugs, security issues, and technical debt
| At a Glance |  LGTM |  SonarQube |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Code Review | Debugging |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | LGTM | SonarQube |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Code ReviewTesting & QA | DebuggingCode Review |
How LGTM and SonarQube Compare
LGTM
Code analysis platform integrated into GitHub for identifying security vulnerabilities.
Free
SonarQube
Code quality and security
Free tier available · 86/100 score
LGTM is a code review tool. SonarQube is in debugging.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
LGTM is free. SonarQube is freemium.
Go with: LGTM
Want the highest-rated option?
SonarQube scores 86/100. LGTM is unrated.
Go with: SonarQube
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SonarQube
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
LGTM is free. SonarQube is freemium. Go with LGTM if free matters most.
What's your use case?
LGTM is a code review tool. SonarQube is in debugging. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
SonarQube
- Higher score: 86/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
LGTM
- Completely free
- Better fit for code review
The Bottom Line
SonarQube (86/100) is our pick. That said, LGTM is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LGTM or SonarQube better?
SonarQube scores 86/100 in our evaluation. LGTM is free and SonarQube is freemium.
What are LGTM and SonarQube used for?
LGTM: Code analysis platform integrated into GitHub for identifying security vulnerabilities.. SonarQube: Code quality and security.
What does LGTM cost vs SonarQube?
LGTM is completely free. SonarQube is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.