Nuclei vs Checkmarx: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Nuclei and Checkmarx 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:
Nuclei
Automate custom vulnerability detection and map internet-exposed assets at scale.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need automation features specifically
- • Automates custom vulnerability detection using security templates.
- • Maps internet-exposed assets and monitors cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure, Cloudflare).
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Best for you if:
- • You need code review features specifically
- • Checkmarx is an enterprise application security testing platform for finding vulnerabilities in code
- • It provides SAST, SCA, and DAST scanning integrated into CI/CD pipelines
| At a Glance |  Nuclei |  Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Automation | Code Review |
Rating | 84/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | Nuclei | Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationInfrastructure as Code | Code ReviewTesting & QA |
How Nuclei and Checkmarx Compare
Nuclei
Automate custom vulnerability detection and map internet-exposed assets at scale.
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Paid · 78/100 score
Nuclei is a automation tool. Checkmarx is in code review.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Nuclei has a free tier. Checkmarx is paid only.
Go with: Nuclei
Want the highest-rated option?
Nuclei: 84/100. Checkmarx: 78/100.
Go with: Nuclei
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Nuclei
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Nuclei is freemium. Checkmarx is paid. Nuclei lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Nuclei is a automation tool. Checkmarx is in code review. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Nuclei scores higher: 84/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
Nuclei
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 78
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Checkmarx
- Better fit for code review
The Bottom Line
Nuclei (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nuclei or Checkmarx better?
Nuclei scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Nuclei is freemium and Checkmarx is paid.
What are Nuclei and Checkmarx used for?
Nuclei: Automate custom vulnerability detection and map internet-exposed assets at scale.. Checkmarx: Application security testing platform.
What does Nuclei cost vs Checkmarx?
Nuclei is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Checkmarx is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.