OWASP ZAP vs Checkmarx: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between OWASP ZAP 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:
OWASP ZAP
Open-source web application security scanner
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need testing & qa features specifically
- • OWASP ZAP is a free security testing tool for finding web application vulnerabilities
- • It scans for security issues with automated and manual testing capabilities
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 |  OWASP ZAP |  Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Testing & QA | Code Review |
Rating | 85/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | OWASP ZAP | Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Testing & QABrowser DevTools | Code ReviewTesting & QA |
How OWASP ZAP and Checkmarx Compare
OWASP ZAP
Open-source web application security scanner
Free · 85/100 score
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Paid · 78/100 score
OWASP ZAP is a testing & qa tool. Checkmarx is in code review.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OWASP ZAP is free. Checkmarx is paid.
Go with: OWASP ZAP
Want the highest-rated option?
OWASP ZAP: 85/100. Checkmarx: 78/100.
Go with: OWASP ZAP
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OWASP ZAP
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
OWASP ZAP is free. Checkmarx is paid. Go with OWASP ZAP if free matters most.
What's your use case?
OWASP ZAP is a testing & qa tool. Checkmarx is in code review. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
OWASP ZAP scores higher: 85/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
OWASP ZAP
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 78
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Checkmarx
- Better fit for code review
The Bottom Line
OWASP ZAP (85/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OWASP ZAP or Checkmarx better?
OWASP ZAP scores 85/100 in our evaluation. OWASP ZAP is free and Checkmarx is paid.
What are OWASP ZAP and Checkmarx used for?
OWASP ZAP: Open-source web application security scanner. Checkmarx: Application security testing platform.
What does OWASP ZAP cost vs Checkmarx?
OWASP ZAP is completely free. Checkmarx is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.