SonarQube vs Checkmarx: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between SonarQube 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:
SonarQube
Code quality and security
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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
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 |  SonarQube |  Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Debugging | Code Review |
Rating | 86/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | SonarQube | Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DebuggingCode Review | Code ReviewTesting & QA |
How SonarQube and Checkmarx Compare
SonarQube
Code quality and security
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Paid · 78/100 score
SonarQube is a debugging tool. Checkmarx is in code review.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
SonarQube has a free tier. Checkmarx is paid only.
Go with: SonarQube
Want the highest-rated option?
SonarQube: 86/100. Checkmarx: 78/100.
Go with: SonarQube
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: SonarQube
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
SonarQube is freemium. Checkmarx is paid. SonarQube lets you start free.
What's your use case?
SonarQube is a debugging tool. Checkmarx is in code review. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
SonarQube scores higher: 86/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
SonarQube
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 78
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Checkmarx
- Better fit for code review
The Bottom Line
SonarQube (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SonarQube or Checkmarx better?
SonarQube scores 86/100 in our evaluation. SonarQube is freemium and Checkmarx is paid.
What are SonarQube and Checkmarx used for?
SonarQube: Code quality and security. Checkmarx: Application security testing platform.
What does SonarQube cost vs Checkmarx?
SonarQube is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Checkmarx is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.