Swimm vs Sourcegraph: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Swimm and Sourcegraph 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Swimm
Accelerate modernization by automatically reverse engineering applications and extracting business rules from legacy code.
Best for you if:
- • You need code review features specifically
- • Automatically reverse engineers legacy mainframe code using AI-powered static analysis.
- • Extracts business logic, maps system architecture, and documents dependencies for modernization.
Sourcegraph
Code intelligence platform
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • Sourcegraph is a code intelligence platform for searching across repositories
- • It provides universal code search, navigation, and batch changes
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Code Review | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 86/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Swimm | Sourcegraph |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Code ReviewAI Coding | IDE & Code EditorsCode Review |
Understanding the Differences
Both Swimm and Sourcegraph solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Swimm positions itself as "accelerate modernization by automatically reverse engineering applications and extracting business rules from legacy code." while Sourcegraphfocuses on "code intelligence platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Swimm
Swimm makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Sourcegraph
Sourcegraph is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Sourcegraph won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Sourcegraph
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Sourcegraph is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Sourcegraph
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Swimm is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Swimm
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Sourcegraph has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Swimm higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Sourcegraph more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Swimm Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Sourcegraph If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Swimm (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Swimm scores higher in our analysis, but Sourcegraph might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swimm or Sourcegraph better?
Based on our analysis, Swimm scores higher with 86/100. Swimm ispaid while Sourcegraph is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Swimm to Sourcegraph easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Swimm and Sourcegraph offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Swimm is paid with potential trial.Sourcegraph is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.