Syft vs Checkmarx: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Syft 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:
Syft
Generate Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) from container images and filesystems.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need vulnerability scanning features specifically
- • Generates Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) from various software artifacts.
- • Supports a wide range of packaging ecosystems and container image formats.
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • 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 |  Syft |  Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Vulnerability Scanning | Code Review |
Rating | —/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | Syft | Checkmarx |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Vulnerability ScanningCompliance | Code ReviewTesting & QA |
How Syft and Checkmarx Compare
Syft
Generate Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) from container images and filesystems.
Free
Checkmarx
Application security testing platform
Paid · 78/100 score
Syft is a vulnerability scanning tool. Checkmarx is in code review.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Syft is free. Checkmarx is paid.
Go with: Syft
Want the highest-rated option?
Checkmarx scores 78/100. Syft is unrated.
Go with: Checkmarx
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Checkmarx
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Syft is free. Checkmarx is paid. Go with Syft if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Syft is a vulnerability scanning tool. Checkmarx is in code review. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Checkmarx
- Higher score: 78/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Syft
- Completely free
- Better fit for vulnerability scanning
The Bottom Line
Checkmarx (78/100) is our pick. That said, Syft is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Syft or Checkmarx better?
Checkmarx scores 78/100 in our evaluation. Syft is free and Checkmarx is paid.
What are Syft and Checkmarx used for?
Syft: Generate Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) from container images and filesystems.. Checkmarx: Application security testing platform.
What does Syft cost vs Checkmarx?
Syft is completely free. Checkmarx is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.