Syft vs Grype: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Syft and Grype 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 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.
Grype
Vulnerability scanner for container images
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need ci/cd features specifically
- • Grype is an open-source vulnerability scanner for container images and filesystems
- • It scans for known vulnerabilities using multiple databases with fast results
| At a Glance |  Syft |  Grype |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Vulnerability Scanning | CI/CD |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Syft | Grype |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Vulnerability ScanningCompliance | CI/CDContainer Orchestration |
How Syft and Grype Compare
Syft
Generate Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) from container images and filesystems.
Free
Grype
Vulnerability scanner for container images
Free · 84/100 score
Syft is a vulnerability scanning tool. Grype is in ci/cd.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Syft
Want the highest-rated option?
Grype scores 84/100. Syft is unrated.
Go with: Grype
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Grype
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Syft is a vulnerability scanning tool. Grype is in ci/cd. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Grype
- Higher score: 84/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Syft
- Better fit for vulnerability scanning
The Bottom Line
Grype (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Syft or Grype better?
Grype scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Syft and Grype used for?
Syft: Generate Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) from container images and filesystems.. Grype: Vulnerability scanner for container images.
What does Syft cost vs Grype?
Syft is completely free. Grype is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.