tfsec vs Terragrunt: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between tfsec and Terragrunt 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:
tfsec
Security scanner for your Terraform code.
Best for you if:
- • You need ci/cd features specifically
- • Scans Terraform code for security vulnerabilities.
- • Identifies misconfigurations before deployment.
Terragrunt
Terraform wrapper for DRY configurations
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 7.3/10)
- • You need workflow automation features specifically
- • Terragrunt is a thin wrapper for Terraform that keeps configurations DRY
- • It manages multiple Terraform modules with reduced duplication
| At a Glance |  tfsec |  Terragrunt |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | CI/CD | Workflow Automation |
Rating | 73/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | tfsec | Terragrunt |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 73 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CI/CDInfrastructure as Code | Workflow AutomationCI/CD |
How tfsec and Terragrunt Compare
tfsec
Security scanner for your Terraform code.
Free · 73/100 score
Terragrunt
Terraform wrapper for DRY configurations
Free · 84/100 score
tfsec is a ci/cd tool. Terragrunt is in workflow automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: tfsec
Want the highest-rated option?
tfsec: 73/100. Terragrunt: 84/100.
Go with: Terragrunt
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Terragrunt
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?
tfsec is a ci/cd tool. Terragrunt is in workflow automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Terragrunt scores higher: 84/100 vs 73/100.
Key Takeaways
Terragrunt
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 73
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
tfsec
- Better fit for ci/cd
The Bottom Line
Terragrunt (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tfsec or Terragrunt better?
Terragrunt scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are tfsec and Terragrunt used for?
tfsec: Security scanner for your Terraform code.. Terragrunt: Terraform wrapper for DRY configurations.
What does tfsec cost vs Terragrunt?
tfsec is completely free. Terragrunt is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.