Trivy vs Clair: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Trivy and Clair 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.
Bottom line: Trivy wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick. Pick Clair if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Trivy
Security scanner for containers
Best for you if:
- • You want free and open source
Clair
Static vulnerability analysis for containers
Best for you if:
- • You want container vulnerability scanning
| At a Glance | Trivy | Clair |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free 100% free |
Category | Security DevOps | Security Vulnerability Scanning |
Rating | 4.3/5 PeerSpot 4.3 12 reviews | 4.3/5 SourceForge 4.3 67 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Trivy or Clair?
Choose Trivy if
- You want free and open source
- You want fast scanning
Choose Clair if
- You want container vulnerability scanning
- You want open source
In-Depth Analysis
Trivy
Security scanner for containers
Trivy's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free and open-source.
Strengths
- Pro: Free and open source
- Pro: Fast scanning
- Pro: Easy to use
Weaknesses
- Con: Basic reporting
- Con: No managed option
Key features
Clair
Static vulnerability analysis for containers
Clair's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is a completely free, open-source solution for container vulnerability scanning.
Strengths
- Pro: Container vulnerability scanning
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Quay.io integration
- Pro: Good accuracy
- Pro: Active development
Weaknesses
- Con: Setup complexity
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: UI basic
- Con: Documentation improving
- Con: Less known
Key features
Pricing: Trivy vs Clair
| Plan | Trivy | Clair |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Open Source |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Trivy pricing and Clair pricing.
Key Takeaways
Trivy
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Clair
- Larger review base (67 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Trivy wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trivy or Clair better in 2026?
Trivy wins this matchup. 1Password is our overall Security pick. LastPass is our free Security pick. Pick Trivy for security workflows (main strength: free and open source). Pick Clair for security workflows (main strength: container vulnerability scanning).
What are Trivy and Clair used for?
Trivy: Security scanner for containers. Clair: Static vulnerability analysis for containers.
What does Trivy cost vs Clair?
Trivy is free. Clair is free.
What's the main difference between Trivy and Clair?
Trivy's main strength: free and open source. Clair's main strength: container vulnerability scanning.