Trivy vs Gitleaks: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Trivy and Gitleaks 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:
Trivy
Security scanner for containers
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • Trivy is an open-source security scanner for containers and code
- • It finds vulnerabilities in images, filesystems, and IaC
Gitleaks
Detect secrets in Git repositories
Best for you if:
- • Gitleaks is an open-source tool for detecting secrets in Git repositories
- • It scans commits and files for API keys, passwords, and other sensitive data
| At a Glance |  Gitleaks | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Vulnerability Scanning | Vulnerability Scanning |
Rating | 85/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Trivy | Gitleaks |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Vulnerability ScanningCI/CD | Vulnerability ScanningSecurity Monitoring |
Understanding the Differences
Both Trivy and Gitleaks solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Trivy positions itself as "security scanner for containers" while Gitleaksfocuses on "detect secrets in git repositories". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Trivy
Trivy makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 85/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Gitleaks
Gitleaks is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Trivy lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Trivy
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Trivy handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Trivy
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Trivy
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Trivy is completely free.
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 Trivy higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Gitleaks more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Trivy Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Gitleaks If
- You need a completely free solution
- 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 Trivy (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Trivy scores higher in our analysis, but Gitleaks 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 Trivy or Gitleaks better?
Based on our analysis, Trivy scores higher with 85/100. Trivy isfree while Gitleaks is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Trivy to Gitleaks 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 Trivy and Gitleaks offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Trivy is completely free.Gitleaks is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.