Detect runtime threats in containers and Kubernetes
Visit WebsiteFreeVisit Website
Reviews onG2
3 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
Runtime security
Biggest con
Learning curve
TL;DR - Falco
- Falco is an open-source runtime security tool for Kubernetes and containers
- It detects abnormal behavior and security threats using kernel-level monitoring
- Completely free and open-source, with commercial support available
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
What is Falco?
Falco detects runtime threats in containers and Kubernetes. Monitor system calls, detect anomalies, alert on suspicious behavior-security visibility into what's actually happening in your clusters.
The detection rules are community-maintained. The overhead is minimal. Integration with security tools is straightforward.
Kubernetes security teams use Falco for runtime threat detection in containerized environments.
Available on: Linux
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Runtime security
- Kubernetes native
- CNCF graduated
- Good detection
- Open source
Cons
- Learning curve
- Rule writing complex
- Resource overhead
- Alert fatigue risk
- Setup complexity
Ratings Across the Web
4(3 reviews)
Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more
Key Features
Runtime securityKubernetes nativeThreat detectionRules engineOpen sourceCNCF project
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Jun 8, 2026
Most Popular
Free
Free
Open source
- Runtime security
- Kubernetes native
- eBPF based
- CNCF project
Reviews
$99Free with your review
Write a reviewReview Falco, get a free AI guide
Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.
Best Falco Alternatives
Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.
Still deciding?
Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.
Explore More
Falco FAQ
How does Falco detect runtime threats in containerized environments?
Falco detects runtime threats by monitoring system calls and other activity within containers and Kubernetes. It identifies anomalies and alerts on suspicious behavior to provide security visibility into cluster operations.
Which teams benefit most from using Falco?
Kubernetes security teams primarily use Falco for runtime threat detection in containerized environments. It is designed for organizations that need to monitor what is actually happening within their clusters.
What kind of trade-offs should users consider when implementing Falco?
Users should be aware of a potential learning curve and the complexity involved in writing detection rules. There is also a risk of alert fatigue and some setup complexity associated with its deployment.
How is Falco priced?
Falco is free to use, as it is an open-source project. There is no paid plan required to utilize its features for runtime threat detection.
Can Falco integrate with existing security tools?
Yes, integration with other security tools is straightforward, allowing Falco to fit into existing security workflows. It provides good detection capabilities within a Kubernetes-native framework.
How does Falco compare to Aqua Security for container security?
Falco is an open-source, CNCF-graduated project focused on runtime threat detection with community-maintained rules and minimal overhead. Aqua Security offers a broader suite of container security features, whereas Falco specializes in real-time monitoring of system calls and suspicious behavior.
Source: falco.org