Aqua Security vs Semgrep
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Cloud-native security.
The verdict
Both Aqua Security and Semgrep are credible application security tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Aqua Security — Cloud-native security.
Semgrep — Fast static analysis (SAST).
Aqua Security vs Semgrep: side by side
| Dimension | Aqua Security | Semgrep |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | Free – $40/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Best for | Cloud Native Teams | Developers, Appsec Teams |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Web, Self Hosted, Api |
| Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 |
Aqua Security key facts
- Vendor
- Aqua Security
- Pricing
- Subscription — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Cloud Native Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- Boston, MA, USA
Semgrep key facts
- Vendor
- Semgrep
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $40/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Self Hosted, Api
- Best for
- Developers, Appsec Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Aqua Security better than Semgrep?
Neither is universally better — Semgrep edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Aqua Security or Semgrep cheaper?
Aqua Security is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Aqua Security starts at free; Semgrep starts at free – $40/mo.
Can Aqua Security replace Semgrep?
Yes for most teams — both are application security tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.