Checkmarx vs Trivy
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Checkmarx and Trivy are credible application security tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Checkmarx — Enterprise application security.
Choose Trivy if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free), a free plan to start on, broader platform coverage and a higher overall rating (4.6/5). Open-source vulnerability and config scanner.
Checkmarx vs Trivy: side by side
| Dimension | Checkmarx | Trivy |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Custom | FreeWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Open source |
| Best for | Enterprise, Appsec Teams | Developers, Devops Teams |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Linux, Mac, Windows, ApiWinner |
| Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.6/5Winner |
Checkmarx key facts
- Vendor
- Checkmarx
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Enterprise, Appsec Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.2 / 5
- Founded
- 2006
- Headquarters
- Atlanta, GA, USA
Trivy key facts
- Vendor
- Aqua Security
- Pricing
- Open source — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Linux, Mac, Windows, Api
- Best for
- Developers, Devops Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- Burlington, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Checkmarx better than Trivy?
Neither is universally better — Trivy 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 Checkmarx or Trivy cheaper?
Trivy is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Checkmarx starts at custom; Trivy starts at free.
Can Checkmarx replace Trivy?
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.