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Semgrep vs Trivy

Semgrep and Trivy are both static analysis solutions. Semgrep lightweight, open-source static analysis with intuitive pattern-matching rules and fast scan performance, while Trivy open-source vulnerability scanner for containers, file systems, IaC, and Kubernetes with zero-config setup. The best choice depends on your organization's size, technical requirements, and budget.

Updated Feb 2026

Summary

Choose Semgrep if open-source core engine with no licensing costs for CLI usage is your priority and security-conscious development teams that want fast, customizable static analysis with the ability to write organization-specific security rules. Choose Trivy if completely free and open source with no licensing costs matters most and devOps and platform engineering teams that need a fast, open-source vulnerability scanner for containers and Kubernetes environments with zero configuration overhead.

Choose Semgrep if:

  • You value open-source core engine with no licensing costs for CLI usage
  • You value custom rule authoring is significantly easier than any competing tool
  • You value extremely fast scan performance suitable for every PR and commit
  • You want to avoid no web dashboard or centralized management in open-source version
  • You want to avoid vulnerability database updates rely on community and Aqua research

Choose Trivy if:

  • You value completely free and open source with no licensing costs
  • You value zero-configuration setup with a single binary installation
  • You value extremely fast scanning suitable for every CI/CD pipeline run
  • You want to avoid sCA capabilities are less mature than Snyk's established dependency scanning
  • You want to avoid no container image or IaC scanning capabilities

Feature Comparison

FeatureSemgrepTrivy
PricingFree (open-source CLI) / Team from $40/developer/month / Enterprise customFree (open source) / Aqua Platform for enterprise features
Pricing ModelPer-developer (monthly)Open source with commercial Aqua Platform
Open SourceYesYes
DeploymentCloud, Self-HostedSelf-Hosted
Best ForSecurity-conscious development teams that want fast, customizable static analysis with the ability to write organization-specific security rulesDevOps and platform engineering teams that need a fast, open-source vulnerability scanner for containers and Kubernetes environments with zero configuration overhead
Intuitive pattern-matching syntax tha...SupportedNot available
Pre-built security rule packs (OWASP,...SupportedNot available
Software composition analysis (Semgre...SupportedNot available

Sources

Related

Full Application Security guideSemgrep AlternativesTrivy AlternativesSemgrep OverviewTrivy Overview

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