Semgrep vs Trivy
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Semgrep and Trivy are credible application security tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Semgrep — Fast static analysis (SAST).
Trivy — Open-source vulnerability and config scanner.
Semgrep vs Trivy: side by side
| Dimension | Semgrep | Trivy |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $40/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Open source |
| Best for | Developers, Appsec Teams | Developers, Devops Teams |
| Platforms | Web, Self Hosted, Api | Linux, Mac, Windows, Api |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
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
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 Semgrep better than Trivy?
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 Semgrep or Trivy cheaper?
Semgrep is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $40/mo. Semgrep starts at free – $40/mo; Trivy starts at free.
Can Semgrep 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.