# AIR vs Skill Scanner: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[AIR](https://cybersectools.com/tools/air) is a commercial [agentic AI security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/agentic-ai-security) solution by [AIR Security](https://cybersectools.com/companies/air-security). [Skill Scanner](https://cybersectools.com/tools/skill-scanner) is a free [agentic AI security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/agentic-ai-security) solution by [Cisco](https://cybersectools.com/companies/cisco). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

Need the answer fast? [Best Agentic AI Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-agentic-ai-security-solutions) picks CrowdStrike Falcon Guardian, Rubrik Agent Cloud, Silverfort AI Agent Security and 5 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | AIR | Skill Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Agentic AI Security | Agentic AI Security |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Hybrid | On-Premises |
| Company size fit | Mid-Market, Enterprise, SMB | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | AIR Security | Cisco |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | AIR | Skill Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Agentic AI Security | Yes | Yes |
| AI SPM | Yes | Yes |
| MCP Security | Yes | Yes |
| LLM Security | Yes | Yes |
| AI Governance | Yes | Yes |
| AI Observability | Yes | – |
| GenAI Security | Yes | Yes |
| Supply Chain Security | Yes | – |
| Runtime Security | Yes | – |
| Security Scanning | – | Yes |
| Scanner | – | Yes |
| Open Source | – | Yes |
| Prompt Injection | – | Yes |

### Core features

**AIR**

8 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Skill Scanner**

5 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

### Integrations

**AIR**

2 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Skill Scanner**

No integrations listed.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [AIR](https://cybersectools.com/tools/air) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options.
- [Skill Scanner](https://cybersectools.com/tools/skill-scanner) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you are a startup, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.

## AIR vs Skill Scanner FAQ

Common questions when comparing AIR vs Skill Scanner for agentic AI security.

### What is the difference between AIR and Skill Scanner?

**AIR**: Platform for securing, governing, and monitoring AI agent add-ons at runtime. Built by AIR Security.

**Skill Scanner**: Open-source CLI scanner for detecting security risks in AI agent skills. Built by Cisco.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes AIR and Skill Scanner?

**AIR** is made by AIR Security. **Skill Scanner** is open-source. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is AIR a good alternative to Skill Scanner?

Often, yes. AIR and Skill Scanner are both Agentic AI Security products, and both cover Agentic AI Security, LLM Security, AI Governance. Key differences: AIR is Commercial while Skill Scanner is Free. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [AIR vs Onyx Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/air-vs-onyx-platform)
- [AIR vs Autonomous Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/air-vs-autonomous-security)
- [AIR vs Oryo](https://cybersectools.com/compare/air-vs-oryo)
- [Skill Scanner vs Onyx Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/onyx-platform-vs-skill-scanner)
- [Skill Scanner vs Autonomous Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/autonomous-security-vs-skill-scanner)
- [Skill Scanner vs Oryo](https://cybersectools.com/compare/oryo-vs-skill-scanner)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all AIR alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/air)
- [See all Skill Scanner alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/skill-scanner)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/air-vs-skill-scanner

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More on AIR and Skill Scanner: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md