# Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security vs Chainguard VMs: side-by-side comparison (2026) [Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-security-holistic-kubernetes-security) is a commercial [container security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/container-security) solution by [Aqua Security Software Ltd](https://cybersectools.com/companies/aqua-security-software-ltd). [Chainguard VMs](https://cybersectools.com/tools/chainguard-vms) is a commercial [container security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/container-security) solution by [Chainguard](https://cybersectools.com/companies/chainguard). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Our take What our shortlists say about the one we picked. ### [Chainguard VMs](https://cybersectools.com/tools/chainguard-vms) Best for: Teams eliminating CVEs at the base image level The trade-off is that Chainguard VMs solve a specific problem: vulnerable base images. They do not provide runtime threat detection, Kubernetes admission control, or vulnerability scanning of your application code and dependencies. They are best used as a foundation layer alongside a runtime security solution like Sysdig or a scanner like Snyk Container. If your current scanner report is dominated by OS-level CVEs in your base image, Chainguard VMs will eliminate most of that noise at the source. From [Best Container Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-container-security-solutions), Fall 2026. Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about). Need the answer fast? [Best Container Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-container-security-solutions) picks Sysdig Container and Kubernetes Security, Aqua Security Lifecycle Container Security, Snyk Container and 4 more. ## Side-by-side comparison | | Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security | Chainguard VMs | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Commercial | | Category | Container Security | Container Security | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Cloud | Hybrid | | Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | | Company | Aqua Security Software Ltd. | Chainguard | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security | Chainguard VMs | |---|---|---| | Cloud Native | Yes | Yes | | Network Segmentation | Yes | – | | RBAC | Yes | – | | Runtime Security | Yes | – | | Kubernetes | Yes | – | | AWS | – | Yes | | Azure | – | Yes | | Linux | – | Yes | | Supply Chain Security | – | Yes | ### Core features **Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Chainguard VMs** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security** 7 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Chainguard VMs** 5 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ## Which one fits you Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source. - [Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-security-holistic-kubernetes-security) fits if you want a cloud product. - [Chainguard VMs](https://cybersectools.com/tools/chainguard-vms) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options. ## Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security vs Chainguard VMs FAQ Common questions when comparing Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security vs Chainguard VMs for container security. ### What is the difference between Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security and Chainguard VMs? **Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security**: K8s security platform with KSPM, runtime protection, and admission control. Built by Aqua Security Software Ltd. **Chainguard VMs**: Minimal, zero-CVE virtual machine images for container hosts and applications. Built by Chainguard. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security and Chainguard VMs? **Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security** is made by Aqua Security Software Ltd. **Chainguard VMs** is made by Chainguard. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security a good alternative to Chainguard VMs? Often, yes. Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security and Chainguard VMs are both Container Security products, and both cover Cloud Native. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security vs Plexicus Container Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-security-holistic-kubernetes-security-vs-plexicus-container-security) - [Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security vs SUSE Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-security-holistic-kubernetes-security-vs-suse-security-full-lifecycle-container-security) - [Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security vs CloudMatos Kubernetes Security Posture Management (KSPM) Solution](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-security-holistic-kubernetes-security-vs-cloudmatos-kubernetes-security-posture-management-kspm-solution) - [Chainguard VMs vs Plexicus Container Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/chainguard-vms-vs-plexicus-container-security) - [Chainguard VMs vs SUSE Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/chainguard-vms-vs-suse-security-full-lifecycle-container-security) - [Chainguard VMs vs CloudMatos Kubernetes Security Posture Management (KSPM) Solution](https://cybersectools.com/compare/chainguard-vms-vs-cloudmatos-kubernetes-security-posture-management-kspm-solution) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aqua-security-holistic-kubernetes-security) - [See all Chainguard VMs alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/chainguard-vms) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/aqua-security-holistic-kubernetes-security-vs-chainguard-vms For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/aqua-security-holistic-kubernetes-security.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Aqua Security Holistic Kubernetes Security and Chainguard VMs: 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