# Chainguard VMs vs go-pillage-registries: side-by-side comparison (2026) [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). [go-pillage-registries](https://cybersectools.com/tools/go-pillage-registries) is a free [container security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/container-security) solution. 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 | | Chainguard VMs | go-pillage-registries | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Free | | Category | Container Security | Container Security | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Hybrid | On-Premises | | Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | | GitHub stars | – | 114 | | Last commit | – | Jan 2020 | | Company | Chainguard | – | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Chainguard VMs | go-pillage-registries | |---|---|---| | AWS | Yes | – | | Azure | Yes | – | | Linux | Yes | – | | Supply Chain Security | Yes | – | | Cloud Native | Yes | – | | Enumeration | – | Yes | | Configuration Management | – | Yes | | Reconnaissance | – | Yes | ### Core features **Chainguard VMs** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **go-pillage-registries** No features listed. ### Integrations **Chainguard VMs** 5 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **go-pillage-registries** No integrations listed. ## Which one fits you Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source. - [Chainguard VMs](https://cybersectools.com/tools/chainguard-vms) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options. - [go-pillage-registries](https://cybersectools.com/tools/go-pillage-registries) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you need a free product and you want an open-source product. ## Chainguard VMs vs go-pillage-registries FAQ Common questions when comparing Chainguard VMs vs go-pillage-registries for container security. ### What is the difference between Chainguard VMs and go-pillage-registries? **Chainguard VMs**: Minimal, zero-CVE virtual machine images for container hosts and applications. Built by Chainguard. **go-pillage-registries**: A command-line tool that extracts manifest and configuration data from Docker registry images for security analysis and reconnaissance purposes. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Chainguard VMs and go-pillage-registries? **Chainguard VMs** is made by Chainguard. **go-pillage-registries** is open-source with 114 GitHub stars. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is Chainguard VMs a good alternative to go-pillage-registries? Often, yes. Chainguard VMs and go-pillage-registries are both Container Security products. Key differences: Chainguard VMs is Commercial while go-pillage-registries is Free, go-pillage-registries is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [Chainguard VMs vs Chainguard](https://cybersectools.com/compare/chainguard-vs-chainguard-vms) - [Chainguard VMs vs Plexicus Container Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/chainguard-vms-vs-plexicus-container-security) - [Chainguard VMs vs Xcitium Kubernetes Security Posture Management](https://cybersectools.com/compare/chainguard-vms-vs-xcitium-kubernetes-security-posture-management) - [go-pillage-registries vs Chainguard](https://cybersectools.com/compare/chainguard-vs-go-pillage-registries) - [go-pillage-registries vs Plexicus Container Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/go-pillage-registries-vs-plexicus-container-security) - [go-pillage-registries vs Xcitium Kubernetes Security Posture Management](https://cybersectools.com/compare/go-pillage-registries-vs-xcitium-kubernetes-security-posture-management) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Chainguard VMs alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/chainguard-vms) - [See all go-pillage-registries alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/go-pillage-registries) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/chainguard-vms-vs-go-pillage-registries For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/chainguard-vms.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Chainguard VMs and go-pillage-registries: 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