# Chainguard VMs vs Grype: 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). [Grype](https://cybersectools.com/tools/grype) 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 | Grype |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Container Security | Container Security |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Hybrid | On-Premises |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | – | 10,607 |
| Last commit | – | Sep 2025 |
| Company | Chainguard | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Chainguard VMs | Grype |
|---|---|---|
| AWS | Yes | – |
| Azure | Yes | – |
| Linux | Yes | – |
| Supply Chain Security | Yes | – |
| Cloud Native | Yes | – |
| SBOM | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Chainguard VMs**

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

**Grype**

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

### Integrations

**Chainguard VMs**

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

**Grype**

4 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.

- [Chainguard VMs](https://cybersectools.com/tools/chainguard-vms) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options.
- [Grype](https://cybersectools.com/tools/grype) 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.

## Chainguard VMs vs Grype FAQ

Common questions when comparing Chainguard VMs vs Grype for container security.

### What is the difference between Chainguard VMs and Grype?

**Chainguard VMs**: Minimal, zero-CVE virtual machine images for container hosts and applications. Built by Chainguard.

**Grype**: Grype is a vulnerability scanner for container images and filesystems that scans for known vulnerabilities and supports various image formats.

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

### Who makes Chainguard VMs and Grype?

**Chainguard VMs** is made by Chainguard. **Grype** is open-source with 10,607 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 Grype?

Often, yes. Chainguard VMs and Grype are both Container Security products. Key differences: Chainguard VMs is Commercial while Grype is Free, Grype 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 RapidFort DevTime Protection Tools](https://cybersectools.com/compare/chainguard-vms-vs-rapidfort-devtime-protection-tools)
- [Grype vs Chainguard](https://cybersectools.com/compare/chainguard-vs-grype)
- [Grype vs Plexicus Container Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/grype-vs-plexicus-container-security)
- [Grype vs RapidFort DevTime Protection Tools](https://cybersectools.com/compare/grype-vs-rapidfort-devtime-protection-tools)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Chainguard VMs alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/chainguard-vms)
- [See all Grype alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/grype)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/chainguard-vms-vs-grype

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More on Chainguard VMs and Grype: 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