# Checkov vs Contrast ContrastScan (SAST): side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Checkov](https://cybersectools.com/tools/checkov) is a free [static application security testing](https://cybersectools.com/categories/sast) solution. [Contrast ContrastScan (SAST)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/contrast-contrastscan-sast) is a commercial [static application security testing](https://cybersectools.com/categories/sast) solution by [Contrast Security](https://cybersectools.com/companies/contrast-security). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

Need the answer fast? [Best SAST Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-sast-solutions) picks Checkmarx One Application Security Platform, Veracode Application Risk Management Platform, OpenText Fortify SAST and 4 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Checkov | Contrast ContrastScan (SAST) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free | Commercial |
| Category | Static Application Security Testing | Static Application Security Testing |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud |
| Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | 8,535 | – |
| Last commit | Mar 2026 | – |
| Company | – | Contrast Security |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Checkov | Contrast ContrastScan (SAST) |
|---|---|---|
| Kubernetes | Yes | – |
| DevSecOps | Yes | Yes |
| Infrastructure as Code | Yes | – |
| CI/CD | Yes | Yes |

### Core features

**Checkov**

No features listed.

**Contrast ContrastScan (SAST)**

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

### Integrations

**Checkov**

No integrations listed.

**Contrast ContrastScan (SAST)**

15 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.

- [Checkov](https://cybersectools.com/tools/checkov) fits if you need a free product and you want an open-source product.

## Checkov vs Contrast ContrastScan (SAST) FAQ

Common questions when comparing Checkov vs Contrast ContrastScan (SAST) for static application security testing.

### What is the difference between Checkov and Contrast ContrastScan (SAST)?

**Checkov**: Checkov is a static analysis tool that scans infrastructure as code and performs software composition analysis to detect security misconfigurations and vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructure and dependencies.

**Contrast ContrastScan (SAST)**: SAST tool that scans code for vulnerabilities in 30+ languages with CI/CD integration. Built by Contrast Security.

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

### Who makes Checkov and Contrast ContrastScan (SAST)?

**Checkov** is open-source with 8,535 GitHub stars. **Contrast ContrastScan (SAST)** is made by Contrast Security. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is Checkov a good alternative to Contrast ContrastScan (SAST)?

Often, yes. Checkov and Contrast ContrastScan (SAST) are both Static Application Security Testing products, and both cover CI/CD, DevSecOps. Key differences: Checkov is Free while Contrast ContrastScan (SAST) is Commercial, Checkov is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [Checkov vs Meterian ISAAC](https://cybersectools.com/compare/checkov-vs-meterian-isaac)
- [Checkov vs Aikido Infrastructure as Code (IaC)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/checkov-vs-aikido-infrastructure-as-code-iac)
- [Checkov vs Start Left® IaC Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/checkov-vs-start-leftr-iac-security)
- [Contrast ContrastScan (SAST) vs Meterian ISAAC](https://cybersectools.com/compare/contrast-contrastscan-sast-vs-meterian-isaac)
- [Contrast ContrastScan (SAST) vs Aikido Infrastructure as Code (IaC)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aikido-infrastructure-as-code-iac-vs-contrast-contrastscan-sast)
- [Contrast ContrastScan (SAST) vs Start Left® IaC Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/contrast-contrastscan-sast-vs-start-leftr-iac-security)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Checkov alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/checkov)
- [See all Contrast ContrastScan (SAST) alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/contrast-contrastscan-sast)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/checkov-vs-contrast-contrastscan-sast

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/checkov.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on Checkov and Contrast ContrastScan (SAST): 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