# Checkov vs Upwind Code Security: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Checkov](https://cybersectools.com/tools/checkov) is a free [static application security testing](https://cybersectools.com/categories/sast) solution. [Upwind Code Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/upwind-code-security) is a commercial [static application security testing](https://cybersectools.com/categories/sast) solution by [Upwind](https://cybersectools.com/companies/upwind). 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 | Upwind Code Security |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | 8,535 | – |
| Last commit | Mar 2026 | – |
| Company | – | Upwind |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Checkov | Upwind Code Security |
|---|---|---|
| Kubernetes | Yes | Yes |
| DevSecOps | Yes | – |
| Infrastructure as Code | Yes | – |
| CI/CD | Yes | Yes |
| Secret Detection | – | Yes |
| Vulnerability Prioritization | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Checkov**

No features listed.

**Upwind Code Security**

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

### Integrations

**Checkov**

No integrations listed.

**Upwind Code Security**

9 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 are a startup, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.

## Checkov vs Upwind Code Security FAQ

Common questions when comparing Checkov vs Upwind Code Security for static application security testing.

### What is the difference between Checkov and Upwind Code Security?

**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.

**Upwind Code Security**: Code security platform for AI-generated and traditional code with runtime intel. Built by Upwind.

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

### Who makes Checkov and Upwind Code Security?

**Checkov** is open-source with 8,535 GitHub stars. **Upwind Code Security** is made by Upwind. 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 Upwind Code Security?

Often, yes. Checkov and Upwind Code Security are both Static Application Security Testing products, and both cover CI/CD, Kubernetes. Key differences: Checkov is Free while Upwind Code Security 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 PR Reviews](https://cybersectools.com/compare/checkov-vs-pr-reviews)
- [Upwind Code Security vs Meterian ISAAC](https://cybersectools.com/compare/meterian-isaac-vs-upwind-code-security)
- [Upwind Code Security vs Aikido Infrastructure as Code (IaC)](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aikido-infrastructure-as-code-iac-vs-upwind-code-security)
- [Upwind Code Security vs PR Reviews](https://cybersectools.com/compare/pr-reviews-vs-upwind-code-security)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Checkov alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/checkov)
- [See all Upwind Code Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/upwind-code-security)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/checkov-vs-upwind-code-security

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 Upwind Code Security: 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