# GitHub Code Security vs Gitleaks: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[GitHub Code Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/github-code-security) is a commercial [static application security testing](https://cybersectools.com/categories/sast) solution by [Microsoft](https://cybersectools.com/companies/microsoft). [Gitleaks](https://cybersectools.com/tools/gitleaks) is a free [secrets detection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/secrets-detection) solution. 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

| | GitHub Code Security | Gitleaks |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Static Application Security Testing | Secrets Detection |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | On-Premises |
| Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | – | 23,170 |
| Last commit | – | Aug 2025 |
| Company | Microsoft | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | GitHub Code Security | Gitleaks |
|---|---|---|
| DevSecOps | Yes | – |
| SAST | Yes | Yes |
| Secret Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Source Code Analysis | Yes | – |
| Supply Chain Security | Yes | – |
| Passwords | – | Yes |

### Core features

**GitHub Code Security**

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

**Gitleaks**

No features listed.

### Integrations

**GitHub Code Security**

1 integration listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**Gitleaks**

No integrations listed.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [GitHub Code Security](https://cybersectools.com/tools/github-code-security) fits if you want a cloud product.
- [Gitleaks](https://cybersectools.com/tools/gitleaks) fits if you need to run it on your own servers and you need a free product.

## GitHub Code Security vs Gitleaks FAQ

Common questions when comparing GitHub Code Security vs Gitleaks for static application security testing.

### What is the difference between GitHub Code Security and Gitleaks?

**GitHub Code Security**: Code scanning, dependency review, and secret scanning inside GitHub, built by Microsoft.

**Gitleaks**: Gitleaks is a SAST tool for detecting and preventing hardcoded secrets in git repos.

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

### Who makes GitHub Code Security and Gitleaks?

**GitHub Code Security** is open-source. **Gitleaks** is open-source with 23,170 GitHub stars. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is GitHub Code Security a good alternative to Gitleaks?

In part. GitHub Code Security and Gitleaks are not in the same category on CybersecTools. Both cover SAST, Secret Detection. Key differences: GitHub Code Security is Commercial while Gitleaks is Free, Gitleaks is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [GitHub Code Security vs Snyk Code](https://cybersectools.com/compare/github-code-security-vs-snyk-code)
- [GitHub Code Security vs SonarSource SonarQube](https://cybersectools.com/compare/github-code-security-vs-sonarqube-server)
- [GitHub Code Security vs Semgrep Code](https://cybersectools.com/compare/github-code-security-vs-semgrep-code)
- [Gitleaks vs Snyk Code](https://cybersectools.com/compare/gitleaks-vs-snyk-code)
- [Gitleaks vs SonarSource SonarQube](https://cybersectools.com/compare/gitleaks-vs-sonarqube-server)
- [Gitleaks vs Semgrep Code](https://cybersectools.com/compare/gitleaks-vs-semgrep-code)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all GitHub Code Security alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/github-code-security)
- [See all Gitleaks alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/gitleaks)

---

Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/github-code-security-vs-gitleaks

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

More on GitHub Code Security and Gitleaks: 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