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

[Gitleaks](https://cybersectools.com/tools/gitleaks) is a free [secrets detection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/secrets-detection) solution. [Semgrep Code](https://cybersectools.com/tools/semgrep-code) is a commercial [static application security testing](https://cybersectools.com/categories/sast) solution by [Semgrep](https://cybersectools.com/companies/semgrep). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Our take

What our shortlists say about the one we picked.

### [Semgrep Code](https://cybersectools.com/tools/semgrep-code)

Best for: Security teams that want to write their own rules

It earns its place because a security team can turn its own secure coding standards into guardrails that run on every pull request and block whole classes of flaws. It fits companies from startups to enterprises. Semgrep Assistant uses an outside AI model to triage findings, so check how that fits your rules on code privacy.

From [Best SAST Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-sast-solutions), Fall 2026.

Reviewed by [Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze](https://cybersectools.com/about).

## Side-by-side comparison

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

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Gitleaks | Semgrep Code |
|---|---|---|
| Passwords | Yes | – |
| SAST | Yes | Yes |
| Secret Detection | Yes | – |
| DevSecOps | – | Yes |
| Source Code Analysis | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Gitleaks**

No features listed.

**Semgrep Code**

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

### Integrations

**Gitleaks**

No integrations listed.

**Semgrep Code**

7 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.

- [Gitleaks](https://cybersectools.com/tools/gitleaks) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.
- [Semgrep Code](https://cybersectools.com/tools/semgrep-code) fits if you want a cloud product.

## Gitleaks vs Semgrep Code FAQ

Common questions when comparing Gitleaks vs Semgrep Code for secrets detection.

### What is the difference between Gitleaks and Semgrep Code?

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

**Semgrep Code**: SAST solution that scans 30+ languages to find and fix code vulnerabilities, built by Semgrep.

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

### Who makes Gitleaks and Semgrep Code?

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

### Is Gitleaks a good alternative to Semgrep Code?

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

## Related comparisons

- [Gitleaks vs Secrets Catcher](https://cybersectools.com/compare/gitleaks-vs-secrets-catcher)
- [Gitleaks vs Apiiro Secrets Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/apiiro-secrets-security-vs-gitleaks)
- [Gitleaks vs Opsera GitCustodian](https://cybersectools.com/compare/gitleaks-vs-opsera-gitcustodian)
- [Semgrep Code vs Secrets Catcher](https://cybersectools.com/compare/secrets-catcher-vs-semgrep-code)
- [Semgrep Code vs Apiiro Secrets Security](https://cybersectools.com/compare/apiiro-secrets-security-vs-semgrep-code)
- [Semgrep Code vs Opsera GitCustodian](https://cybersectools.com/compare/opsera-gitcustodian-vs-semgrep-code)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Gitleaks alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/gitleaks)
- [See all Semgrep Code alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/semgrep-code)

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

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

More on Gitleaks and Semgrep Code: 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