Head-to-head · SBOM Generation Tools
Syft vs BomLens
Syft leads on 0 checks, BomLens on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreSyft · 7.9/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresBomLens · 6 of 6
Syft scores higher on our rubric for sbom generation tools: 7.9 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
Syft is the better fit for broad SBOM generation across images and filesystems. BomLens is the better fit for teams needing SBOMs across varied software inputs.
- Syft fits best
Broad SBOM generation across images and filesystems
- BomLens fits best
Teams needing SBOMs across varied software inputs
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Syft 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | BomLens 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #5 in SBOM Generation Tools | #8 in SBOM Generation Tools |
| Best for | Broad SBOM generation across images and filesystems | Teams needing SBOMs across varied software inputs |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 4 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Syft 5/6 · BomLens 6/6 | ||
| SPDX output | ✓ | ✓ |
| CycloneDX output | ✓ | ✓ |
| Source code input | ✓ | ✓ |
| Container image input | ✓ | ✓ |
| Binary input | ✓ | ✓ |
| Build-pipeline support | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Syft is an open-source command-line tool and Go library from Anchore for generating software bills of materials. It suits teams that need to inventory software across container images, filesystems, directories, individual files, and… Read the review → |
BomLens is an open-source supply-chain security tool from SK Telecom for creating software bills of materials and assessing supply-chain risk. It suits teams that need to scan different kinds of inputs, including source folders, GitHub… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Syft — where it wins
- Creates CycloneDX and SPDX output and converts between supported formats
- Scans images from Docker, Podman, Containerd, OCI archives, and registries
- Generates signed SBOM attestations using the in-toto specification
Where it doesn't
- Command-line and Go library workflows may not suit teams seeking a graphical interface
- Self-hosted deployment places operation with the adopting team
- Support is through community channels and documentation
BomLens — where it wins
- Scans source, containers, binaries, firmware, and existing SBOMs
- Generates CycloneDX 1.6 and can emit SPDX 2.3 copies
- Offers browser, CLI, and desktop interfaces for local workflows
Where it doesn't
- Runs locally with Docker rather than as hosted SaaS
- Desktop installers are available for Windows and macOS only
- Listed support channels are community and documentation
- Syft7.9/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source CLI and Go library for creating and converting CycloneDX and SPDX SBOMs.
Visit SyftFull verdict → - BomLens7.8/10 · Free plan
A free, local-first tool for generating SBOMs and reviewing supplier risk.
Explore BomLensFull verdict →
Syft vs BomLens: questions
Which is better for SBOM generation tools, Syft or BomLens?
Syft scores higher on our rubric for sbom generation tools: 7.9 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
How do Syft and BomLens compare?
All 7 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.
Do Syft and BomLens have a free plan?
Syft: Yes. BomLens: Yes.
More comparisons
- Docker Scout vs Syft
- Docker Scout vs BomLens
- Amazon Inspector vs Syft
- Amazon Inspector vs BomLens
- Trivy vs Syft
- Trivy vs BomLens
- Keysight SBOM Generator vs Syft
- Keysight SBOM Generator vs BomLens
All SBOM generation tools comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update