Checkov
Checkov: A free, multi-framework IaC scanner with custom policies, graph analysis, and CI/CD support. Ranked #2 of 22 in Infrastructure as Code Security Software by our editors (9.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source multi-framework scanning.
At a glance
- Editor score9.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source multi-framework scanning
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Custom policiesYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Scans Terraform, CloudFormation, Kubernetes, and AWS SAM
- Supports graph analysis, secrets detection, and custom policies
- Integrates with CI/CD tools, pre-commit hooks, and IDEs
Where it doesn't
- Command-line workflows may require development-tool familiarity
- Policy customization requires Python or YAML knowledge
- Commercial platform capabilities are separate from Checkov itself
Our verdict on Checkov
Checkov is an open-source static analysis tool for infrastructure as code. It scans Terraform and Terraform plans, CloudFormation, AWS SAM, Kubernetes manifests, Helm, ARM templates, Serverless Framework files, Dockerfiles, and other configuration formats for security and compliance misconfigurations. It is suited to development and security teams that want policy checks across multiple infrastructure frameworks without adopting a paid scanner for the core tool. Checkov runs on Linux and macOS and supports predefined policies, inline suppressions, and skipped checks.
Its standout capability is breadth combined with policy depth. Graph-based analysis can evaluate relationships within infrastructure configurations, while secrets and credential detection adds a separate check beyond configuration rules. Teams can write custom policies in Python or YAML, then export findings in formats including JSON, SARIF, CSV, and JUnit XML. Those options support different reporting and pipeline requirements. Pull-request scanning, CI/CD integration, and integrations with GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins, and Bitbucket Cloud Pipelines help place checks in the development workflow. Pre-Commit, Docker, Kubernetes, Visual Studio Code, and JetBrains integrations extend that coverage across adjacent tools.
Checkov is a good fit for organizations that need open-source, multi-framework scanning and want control over policy definitions and pipeline output. Its free model keeps the core scanner accessible, while Prisma Cloud provides additional commercial platform capabilities, including platform-based visibility and pull-request annotations. The main trade-off is workflow complexity: teams working across many frameworks may need to manage policies, suppressions, reports, and CI/CD configuration. The command-line orientation and Python or YAML policy model may also suit engineering-led teams better than users seeking a fully managed interface. Choose an alternative if a single commercial platform, centralized visibility, or a primarily visual experience is the priority.
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Checkov pricing
Checkov fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Terraform analysis | Yes |
| Kubernetes analysis | Yes |
| CloudFormation analysis | Yes |
| Custom policies | Yes |
| Secrets detection | Yes |
| Pull request scanning | Yes |
| IDE integration | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 9 integrations: Jenkins, Bitbucket Cloud Pipelines, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Kubernetes, Pre-Commit … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | checkov.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Checkov integrations
Checkov lists 9 integrations on its own site.
- Jenkins
- Bitbucket Cloud Pipelines
- GitHub Actions
- GitLab CI
- Kubernetes
- Pre-Commit
- Docker
- Visual Studio Code
- JetBrains
Alternatives to Checkov
- KICSA broad, free IaC scanner for security, compliance, secrets, and misconfigurations.9.4
- Snyk IaCA broad IaC security layer for teams that need scanning, governance, and drift management.9.1
- Safeguard IaC SecurityFeature-rich IaC security with a free plan and $9 monthly entry tier.9.0
See all Checkov alternatives →
Checkov vs the competition
- Checkov vs KICS
- Checkov vs Snyk IaC
- Checkov vs Safeguard IaC Security
- Checkov vs Aikido Security
- Checkov vs DryRun Security IaC Security
- Checkov vs audytx
Compare Checkov with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Checkov is ranked in 4 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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