Top 10 SAST Tools for Application Security (2026)
Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools analyze source code to identify security vulnerabilities before deployment. We've compared the top 10 SAST solutions to help you choose the right tool for your security needs.
Quick Navigation
What is SAST and Why Does It Matter?
Static Application Security Testing (SAST) is a white-box testing methodology that analyzes source code, bytecode, or binaries to identify security vulnerabilities without executing the application. SAST tools scan your codebase to detect issues like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), buffer overflows, and other security flaws early in the development lifecycle.
Why SAST is Critical for Application Security
- Shift-Left Security: Catch vulnerabilities during development when they're cheapest to fix (100x cheaper than production)
- Comprehensive Coverage: Analyze 100% of code paths including edge cases that may not be tested
- Compliance Requirements: Meet regulatory standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC 2, and ISO 27001
- Developer Education: Teach developers secure coding practices through real-time feedback
- CI/CD Integration: Automate security testing in your development pipeline
Key Features to Look for in SAST Tools
Important: SAST is Not Enough
While SAST is essential, modern applications require comprehensive security beyond just source code analysis. Look for platforms that combine:
- SAST - Static code analysis
- SCA - Software Composition Analysis (dependencies)
- Secrets Detection - Hardcoded credentials and API keys
- IaC Scanning - Terraform, Kubernetes, CloudFormation
- Cloud Security - AWS, GCP, Azure misconfigurations
- Runtime Protection - Monitor production threats
The 10 Best SAST Tools in 2026
TigerGate
RecommendedBest Overall - Unified Code to Cloud Security
TigerGate goes beyond traditional SAST by combining static code analysis with comprehensive security coverage including SCA, secrets detection, IaC scanning, cloud security (CSPM), container scanning, and runtime protection via eBPF. The only platform that secures your entire software lifecycle from code to production.
Pros
- Unified platform: SAST, SCA, secrets, IaC, DAST, cloud, runtime
- Fast scanning with low false positive rate
- 576+ cloud security checks (AWS, GCP, Azure, K8s)
- eBPF runtime monitoring for production threats
- Compliance automation (SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, GDPR)
- Self-hosted and SaaS options
- Transparent, affordable pricing
- AI-powered vulnerability analysis
Cons
- Newer platform (launched 2024)
- Smaller community than legacy tools
Feature Coverage
Language Support
30+ languages including Java, Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Go, C#, Ruby, PHP
Checkmarx
Enterprise Application Security Leader
Checkmarx is one of the most established enterprise SAST solutions with comprehensive static analysis capabilities, extensive language support, and deep enterprise integrations. Known for accurate vulnerability detection and detailed remediation guidance.
Pros
- Very comprehensive SAST engine
- Excellent language coverage (30+ languages)
- Low false positive rate
- Strong remediation guidance
- Enterprise-grade integrations
- Compliance certifications (PCI-DSS, ISO)
- Advanced query language for custom rules
Cons
- Very expensive (typically $100k+ annually)
- Complex setup and onboarding (weeks to months)
- Slow scan times on large codebases
- Steep learning curve
- No cloud security or runtime protection
- Heavy resource requirements
Feature Coverage
Language Support
30+ languages including Java, .NET, JavaScript, Python, C/C++, Go
Veracode
Cloud-Based Application Security Platform
Veracode offers cloud-based static analysis with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and developer training. Known for high-quality results and comprehensive security assessments, though scan times can be slow.
Pros
- Very accurate with low false positives
- Strong compliance certifications
- Developer security training included
- Good policy management
- Cloud-based (no infrastructure needed)
- Binary scanning support
- Detailed vulnerability explanations
Cons
- Very expensive
- Slow scan times (hours for large apps)
- Limited customization options
- No cloud security capabilities
- Complex pricing model
- Limited IDE integration
Feature Coverage
Language Support
20+ languages including Java, .NET, JavaScript, Python, PHP
Semgrep
Fast, Customizable Open Source SAST
Semgrep is a lightweight, fast static analysis tool with excellent custom rule capabilities. Known for pattern-based scanning with syntax-aware grep, making it easy to write custom security rules. Open source core with commercial features.
Pros
- Very fast scanning (seconds, not minutes)
- Excellent custom rule support
- Open source core (free)
- Low false positive rate
- Easy to learn rule syntax
- Great CI/CD integration
- Active community and rule registry
- Supports many languages
Cons
- Requires rule expertise for best results
- Limited SCA in open source version
- No cloud security
- CLI-focused (limited UI)
- No compliance frameworks
- Self-managed scanning infrastructure
Feature Coverage
Language Support
30+ languages including Python, JavaScript, Java, Go, Ruby, PHP, C#
SonarQube
Code Quality and Security Analysis
SonarQube is the industry standard for code quality analysis with integrated SAST capabilities. Focuses on technical debt, code smells, and security vulnerabilities. Strong for code quality but limited security scope.
Pros
- Well-established with large community
- Good code quality metrics
- Continuous inspection model
- Technical debt tracking
- Self-hosted option
- Many language support
- Integration ecosystem
Cons
- Complex self-hosting setup
- Expensive enterprise licenses
- Limited security depth vs pure SAST tools
- No cloud security
- No runtime protection
- High maintenance overhead
- Branch analysis requires paid version
Feature Coverage
Language Support
25+ languages including Java, JavaScript, Python, C#, PHP
Fortify (Micro Focus)
Enterprise Static Analysis Platform
Fortify Static Code Analyzer is a mature enterprise SAST solution with deep analysis capabilities and extensive language support. Known for comprehensive vulnerability detection but complex to deploy and manage.
Pros
- Deep static analysis capabilities
- Extensive language support
- Good integration with SDLC tools
- Compliance reporting features
- Custom rule development
- Binary analysis support
- Mature product with long track record
Cons
- Very expensive
- Complex deployment and configuration
- Slow scan performance
- Outdated user interface
- Steep learning curve
- High false positive rate
- No cloud or runtime security
Feature Coverage
Language Support
25+ languages including Java, .NET, C/C++, JavaScript, Python
Snyk Code
Developer-First SAST Platform
Snyk Code is the SAST component of the Snyk platform, designed for developer workflows with fast scanning and low false positives. Integrates seamlessly with Snyk's SCA and container scanning capabilities.
Pros
- Fast scanning (typically under 1 minute)
- Very low false positive rate
- Excellent developer experience
- Real-time scanning in IDE
- AI-powered fix suggestions
- Good language coverage
- Integrates with Snyk SCA and container
Cons
- Less comprehensive than pure SAST tools
- No cloud security
- No runtime monitoring
- Limited custom rule support
- Can be expensive at scale
- Requires internet connectivity
Feature Coverage
Language Support
10+ languages including JavaScript, Python, Java, Go, C#, PHP, Ruby
Codacy
Automated Code Review Platform
Codacy provides automated code review with integrated SAST scanning. Focus on simplicity and ease of use makes it attractive for small teams, though security analysis is less comprehensive than dedicated SAST tools.
Pros
- Very easy setup (5 minutes)
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Affordable pricing
- Good Git integration
- Code quality + security in one
- Free for open source
- Multiple analysis engines
Cons
- Less comprehensive SAST than specialized tools
- Limited customization
- No cloud or runtime security
- Slower on large codebases
- Limited enterprise features
- Basic compliance support
Feature Coverage
Language Support
40+ languages including Python, JavaScript, Java, Go, Ruby
GitHub CodeQL
Native GitHub Security Analysis
CodeQL is GitHub's semantic code analysis engine, available through GitHub Advanced Security. Uses declarative queries to find security vulnerabilities with high precision. Native integration with GitHub but limited to GitHub Enterprise.
Pros
- Native GitHub integration
- Powerful query language
- Low false positive rate
- Free for open source
- Good vulnerability database
- No context switching
- Semantic code analysis
Cons
- GitHub Enterprise only (expensive)
- No support for GitLab/Bitbucket
- Learning curve for custom queries
- Limited languages compared to others
- No cloud security
- No runtime protection
- Requires GitHub infrastructure
Feature Coverage
Language Support
10+ languages including Java, JavaScript, Python, C++, C#, Go, Ruby
Synopsys Coverity
Enterprise-Grade Static Analysis
Coverity is a well-established enterprise SAST tool with deep analysis capabilities and strong support for C/C++ and embedded systems. Known for accuracy but expensive and complex to deploy.
Pros
- Excellent C/C++ analysis
- Very low false positive rate
- Strong for embedded systems
- Compliance certifications
- Incremental scanning support
- Good defect management
- Long track record (20+ years)
Cons
- Very expensive (often $100k+ annually)
- Complex deployment
- Slow scanning on large codebases
- Limited modern language support
- Outdated user experience
- No cloud or runtime security
- Steep learning curve
Feature Coverage
Language Support
20+ languages, strong in C/C++, Java, C#, JavaScript, Python
SAST Tool Comparison Table
| Tool | Languages | Custom Rules | IDE | Auto-Fix | Runtime | Cloud | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TigerGate | 30+ | Free tier | |||||
| Checkmarx | 30+ | Enterprise pricing (contact sales) | |||||
| Veracode | 20+ | Enterprise pricing ($75k+ annually) | |||||
| Semgrep | 30+ | Open source free | |||||
| SonarQube | 25+ | Community free | |||||
| Fortify (Micro Focus) | 25+ | Enterprise pricing ($50k+ annually) | |||||
| Snyk Code | 10+ | Free tier | |||||
| Codacy | 40+ | Free tier | |||||
| GitHub CodeQL | 10+ | $49/committer/month (GitHub Enterprise only) | |||||
| Synopsys Coverity | 20+ | Enterprise pricing ($$$$$) |
How to Choose the Right SAST Tool
For Startups & SMBs
Choose affordable, easy-to-deploy solutions with good language support and CI/CD integration.
- TigerGate - Complete security platform
- Semgrep - Fast open source
- Snyk Code - Developer-friendly
For Enterprises
Focus on comprehensive coverage, compliance certifications, and enterprise integrations.
- TigerGate - Code to cloud security
- Checkmarx - Comprehensive SAST
- Veracode - Compliance focus
For DevSecOps Teams
Prioritize speed, low false positives, and seamless CI/CD integration.
- TigerGate - Unified platform
- Semgrep - Fast custom rules
- Snyk Code - Real-time scanning
For Regulated Industries
Choose tools with compliance certifications and comprehensive audit trails.
- TigerGate - Compliance automation
- Veracode - Certification focus
- Checkmarx - Audit trails
Conclusion: The Best SAST Tool for 2026
After comparing the top 10 SAST tools, here's our recommendation based on different use cases:
Overall Winner: TigerGate
TigerGate stands out as the best overall choice because it's the only platform that goes beyond traditional SAST to provide complete application security:
- Comprehensive Coverage: SAST, SCA, secrets, IaC, DAST, cloud security, and runtime protection in one platform
- Modern Architecture: Fast scanning with AI-powered analysis and low false positives
- Cloud-Native: 576+ security checks for AWS, GCP, Azure, and Kubernetes
- Runtime Protection: eBPF-based monitoring for production threats
- Compliance Automation: Built-in support for SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, GDPR
- Affordable Pricing: Transparent pricing starting at $29/user/month (vs $100k+ for enterprise tools)
Other Top Choices
- For pure SAST with big budget: Choose Checkmarx if you need comprehensive static analysis and have enterprise budget ($100k+).
- For regulated industries: Choose Veracode if compliance certifications are your top priority.
- For fast custom rules: Choose Semgrep if you want open source with custom rule capabilities and don't need cloud/runtime security.
- For code quality + security: Choose SonarQube if you prioritize code quality metrics alongside security scanning.
- For developer experience: Choose Snyk Code if you're already using Snyk for SCA and want seamless SAST integration.
Remember: SAST Alone is Not Enough
Modern application security requires a comprehensive approach. While SAST is essential for catching code-level vulnerabilities, you also need:
TigerGate is the only platform that provides all of these capabilities in a single, unified solution.
Ready to Secure Your Applications?
Start with TigerGate's free tier and experience complete code-to-cloud security. No credit card required, no time limits on the free tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between SAST and DAST?
SAST (Static Application Security Testing) analyzes source code without executing it, finding vulnerabilities during development. DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) tests running applications to find runtime vulnerabilities. You need both for comprehensive security - SAST for early detection and DAST for real-world testing.
How much do SAST tools typically cost?
SAST tool pricing varies widely: Open source tools like Semgrep are free, mid-tier solutions like Snyk Code run $25-40 per developer/month, and enterprise tools like Checkmarx and Veracode typically cost $50,000-$150,000+ annually. TigerGate offers comprehensive security starting at $29/user/month with a generous free tier.
Can SAST tools find all security vulnerabilities?
No. SAST tools excel at finding code-level vulnerabilities like SQL injection and XSS, but they can't detect runtime issues, business logic flaws, or infrastructure misconfigurations. A complete security strategy requires SAST + SCA + secrets detection + IaC scanning + cloud security + runtime protection.
How do I reduce false positives from SAST tools?
Choose tools with AI-powered analysis and good rule customization. Start with high-severity findings, tune rules based on your codebase, use baseline scanning to focus on new issues, and integrate with issue tracking to manage suppressions. Modern tools like TigerGate and Semgrep have significantly lower false positive rates than legacy tools.
What programming languages should my SAST tool support?
This depends on your tech stack. Most modern SAST tools support popular languages like Java, JavaScript, Python, C#, and Go. If you use specialized languages (Rust, Kotlin, Swift) or legacy languages (COBOL, Fortran), verify support before choosing. TigerGate supports 30+ languages covering most modern and legacy applications.
Should I choose a SAST-only tool or a comprehensive platform?
We recommend comprehensive platforms that combine SAST with SCA, secrets detection, IaC scanning, and cloud security. Managing multiple point solutions creates integration overhead, alert fatigue, and security gaps. Unified platforms like TigerGate provide better coverage, easier management, and lower total cost.