KubeLinter vs Kubescape

KubeLinter is a free, open-source static analyzer for Kubernetes YAML files, Helm charts, and Kustomize manifests. It checks production-readiness and security practices, including non-root containers, least privilege, and keeping sensitive information in secrets. Users can enable or disable checks and create custom checks for organizational policies. Failed checks produce remediation recommendations and a non-zero exit code. KubeLinter can generate several output formats in one run, including SARIF and JSON, and supports pull request scanning. Documented installation methods include Go, release binaries, Homebrew or LinuxBrew, nix-shell, and Docker. Container images are signed with cosign, with a public verification key supplied. The project uses the Apache License 2.0 and lists no paid tiers. Its README identifies StackRox as creator and Red Hat as current maintainer. The README also warns that commands, flags, and configuration formats may change. The latest listed release is v0.8.3.

Kubescape is an open-source platform for Kubernetes security across configuration, images, compliance, and activity in running clusters. It analyzes Kubernetes manifests, Helm charts, and live clusters for misconfigurations. Its operator scans deployed container images for vulnerabilities using Grype and public vulnerability databases, and monitors active clusters for suspicious behavior and threats. Kubescape supports CIS, NSA-CISA, MITRE ATT&CK, and SOC 2 frameworks. Its policy engine uses Open Policy Agent to evaluate Kubernetes objects against posture controls written in Rego; the operator runs as microservices that continuously monitor cluster posture. Integrations are available for GitHub, GitLab CI/CD, Lens, and Visual Studio Code. The CLI can download artifacts for local use, including in offline and air-gapped environments. Results can be exported as JSON or JUnit XML or rendered as HTML or PDF. The CLI and Kubernetes operator are self-hosted and free under Apache License 2.0. ARMO Platform is a compatible provider for uploading scan results and downloading custom artifacts; its price depends on vCPUs and other cloud resources.