Chainguard vs Hex Security
Which for Cyber Defense AI tool is better in 2026?
Chainguard
Secure, minimal container images for software and AI supply chains
Hex Security
Agentic Offensive Security at Scale
Side-by-side
Chainguard is the more established option (raised $256M); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Chainguard | Hex Security |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Secure, minimal container images for software and AI supply chains | Agentic Offensive Security at Scale |
| Foundedi | 2021🏆 | 2026 |
| HQi | Kirkland, United States | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | — | 1-10🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 75🏆 | 49 |
| Total fundingi | $256M🏆 | $500K |
| Latest roundi | Series C · Jul 2024 | Seed · Jan 2026 |
| Valuationi | $1.1B🏆 | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plani | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Free | Pricing not listed |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Chainguard and Hex Security.
| Capability | Chainguard | Hex Security |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✓ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Chainguard
- Has raised more capital ($256M vs $500K)
- Higher Neuron score (75 vs 49)
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
🔵 Strengths of Hex Security
- Newer company (2026)
Which should you choose?
Choose Hex Security if price matters most — it starts at Pricing not listed, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI for Cyber Defense tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Chainguard if you want the most established option — it has raised $256M, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
Chainguard vs Hex Security — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Chainguard has raised more capital and is the more established option; Hex Security has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Chainguard cheaper than Hex Security?
No — Hex Security's cheapest paid plan is Pricing not listed, while Chainguard's is Free.
Do Chainguard and Hex Security offer free plans?
Chainguard: Yes, has a free plan. Hex Security: Paid only.
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