Top 12 Container Scanning Tools for 2025

Kubernetes is a revolutionary technology for orchestrating containerized applications, enabling organizations to deploy and manage applications efficiently. Containers’ portability, scalability, and agility have transformed software development and deployment. 

However, these benefits come with significant security challenges, including risks associated with vulnerabilities in container images and potential misconfigurations. To address these challenges, container scanning tools have become essential container security solutions that help identify and mitigate potential threats in both container images and running containers.

Selection Criteria

This guide provides an overview for choosing the best container security software. When evaluating container security tools for real-world usage, several key criteria should be considered to ensure the selected solution meets organizational requirements:

• Features: Assess the breadth and depth of capabilities that address various aspects of security posture and containerized applications. Look for tools that offer comprehensive scanning, runtime protection, and compliance checks.

• Ease of Use: Evaluate the user interface, integration capabilities, and the learning curve for security teams. A user-friendly tool can significantly enhance security efficiency and reduce the time required for training.

• Community Support: Investigate the level of Github activity in open-source tools and vendor responsiveness. Strong community support can lead to quicker updates, bug fixes, and knowledge sharing.

These selection criteria help organizations effectively evaluate container security tools and make informed decisions that align with their specific security needs.

Best Container Security Tools for 2025

• ARMO Platform – A Kubernetes-native security platform with automated risk assessment, compliance checks, and real-time threat detection.

• Anchore – A container security platform specializing in policy-driven security, vulnerability scanning, and compliance for cloud-native workloads.

• Aqua Security – A comprehensive suite of tools for container security, offering image scanning, vulnerability management, and runtime protection.

• Check Point CloudGuard Container Security – A solution for securing containerized environments with registry scanning, pre-runtime security features, and integrated security policies.

• Snyk Container – A developer-first container security tool that integrates into CI/CD pipelines for early vulnerability detection and remediation.

• Skyhawk Security – An AI-driven cloud security platform with container image scanning capabilities for advanced threat detection and runtime visibility.

• Fortinet – A Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) with container security features, including vulnerability scanning and workload protection.

• Qualys – A container security platform combining image scanning, compliance enforcement, and runtime protection for containerized applications.

• Root – An optimized container image scanner focused on efficient vulnerability triage, automated remediation, and seamless integration with DevSecOps workflows.

• Tenable – A vulnerability management platform with container security features, offering automated scanning, risk-based prioritization, and integration with container registries.

• Rapid7 Exposure Command – A tool specializing in third-party risk reduction for containerized applications, offering advanced static analysis and vulnerability monitoring.

• Palo Alto Prisma Cloud – A comprehensive container security solution for multi-cloud environments featuring advanced scanning, automated remediation, and SBOM capabilities.

1. ARMO Platform

ARMO Platform stands out as a comprehensive Kubernetes security solution designed to enhance the security posture of containerized environments.

Main Features:

• Smart Policy Engine: A notable feature of Kubescape, this aids in ensuring compliance with CIS benchmarks, helping organizations maintain industry standards and best practices. 
• Automated Risk Assessment: The platform identifies container image vulnerabilities and prioritizes them based on CVSS scores and contextual risk, enabling teams to focus on the most critical issues first.
• Real-time Security Threat Detection: ARMO provides threat detection capabilities specifically tailored for containerized applications, allowing immediate response to potential threats. 

Best For: ARMO platform is ideal for medium to large-scale Kubernetes environments that require image vulnerability scanning tools and robust compliance monitoring.

Pricing Model: Paid

Verdict: ARMO platform offers a robust set of features to ensure compliance and enhance security in Kubernetes environments, making it suitable for organizations with significant containerized workloads.

2. Anchore

Anchore is a leading platform that provides container security scanning tools specifically designed for cloud-native workloads. This ensures that organizations can deploy secure applications in their environments.

Main Features:

• Policy Engine: Anchore offers a customizable rules engine that allows organizations to define and enforce secure image deployment policies tailored to their specific security requirements.
• Anchore Engine integration: This feature enables static analysis of Docker images within container registries or after being pulled locally, helping to identify vulnerabilities and compliance issues before deployment.
• Kubernetes integration: Anchore seamlessly integrates with Kubernetes, allowing for the enforcement of secure deployment policies, ensuring that only compliant images are deployed.

Best For: Anchore is well-suited for organizations looking to integrate OCI-compliant image scanning or Docker image vulnerability scanning tools into their CI/CD pipelines, enhancing security throughout the development lifecycle.

Pricing Model: Paid

Verdict: Anchore provides a robust set of features for securing cloud-native workloads, making it an excellent choice for organizations aiming to enhance their CI/CD processes with effective vulnerability scanning and policy enforcement.

3. Aqua Security

Aqua Security offers a suite of container security scanning tools, providing organizations with the necessary resources to secure their containerized applications from development through deployment.

Main Features:

• Comprehensive image CVE scanner: Aqua Security includes a robust scanner that detects potential threats by identifying Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) in container images.
• Database of Common Vulnerabilities: The platform relies on an extensive database of vulnerabilities in container images, including the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), enabling proactive patching and reducing the risk of exploitation.
• Support for Securing Docker Images: In addition to support for OCI-compliant images and those from private registries, Aqua Security facilitates the protection of Docker images sourced from public registries like Docker Hub, ensuring that all images are scanned and secured before use.

Best For: Aqua Security is ideal for organizations that require end-to-end container and cloud-native application security. It offers robust vulnerability management, compliance enforcement, and runtime protection across diverse environments, including public and private registries.

Pricing Model: Paid

Verdict: Aqua Security provides a comprehensive suite of tools for managing vulnerabilities throughout the container lifecycle, making it an excellent choice for organizations focused on maintaining robust application security.

4. Check Point CloudGuard Container Security

Check Point CloudGuard Container Security provides advanced container security solutions specifically designed to protect sensitive data within containerized environments.

Main Features:

• Scanning Container Registries: The platform scans container registries to uncover vulnerabilities and compliance issues in container images, ensuring vulnerabilities are identified before deployment.
• Pre-Runtime Security Features: CloudGuard combines essential features like image CVE scanning, providing comprehensive problem detection ahead of runtime.
• Integrated Security Policies: The solution offers customizable security policies and integrations within CI/CD pipelines which help organizations maintain strong security, ensuring compliance and risk management.

Best For: Check Point CloudGuard Container Security is ideal for enterprises needing a scalable, policy-driven solution to secure containerized applications and manage vulnerabilities across registries and runtime environments.

Pricing Model: Paid

Verdict: Check Point CloudGuard Container Security offers a comprehensive suite of features to protect sensitive data and maintain security in containerized environments, making it a strong choice for enterprises with significant security needs.

5. Snyk Container

Snyk Container is a developer-focused tool that integrates seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines. It provides comprehensive container security scanning and contextualized vulnerability management for Kubernetes and containerized applications.

Main Features:

• Container Security: Comprehensive container security scanning tools for containerized applications, including Kubernetes environments.
• Shift-Left Support: Seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines to enable developers to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in container images earlier in the development cycle.
• Developer Friendly: Developer-focused tools and reports, empowering security teams to prioritize fixes based on contextual risk and real-time insights from a wide range of container registries.

Best For: Organizations that prioritize developer-first approaches to security and want to embed container scanning tools into their software development lifecycle. Ideal for teams working with Docker Hub and Kubernetes in fast-paced DevOps environments.

Pricing Model: Paid

Verdict: Snyk Container is a robust container security solution for Docker and Kubernetes environments. Its deep CI/CD integration and focus on developer usability make it a strong contender for teams seeking to enhance security without disrupting workflows. The product’s ability to contextualize potential threats within Kubernetes environments ensures efficient prioritization and remediation, aligning security policies with operational efficiency.

6. Skyhawk Security

Skyhawk Security combines AI-driven threat detection with container security scanning tools as part of its unified cloud security platform. It delivers advanced runtime visibility and static analysis to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in container images.

Main Features:

• Comprehensive Protection: Provides Cloud Detection and Response (CDR), Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM), and Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) within a unified platform.
• AI Enhanced: Leverages AI and machine learning for real-time threat detection and remediation, focusing on static analysis and behavioral patterns to identify security threats.
• Container Aware: Includes container security software for scanning container images as part of its broader cloud threat detection capabilities.

Best For: Enterprises with complex cloud environments seeking comprehensive visibility into runtime vulnerabilities in container images. Ideal for organizations prioritizing advanced threat detection and remediation across containerized applications and multi-cloud infrastructures.

Pricing Model: Paid

Verdict: Skyhawk Security excels at offering a unified solution for cloud security posture challenges, integrating advanced AI-driven threat detection with runtime visibility. Its image vulnerability scanning tools enhance its appeal for Docker and Kubernetes environments, while its focus on real-time analysis positions it as a strong choice for organizations dealing with dynamic security policies and multi-cloud ecosystems.

7. Fortinet

Fortinet offers a Cloud-Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP) that integrates container security software with multi-cloud workload protection and risk prioritization.

Main Features:

• Security Platform: Offers a CNAPP with integrated docker image vulnerability scanning tools and Kubernetes container security software features.
• Cloud and Network Security: Delivers comprehensive container security scanning tools, including workload protection, network security, and threat detection across multi-cloud environments.
• Data Focused: Leverages data-driven insights for static analysis and streamlined security management.

Best For: Organizations looking for container image scanners that integrate seamlessly into hybrid and multi-cloud environments. It is particularly suited for businesses needing scalable protection for Docker workloads alongside traditional cloud infrastructures.

Pricing Model: Paid

Verdict: Fortinet provides a versatile container scanning tool for securing cloud-native applications. Its CNAPP approach ensures comprehensive protection by combining workload, network, and image security into a cohesive platform. With its focus on dependencies and risk prioritization, Fortinet is well-positioned to support enterprises aiming to safeguard containerized applications while managing container registries efficiently.

8. Qualys

Qualys delivers a robust container security and compliance platform, integrating image CVE scanning, runtime protection, and static analysis of container registries.

Main Features:

• CVE Scanning: Provides a ready-to-use image CVE scanner and compliance platform tailored for containerized applications.
• Runtime Security: Includes runtime security to monitor and protect Docker images during execution, safeguarding critical source files and dependencies.
• Compliance and Regulation: Offers comprehensive compliance features to meet regulatory and organizational security policies through static analysis of container registries.

Best For: Enterprises focused on Docker image vulnerability scanning tools and compliance, especially those needing an all-in-one container scanning tool to manage vulnerabilities, enforce compliance, and maintain runtime protection.

Pricing Model: Paid

Verdict: Qualys delivers a robust platform for image vulnerability scanning tools, balancing vulnerability management with runtime protection. Its focus on compliance and the ability to work with open-source tools like Anchore Engine make it an excellent choice for organizations needing to adhere to strict regulatory requirements. With a strong reputation in the cybersecurity industry, Qualys is a reliable resource for securing Docker images and managing their container registries effectively.

9. Root

Root is an optimized container image scanner designed to enhance the efficiency of software supply chains by focusing on security and performance.

Main Features:

• Triage Center: Accurately identifies real threats vs false positives, prioritizing vulnerabilities based on context, such as component use, system config, or app design, via a centralized “triage center” for efficient management.
• Automated Remediation: Root offers automated remediation of vulnerabilities in container images, enabling real-time patching to address security issues as they arise.
• Seamless Integration: The tool provides seamless integration with vulnerability scanners, ticketing systems, code repositories, and CI/CD systems, facilitating smooth workflows and enhancing collaboration among development and security teams.

Best For: Root is particularly suited for organizations looking to enhance performance while streamlining DevSecOps workflows, making it an excellent choice for those focused on efficiency and security.

Pricing Model: Paid

Verdict: Root delivers a powerful solution for optimizing container images and automating vulnerability remediation, making it a valuable asset for organizations aiming to improve their software development security.

10. Tenable

Tenable is a unified container security software solution designed to manage container vulnerabilities across various environments effectively.

Main Features:

• Integration with Container Registries: Tenable can scan container images stored in popular registries like Docker Hub, Amazon ECR, Google GCR, and more.
• Automated Scanning: Tenable’s platform can be configured to automatically scan new or updated container images in registries, ensuring that vulnerabilities are detected and addressed promptly.
• Risk-based Prioritization: Tenable’s analytics engines help prioritize risks based on severity, enabling users to focus on the most critical vulnerabilities within their container environments.

Best For: While Tenable doesn’t offer specialized tools exclusively for container image scanning, its Nessus Cloud and Tenable.io platforms provide robust vulnerability management capabilities tailored to container environments.

Pricing Model: Paid

Verdict: Tenable offers a robust platform for managing container vulnerabilities, providing essential features for scanning, analysis, and risk prioritization, making it a strong option for businesses seeking to enhance their container security practices.

11. Rapid7 Exposure Command

Rapid7 Exposure Command is a specialized tool focused on reducing third-party risk in containerized applications, ensuring organizations can maintain a secure software supply chain.

Main Features:

• Monitoring open-source dependencies: The platform actively monitors open-source dependencies for potential threats, helping organizations stay informed about vulnerabilities that could impact their applications.
• Advanced static analysis: Rapid7 provides advanced static analysis capabilities for identifying vulnerabilities in container images, allowing teams to detect issues early in the development process.
• Integration with InsightVM: The tool integrates seamlessly with InsightVM, enabling comprehensive security posture assessment and providing a holistic view of an organization’s security landscape.

Best For: Rapid7 Exposure Command is particularly well-suited for enterprises aiming to secure their supply chains by mitigating potential threats in container ecosystems, making it an essential tool for organizations that rely on third-party components.

Pricing Model: Paid

Verdict: Rapid7 Exposure Command offers targeted features for monitoring and analyzing vulnerabilities in containerized applications, making it a valuable asset for enterprises focused on enhancing their security posture and managing third-party risks.

12. Palo Alto Prisma Cloud

Palo Alto Prisma Cloud is a comprehensive container security software solution designed to protect multi-cloud workloads, providing organizations with a robust security framework.

Main Features:

• Advanced container scanning tools: Prisma Cloud integrates seamlessly with Docker Hub for effective image CVE scanning, ensuring vulnerabilities are identified and addressed before deployment.
• Automated remediation: The platform offers automated remediation and dynamic runtime protection to mitigate security threats, allowing organizations to respond quickly to potential incidents.
• SBOM capabilities: Prisma Cloud includes Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) capabilities to enhance software package visibility, enabling better management of components and their associated risks.

Best For: Prisma Cloud is particularly well-suited for enterprises requiring all-in-one container security solutions to protect their multi-cloud environments, making it an ideal choice for organizations with complex deployment needs.

Pricing Model: Paid

Verdict: Palo Alto Prisma Cloud delivers a comprehensive suite of features for securing multi-cloud workloads, making it a strong option for enterprises looking to enhance their container security across diverse environments.

Secure Kubernetes Containers with ARMO Platform

These container security tools offer numerous features and benefits tailored to different organizational needs. Solutions like ARMO Platform‘s smart policy engine, Anchore’s customizable rules, and Aqua Security’s comprehensive lifecycle scanning address critical aspects of container security, including vulnerability management, compliance, and runtime protection.

ARMO Platform secures Kubernetes by providing a unified platform that ensures compliance, identifies vulnerabilities, and enforces runtime security policies. With its robust policy engine and automated risk assessment tools, ARMO proactively protects containerized applications throughout their lifecycle.

Secure your Kubernetes environment today: start your free trial of the ARMO Platform now.