Compare / Comparison / Security scanning for AI-built apps

TruffleHog vs Gitleaks

Matt Turley, Continuum. Updated 2026-11-05.

We sell Continuum Leak Check, so we say where the other options fit better. Links to other companies go to their own sites and carry no affiliate codes.

The short answer

TruffleHog vs Gitleaks

Neither is better for everyone. TruffleHog suits teams that want to know which leaked secrets are still active. Gitleaks suits teams wanting a simple pattern-based scanner for git history and files.

TruffleHog vs Gitleaks at a glance

This page compares TruffleHog and Gitleaks using only what the sources below say about each. Where one is the better pick for a situation, we say which and why.

TruffleHog and Gitleaks side by side, from the cited sources.
TruffleHog and Gitleaks side by side, from the cited sources.
QuestionTruffleHogGitleaks
What it isFinds leaked credentials across sources such as Git, chats, wikis, logs and filesystems, and can check whether each secret is still live. [1]Detects secrets like passwords, API keys and tokens in git repos and files. [2]
Confirmed priceOpen source $0 [1]Open source $0 [2]
Free planYes, per the sourcesYes, per the sources
SuitsTeams that want to know which leaked secrets are still active.Teams wanting a simple pattern-based scanner for git history and files.

We read each source on 2026-11-05. Prices and limits change often, so confirm on the vendor's own page before you buy. A figure marked "one source only" was not matched by a second publisher.

When to pick each one

Pick TruffleHog if it matches your situation

Choose TruffleHog over Gitleaks for teams that want to know which leaked secrets are still active.

What the sources say about TruffleHog:

  • For every secret it can classify, TruffleHog can log in to confirm whether the secret is live; verification can be turned off with --no-verification.[1]
  • The README says it classifies over 800 secret types and added over 700 credential detectors with active verification; the two figures are not reconciled on the page.[1]

Pick Gitleaks if it matches your situation

Choose Gitleaks over TruffleHog for teams wanting a simple pattern-based scanner for git history and files.

What the sources say about Gitleaks:

  • Gitleaks has three scan modes: git (repository history), dir (folders and files) and stdin.[2]
  • Licensed under MIT.[2]

Limits and things to check

TruffleHog

  • Released under AGPL-3.0 since v3.0.[1]

Gitleaks

  • The README states Gitleaks is feature complete, with future releases limited to security patches.[2]

Pricing as reported

TruffleHog

Pricing as reported for TruffleHog:

  • Open source: $0 (AGPL-3.0 license since v3.0) [1]

Gitleaks

Pricing as reported for Gitleaks:

  • Open source: $0 (MIT license) [2]

Where Continuum fits

We make Continuum Leak Check. Weigh what we say here with that in mind. The tools above are the better choice when you want software you run yourself; ours is the better choice when you want a person to do or read the work.

Continuum Leak Check (ours)

A free, automated launch-readiness scan of a live AI-built app, run from the outside.[3]

What our own page says:

  • It checks reachability, SSL, the auth flow, the payment path, exposed secrets, broken links and performance.[3]

Limits and things to check:

  • It is the outside view only and does not read the code or the database policies.[3]

Pricing as reported for Continuum Leak Check:

  • Leak Check: Free (automated outside view) [3]

Suits anyone who wants a free first look at a live app before paying for a deeper review.

Details on Continuum Leak Check.

Check your own app before you compare

A free outside scan shows the most common public exposures in a live app in under a minute. Run the free Leak Check
Book a call →See all services and prices →
FAQ

Straight answers

Is TruffleHog or Gitleaks better?
Neither is better in general. TruffleHog suits teams that want to know which leaked secrets are still active. Gitleaks suits teams wanting a simple pattern-based scanner for git history and files.
Do TruffleHog and Gitleaks have free plans?
TruffleHog and Gitleaks have a free plan or tier per the sources we read. Check limits on the vendor page.
When were these sources read?
All sources on this page were read on 2026-11-05. Prices and limits change, so confirm on the vendor page before you buy.
Keep reading
Best security scanners for AI-generated codebest security scanner for ai generated codeSnyk vs Semgrepsnyk vs semgrepSnyk vs GitHub Advanced Securitysnyk vs github advanced securityAll comparisonsBest of lists, head to heads and alternatives across every area we cover.
Sources
  1. 1. TruffleHog GitHub README, Truffle Security (GitHub), 2026-11-05: TruffleHog's own page
  2. 2. Gitleaks GitHub README, Gitleaks (GitHub), 2026-11-05: Gitleaks's own page
  3. 3. Continuum Leak Check on uxcontinuum.com, Continuum, 2026-11-05: Continuum Leak Check's own page
TruffleHog vs Gitleaks | Continuum