The Checkov alternative that shows its reasoning
Checkov is an open-source scanner with a wide checklist across several clouds. audytx is built for AWS only, by design: it maps how your resources relate, keeps the findings that context supports, and lists each finding it sets aside with the reason written next to it.
audytx vs Checkov at a glance
What each tool is, and how each handles a finding that does not apply to your setup.
| Dimension | audytx | Checkov |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | AWS only: Terraform and CloudFormation | AWS, Azure and Google Cloud; Terraform, CloudFormation, Kubernetes and more |
| Checks | 250+ AWS checks plus cross-resource analysis | "Over 1000 built-in policies" per its README |
| Findings that do not apply | set aside by context, listed with the reason | skipped with a checkov:skip comment in the file |
| Delivery | GitHub App and hosted MCP server | command line and CI step |
| Design center | AWS depth: one cloud, reasoned about across resources | breadth: many clouds and formats in one tool |
Checkov facts are from its repository README, checked 2026-10-01. audytx's own measured results are on the benchmark page.
Where each fits
The two tools are built for different jobs, and they can share a pipeline.
audytx — the AWS reviewer
- One cloud (AWS), reasoned about across resources, not one resource at a time
- IAM privilege-escalation and role-chain checks
- Every set-aside finding is listed with its rationale, so you can review the engine's judgment
- A hosted MCP server lets the coding agent that wrote the Terraform get a review before the PR exists
Checkov — the wide sweep
- Over 1000 built-in policies for AWS, Azure and Google Cloud, per its README
- Scans Terraform, CloudFormation, Kubernetes, Dockerfile and other formats
- Skips are written as
checkov:skipcomments next to the resource - Runs next to audytx: Checkov for the wide sweep, audytx as the AWS-focused review
Trying audytx next to Checkov
audytx installs as a GitHub App and reviews the next pull request: a summary comment,
inline annotations, and SARIF to GitHub Code Scanning. It does not change how Checkov
runs in your pipeline, so you can compare the two on a few pull requests. Your
checkov:skip comments keep working for Checkov. For a neutral overview of the wider market, see the
Checkov vs Trivy field guide.
CloudFormation
Both tools scan CloudFormation. audytx's own CloudFormation results are on the CloudFormation benchmark; for a cfn-nag user, see audytx vs cfn-nag.
Frequently asked questions
Is audytx a good Checkov alternative?
For AWS Terraform and CloudFormation, it can sit beside Checkov, or replace it for AWS-only teams. audytx is built for AWS depth and explains every finding it sets aside. Teams that need Azure or Google Cloud coverage keep a multi-cloud tool for those.
What does audytx do differently from Checkov?
audytx also sets aside findings that other resources in the repository show are not a problem, and lists each one with the reason. In Checkov you skip a check with a checkov:skip comment in the file.
Can I run audytx and Checkov together?
Yes. They are independent: audytx runs as a GitHub App and does not change how Checkov runs in your pipeline. Use Checkov for the wide sweep and audytx as the AWS-focused review.
Run the comparison on your own repo
Install the GitHub App and audytx reviews your next pull request with this exact engine, on public or private repos. The Free plan includes 100 scans a month.