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Chainguard

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Company health

Employee growth
170% increase in the last year
Web traffic
18% increase in the last quarter
Financing
March 2024 - $256M

Ratings

G2
5.0/5
(31)
Glassdoor
5.0/5
(1)

Chainguard description

Chainguard provides secure versions of commonly used open-source software packaged in a way that is ready to use with your existing systems. This means your developers spend less time fixing security holes and more time building your product. Chainguard offers different versions of its software depending on your needs, whether you're a small team or need to meet strict government security standards. Companies like Snowflake and GitLab rely on Chainguard to keep their systems secure.


What companies are using Chainguard?

Snowflake is using Chainguard
Snowflake
Anduril Retail is using Chainguard
Anduril Retail
Checkmarx is using Chainguard
Checkmarx
Zapier is used by Snowflake, Anduril Retail, Checkmarx.

Who is Chainguard best for

Chainguard is ideal for security-conscious developers, platform engineers, and security teams, especially those in enterprises needing to meet strict compliance standards. We find that users appreciate the significant reduction in container image vulnerabilities and the responsive customer support. While some find the pricing a bit high, the time saved on vulnerability management makes it a worthwhile investment, in our opinion!

  • Perfect for larger companies (1000+ employees) seeking robust, secure software supply chain solutions and minimal container vulnerabilities.

  • A strong fit for Software/IT, Finance, and Healthcare industries needing secure, compliant open-source software and reduced vulnerability management.


Chainguard features

Supported

Minimal Container Images: Chainguard Images are designed to be minimal, reducing software bloat and minimizing the attack surface of applications, which in turn enhances both performance and security.

Supported

Low-to-Zero CVE Container Images: Chainguard Images leverage low-to-zero CVE container images designed for rapid patching and software updates, ensuring applications are built on a secure foundation and remain protected against emerging threats.

Supported

Hardened Container Images: Chainguard Images are hardened against known vulnerabilities, ensuring a robust security posture for applications from the start, minimizing risks throughout the software development lifecycle.

Supported

Rapid Patching and Updates: Chainguard Images are built for rapid patching and software updates, allowing developers to quickly address vulnerabilities and maintain a secure environment without disrupting workflows.

Supported

Trusted by Professionals: Chainguard Images are trusted by developers, platform engineers, and security professionals, providing a reliable and secure foundation for building and deploying applications.

Supported

Saves Engineering Time: Chainguard Images can save hundreds of hours of engineering time annually on vulnerability management, freeing up valuable developer teams to focus on business-critical tasks.

Supported

Secure by Default: Chainguard Images provide a secure-by-default approach, ensuring applications start and remain secure throughout their lifecycle, minimizing the need for constant security patching and updates.

Qualities

We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software

Value and Pricing Transparency

Neutral
-0.2

Customer Service

Strongly positive
+1

Ease of Use

Strongly positive
+0.88

Reliability and Performance

Strongly positive
+1

Ease of Implementation

Rather positive
+0.69

Chainguard reviews

We've summarised 31 Chainguard reviews (Chainguard G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of Chainguard
  • Significantly reduces vulnerabilities in container images.
  • Excellent and responsive customer support.
  • Easy to use and implement, often drop-in replacements for existing images.
  • Provides a secure foundation for building and deploying applications.
  • Offers a wide range of base images and supports custom builds.
Cons of Chainguard
  • Limited free tier, only "latest" image versions are available for free.
  • Pricing can be high, especially for complex images.
  • Difficult to integrate with older platforms that don't support modern authentication.
  • Some images require rework to transition from standard Docker Hub images.
  • Documentation can sometimes lag behind product updates.

Chainguard pricing

The commentary is based on 7 reviews from Chainguard G2 reviews.

We find that Chainguard's pricing model is generally well-received, especially by enterprise users. While the free tier has limitations (like only offering the "latest" image tags), the paid versions are considered valuable for their security benefits and time savings. Some users find the pricing a bit high, but many believe it's worth the investment.

Users sentiment

Neutral
-0.2

See the Chainguard pricing page.

  • Chainguard has a free plan.


Chainguard alternatives

  • Logo of Snyk
    Snyk
    Finds and fixes security holes in your code and infrastructure.
    Read more
  • Logo of Docker
    Docker
    Packages software in boxes, making it portable and reliable.
    Read more
  • Logo of Wiz
    Wiz
    Finds cloud vulnerabilities fast, so you can fix them faster.
    Read more
  • Logo of Google Assured Open Source Software
    Google Assured Open Source Software
    Secure, curated open-source packages, maintained by Google.
    Read more
  • Logo of Cycode
    Cycode
    Full software development lifecycle application security platform.
    Read more
  • Logo of Cloudsmith
    Cloudsmith
    Universal software delivery, secure, fast, and reliably managed.
    Read more

Chainguard FAQ

  • What is Chainguard and what does Chainguard do?

    Chainguard secures your software supply chain by providing readily usable, hardened versions of open-source software. We find this helps developers focus on building products, not fixing vulnerabilities. They offer various packages to fit different needs, from small teams to those requiring high security.

  • How does Chainguard integrate with other tools?

    Chainguard integrates seamlessly with existing container orchestration systems like Kubernetes and Docker. It also works with CI/CD pipelines, allowing for automated security scanning and patching within development workflows. We find this enhances security without disrupting established processes.

  • What the main competitors of Chainguard?

    We find that Chainguard's main competitors include Snyk, Docker, Wiz, Google Assured Open Source Software, Cycode, and Cloudsmith. These alternatives offer similar functionalities, such as vulnerability scanning, containerization, and secure software supply chain solutions.

  • Is Chainguard legit?

    We find Chainguard to be a legitimate and reliable platform. They offer enhanced security for open-source software, trusted by companies like Snowflake and GitLab. Positive growth and high user ratings further solidify their credibility.

  • How much does Chainguard cost?

    Chainguard offers free Starter Images for personal use. For enterprise needs, they have Production Images with pricing available upon request. They also offer startup options with custom pricing.

  • Is Chainguard customer service good?

    We find that Chainguard's customer support is generally considered excellent and responsive. Users frequently praise the helpfulness and attentiveness of the support team, contributing to a positive overall experience.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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