Semgrep vs Chromatic
Semgrep and Chromatic are both popular tools in the Code Review & Testing space. Both use a freemium pricing model, with Semgrep starting at Free and Chromatic at Free. Both offer a free tier to get started. Below we break down features, pricing, strengths, and weaknesses to help you decide which tool fits your workflow best.
Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
Choose Semgrep if you want fast, customizable static analysis for finding bugs and security issues. Semgrep's biggest strengths include extremely fast performance compared to traditional sast tools and easy-to-write custom rules without deep ast knowledge. Choose Chromatic if you prefer visual testing and review platform built for storybook components.. Key advantages include best-in-class integration with storybook and built by the storybook maintainers themselves. It's also rated higher (4.5 vs 4.3).
Fast, customizable static analysis for finding bugs and security issues
Visual testing and review platform built for Storybook components.
| Semgrep | Chromatic | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Rating | ★ 4.3 | ★ 4.5 |
| Categories | Code Review & Testing | Code Review & Testing |
| Key Features | 6 features | 6 features |
| Feature | Semgrep | Chromatic |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern-based code scanning across 30+ programming languages | ✓ | — |
| Custom rule creation with intuitive YAML syntax | ✓ | — |
| Thousands of pre-built security and code quality rules | ✓ | — |
| CI/CD integration with GitHub Actions, GitLab, and more | ✓ | — |
| Fast local scanning with minimal false positives | ✓ | — |
| Differential scanning to analyze only changed code | ✓ | — |
| Visual regression testing for Storybook components | — | ✓ |
| Cross-browser snapshot testing | — | ✓ |
| UI review and approval workflow | — | ✓ |
| Storybook publishing and hosting | — | ✓ |
| Interaction testing for component behavior | — | ✓ |
| GitHub and CI/CD integration | — | ✓ |
Semgrep
Pros
- + Extremely fast performance compared to traditional SAST tools
- + Easy-to-write custom rules without deep AST knowledge
- + Strong open-source community with extensive rule library
- + Privacy-first with local scanning and no code upload required
Cons
- − Advanced features like cross-file analysis require paid plans
- − Learning curve for writing complex multi-pattern rules
- − Language support maturity varies across different ecosystems
Chromatic
Pros
- + Best-in-class integration with Storybook
- + Built by the Storybook maintainers themselves
- + Generous free tier for open-source projects
- + Excellent collaborative review workflow
Cons
- − Requires Storybook — not useful without it
- − Snapshot volume can drive up costs quickly
- − Limited to component-level testing
The Bottom Line
Choose Semgrep if: you want fast, customizable static analysis for finding bugs and security issues. It's completely free to use. Keep in mind: advanced features like cross-file analysis require paid plans.
Choose Chromatic if: you prefer visual testing and review platform built for storybook components.. It's completely free to use. It holds a higher user rating (4.5 vs 4.3). Keep in mind: requires storybook — not useful without it.
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