Semgrep vs Ellipsis
Semgrep and Ellipsis are both popular tools in the Code Review & Testing space. Both use a freemium pricing model, with Semgrep starting at Free and Ellipsis 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. It's also rated higher (4.3 vs 4.0). Choose Ellipsis if you prefer ai code review bot that enforces your team's standards automatically.. Key advantages include set-and-forget automation for consistent code reviews and learns and adapts to your team's specific standards.
Fast, customizable static analysis for finding bugs and security issues
AI code review bot that enforces your team's standards automatically.
| Semgrep | Ellipsis | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Rating | ★ 4.3 | ★ 4.0 |
| Categories | Code Review & Testing | Code Review & Testing |
| Key Features | 6 features | 6 features |
| Feature | Semgrep | Ellipsis |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Automated code review on pull requests | — | ✓ |
| Custom rule enforcement for team standards | — | ✓ |
| Bug and anti-pattern detection | — | ✓ |
| Learning from your codebase and review history | — | ✓ |
| GitHub integration with inline comments | — | ✓ |
| Configurable review strictness levels | — | ✓ |
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
Ellipsis
Pros
- + Set-and-forget automation for consistent code reviews
- + Learns and adapts to your team's specific standards
- + Free tier for small teams and open-source projects
- + Reduces reviewer fatigue on routine issues
Cons
- − Limited to GitHub — no GitLab or Bitbucket support
- − May need tuning to reduce false positives
- − Advanced customization requires paid plan
The Bottom Line
Choose Semgrep if: you want fast, customizable static analysis for finding bugs and security issues. It's completely free to use. It holds a higher user rating (4.3 vs 4.0). Keep in mind: advanced features like cross-file analysis require paid plans.
Choose Ellipsis if: you prefer ai code review bot that enforces your team's standards automatically.. It's completely free to use. Keep in mind: limited to github — no gitlab or bitbucket support.
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