Comparison
SafeWeave vs Semgrep
Semgrep is a well-regarded open-source static analysis engine known for its readable, pattern-based rules and a paid cloud platform for managing results across an organization. SafeWeave actually uses the Semgrep engine for its SAST scanner, then wraps it with seven other scanners and an MCP-native, in-editor workflow. Here is a fair look at where each fits.
Side by side
| Dimension | SafeWeave | Semgrep |
|---|---|---|
| AI-editor / MCP-native | MCP server that runs scans from inside AI editors like Claude and Cursor as code is generated. | Primarily a CLI and CI tool plus a cloud platform; editor integrations exist but it is not built around MCP. |
| Local execution / code privacy | Runs locally; the multi-scanner suite executes on your machine without sending source out for a scan. | The open-source CLI runs locally too; the Semgrep cloud platform adds hosted findings management. |
| Install effort | Add one MCP server to your editor and scan — eight scanners are available behind a single command. | Install the Semgrep CLI (or wire it into CI); straightforward for SAST, with separate setup for platform features. |
| Scan model | 8 scanners in one ~12s pass — SAST (Semgrep-based), secrets, dependencies, IaC, container, DAST, license, posture. | A focused, high-quality static analysis engine driven by 300+ rules, with secrets and SCA available in the platform. |
| Pricing posture / entry price | Open-core (MIT core). Free at $0, then Developer Pro $15, Cloud $29, Team $99. | Open-source engine is free; the Semgrep AppSec Platform has a free tier and paid team/enterprise plans. |
| Best-fit use case | Developers who want broad coverage (well beyond SAST) delivered in the editor through a single MCP command. | Teams who want a best-in-class, customizable static analysis engine and write their own rules. |
Semgrep: A fast, open-source static analysis engine with a paid cloud platform (Semgrep AppSec) for managing findings at scale. Comparisons are qualitative and architectural — capabilities and pricing change, so verify the latest details on each vendor’s site.
When to choose which
Choose SafeWeave when…
Choose SafeWeave if you want more than static analysis — dependencies, secrets, IaC, containers, DAST, license, and posture — surfaced together inside your AI editor without assembling separate tools.
Choose Semgrep when…
Choose Semgrep if your primary need is deep, customizable static analysis and you want full control over writing and tuning your own rules, or you are standardizing SAST across a large organization on its platform.
FAQ
Does SafeWeave use Semgrep?
Yes. SafeWeave is built on open-source engines, and its SAST scanner uses the Semgrep engine. SafeWeave adds seven more scanners around it plus an MCP-native, in-editor workflow.
If SafeWeave uses Semgrep, why not just use Semgrep directly?
You can — Semgrep is excellent at static analysis. SafeWeave is for when you also want dependency, secret, IaC, container, DAST, license, and posture scanning in a single local command inside your AI editor, rather than running and correlating several tools yourself.
Can I still write custom rules with SafeWeave?
SafeWeave ships with 300+ rules out of the box across its scanners. For deeply custom, organization-specific static analysis rules, the standalone Semgrep engine offers the most direct authoring experience.
See SafeWeave in your editor
Eight scanners, ~12 seconds, running locally and MCP-native. Free forever to start — no credit card required.