Side by side
cfn-lint vs Chef InSpec
Both stand on infrastructure testing tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
cfn-lint provides configurable checks and multiple output formats for CloudFormation template validation. Its best-effort handling of complex values is worth bearing in mind when interpreting results.
Visit cfn-lint Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2
Chef InSpec provides code-based checks, reusable profiles and multiple reporting options for infrastructure and applications. Its free tier has non-production and non-commercial limits, while production use falls under commercial licensing.
Visit Chef InSpecThe facts
| cfn-lint | Chef InSpec | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Business: $59 per node a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 6 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | docs.chef.io |
| On infrastructure testing tools | #5 of 28 | #1 of 28 |
cfn-lint: what it does well
- Validates CloudFormation YAML and JSON templates.
- Supports AWS SAM templates.
- Allows user-defined rules and configurable checks.
- Offers JSON, JUnit, pretty, and SARIF output.
- Integrates with editors, GitHub Actions, and pre-commit.
What to know first
- Complex template values are validated on a best-effort basis.
- Supports Python 3.10 through 3.14.
- The listed IaC support centers on CloudFormation and AWS SAM.
Chef InSpec: what it does well
- Tests AWS, Azure, AliCloud and GCP resources.
- Profiles group reusable, versionable controls.
- Exports results as JSON, HTML or plain text.
- Works with Test Kitchen through kitchen-inspec.
What to know first
- Free tier excludes production workloads.
- Free use is limited to personal, non-commercial work.
- InSpec 7 requires EULA acceptance.
- License-key requirements vary by distribution source.
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