cfn-lint
6.0#15 in infrastructure testing toolsFree planFree planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows
Visitcfn-lint vs Chef InSpec
Chef InSpec
8.0#1 in infrastructure testing toolsFrom $59 a yearFree planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | cfn-lint | Chef InSpec |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | The project documents installation with pip, Homebrew for macOS, or Docker. | Chef documents native installers for Windows and Linux distributions and Habitat packages for macOS, Windows, and Linux distributions. |
| Integrations | The project lists editor integrations for Atom, Emacs, NeoVim/Vim, Sublime, Visual Studio Code, and IntelliJ IDEA, plus a GitHub Action and pre-commit hook. | The kitchen-inspec verifier lets users run InSpec profiles through Test Kitchen. |
| Purpose | cfn-lint validates AWS CloudFormation YAML and JSON templates against resource provider schemas and additional checks, including valid property values and best practices. | Chef InSpec tests and audits applications and infrastructure by comparing their actual state with a desired state expressed in InSpec code. |
| Support | The project invites users to join its Discord community to discuss cfn-lint and get help. | The licensing page lists community Slack support for Free and Trial tiers and contract support for Commercial licenses. |
cfn-lint plans
- cfn-lintFree
Chef InSpec plans
- FreeFree
- TrialFree
- Business$59 a year
- Enterprise$189 a year
- CommercialPriced on request
- Enterprise PlusPriced on request
Pick cfn-lint if…
cfn-lint is for people validating AWS CloudFormation templates, including teams that want checks in editors or CI/CD workflows. Its custom rules and multiple output formats also suit users who need to tailor validation and reporting.
Pick Chef InSpec if…
It suits teams that need to express compliance or security requirements as code and assess cloud or other infrastructure. The free plan is limited to non-production, personal, non-commercial use.