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Cybersecurity · head to head

Arnica vs DataSF

Arnica logo

Arnica

Cybersecurity

AI-native application security platform detecting and fixing vulnerabilities across the SDLC

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
DataSF logo

DataSF

Government

San Francisco Open Data Portal

From
Free
Free plan
Yes

The short version

  • They diverge on capability: Arnica covers AI SAST, DataSF covers Open Datasets.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Arnica and DataSF actually diverge.

Attributes where Arnica and DataSF differ
AttributeArnicaDataSF
Pricing modelPer-identity subscription with annual discountfree
PlatformsWeb, GitHub, IDEWeb
CategoryCybersecurityGovernment
FoundedUnknown2009

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Arnica

  • AI SAST
  • Software Composition Analysis
  • Secrets detection
  • IaC scanning
  • Container scanning
  • SBOM generation
  • Agentic rules
  • Pipelineless integration

Only in DataSF

  • Open Datasets
  • Data API
  • Visualizations
  • Data Catalog
  • Automated Updates
  • Socrata
  • ArcGIS
  • Analysis Tools

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Arnica

  • Detecting AI-generated vulnerabilities in Copilot and Cursor suggestionsnot DataSF
  • Finding hardcoded secrets before they reach productionnot DataSF
  • Mapping container vulnerabilities back to source codenot DataSF
  • Generating SBOM for supply chain compliance requirementsnot DataSF
  • Scanning infrastructure-as-code for misconfiguration risksnot DataSF

DataSF

  • Citizen Servicesnot Arnica
  • Records Managementnot Arnica
  • Public Safetynot Arnica
  • Civic Engagementnot Arnica

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Arnica

  • Per-identity pricing ($25-$50/person/year) requires tracking active developers
  • Overage identity tracking via 90-day PR activity can be unpredictable
  • Free plan limited to weekly updates, requiring upgrade for real-time scanning
  • Advanced add-ons (Image Scanning, AI SAST, Agentic Rules Enforcer) pricing not published
  • On-premises deployment limited to Enterprise tier

DataSF

Nothing recorded yet. See the DataSF review.

Pricing, plan by plan

Arnica

Free
  • FreeFree
    • No credit card required
    • 14-day trial available
    • Weekly risk identification updates
  • Core Business$360/year
    • Monthly billing option at $30/identity/month
    • Annual billing at $25/identity/month (17% discount)
    • Real-time risk scanning and notifications
  • Core Enterprise$720/year
    • Monthly billing option at $60/identity/month
    • Annual billing at $50/identity/month (17% discount)
    • All Core Business features

DataSF

Free
  • Public AccessFree
    • Dataset Access
    • API Access
    • Visualizations

Which should you pick?

Choose Arnica if

  • You need ai sast.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, GitHub, IDE.
  • You also want software composition analysis.

Choose DataSF if

  • You need open datasets.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want data api.

Questions people ask

Is Arnica or DataSF better?
Neither clearly leads. Arnica starts at Free and DataSF at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Arnica or DataSF?
Arnica starts at Free and DataSF at Free.
Does Arnica or DataSF run on more platforms?
Arnica runs on Web, GitHub, IDE. DataSF runs on Web.
Can I use Arnica for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Arnica best used for?
Arnica is most often used for detecting ai-generated vulnerabilities in copilot and cursor suggestions, finding hardcoded secrets before they reach production, mapping container vulnerabilities back to source code, generating sbom for supply chain compliance requirements. Of those, detecting ai-generated vulnerabilities in copilot and cursor suggestions and finding hardcoded secrets before they reach production are not what DataSF is typically brought in for.
What can Arnica do that DataSF cannot?
Arnica covers AI SAST, Software Composition Analysis, Secrets detection, IaC scanning. DataSF covers Open Datasets, Data API, Visualizations, Data Catalog.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Arnica: How are identities defined in Arnica pricing?

Identities are any users and other contributing entities that contributed code and/or had PR activity during the last 90 days. This ensures billing matches active developers.

Source
Arnica: What is the annual discount?

Annual prepayment offers approximately 17% savings versus monthly billing. Core Business annual is $300/identity versus $360 for monthly.

Source
Arnica: Can I cancel or downgrade Arnica anytime?

Yes. Subscriptions can be cancelled or downgraded at any time. Overage identities receive automatic protection with true-up invoicing.

Source
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