Ansible vs Terraform: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Ansible and Terraform comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Ansible
Automate IT infrastructure with simple YAML playbooks
Best for you if:
- • Ansible is an open-source automation tool for configuration management, app deployment, and orchestration
- • It uses simple YAML playbooks to define automation tasks without requiring agents on managed nodes
Terraform
Infrastructure as code
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • The standard tool for infrastructure as code across any cloud
- • Declarative configuration with plan-apply workflow
| At a Glance |  Ansible |  Terraform |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Automation | Automation |
Rating | 86/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Ansible | Terraform |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationCI/CD | AutomationCI/CD |
How Ansible and Terraform Compare
Ansible
Automate IT infrastructure with simple YAML playbooks
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Terraform
Infrastructure as code
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Ansible
Want the highest-rated option?
Ansible: 86/100. Terraform: 90/100.
Go with: Terraform
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Terraform
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are automation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Terraform scores higher: 90/100 vs 86/100.
Key Takeaways
Terraform
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 86
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Ansible
The Bottom Line
Terraform (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ansible or Terraform better?
Terraform scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Ansible and Terraform used for?
Ansible: Automate IT infrastructure with simple YAML playbooks. Terraform: Infrastructure as code.
What does Ansible cost vs Terraform?
Ansible is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Terraform is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.