AWS CDK vs Pulumi: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between AWS CDK and Pulumi 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AWS CDK
Define cloud infrastructure using familiar programming languages
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need DevOps features specifically
- • AWS CDK lets you define cloud infrastructure using familiar programming languages like TypeScript and Python
- • It synthesizes your code into CloudFormation templates, making infrastructure truly version-controlled
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Best for you if:
- • You need infrastructure as code features specifically
- • Pulumi is an infrastructure as code platform using general-purpose languages
- • It manages cloud resources with TypeScript, Python, Go, and other languages
| At a Glance |  AWS CDK | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $40/moTeam |
Best For | DevOps | Infrastructure as Code |
Rating | - | - |
Choose AWS CDK or Pulumi?
Choose AWS CDK if
Define cloud infrastructure using familiar programming languages
- Infrastructure as code with real languages
- TypeScript, Python, Java support
- Better than raw CloudFormation
- You want a fully free tool (Pulumi requires payment)
- Your work is DevOps-shaped, not infrastructure as code-shaped
Choose Pulumi if
Infrastructure as code in any language
- Real programming languages
- Multi-cloud
- Great testing
- Your work is infrastructure as code-shaped, not DevOps-shaped
| Feature | AWS CDK | Pulumi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 124 reviews | ★4.8/5 28 reviews |
| Categories | DevOpsCloud & Infrastructure | Infrastructure as CodeDevOps |
In-Depth Analysis
AWS CDK
Define cloud infrastructure using familiar programming languages
Strengths
- +Infrastructure as code with real languages
- +TypeScript, Python, Java support
- +Better than raw CloudFormation
- +Good IDE support
- +Reusable constructs
Weaknesses
- -AWS only
- -Learning curve
- -Generated CloudFormation can be huge
- -Debugging difficult
- -Breaking changes between versions
Key features
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Strengths
- +Real programming languages
- +Multi-cloud
- +Great testing
Weaknesses
- -Smaller ecosystem
- -State management
Key features
Pricing: AWS CDK vs Pulumi
| Plan | AWS CDK | Pulumi |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Individual |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $40 Team |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $400 Enterprise |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Business Critical |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on AWS CDK pricing and Pulumi pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
AWS CDK is free. Pulumi is freemium.
Go with: AWS CDK
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: AWS CDK
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: AWS CDK
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
AWS CDK is free. Pulumi is freemium. Go with AWS CDK if free matters most.
What's your use case?
AWS CDK is a DevOps tool. Pulumi is in infrastructure as code. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
AWS CDK
- Larger review base (124 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Pulumi
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.4/5
- Better fit for infrastructure as code
The Bottom Line
AWS CDK is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS CDK or Pulumi better?
AWS CDK is rated in our evaluation. AWS CDK is free and Pulumi is freemium.
What are AWS CDK and Pulumi used for?
AWS CDK: Define cloud infrastructure using familiar programming languages. Pulumi: Infrastructure as code in any language.
What does AWS CDK cost vs Pulumi?
AWS CDK is completely free. Pulumi is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.