AWS CDK vs Pulumi: Which Should You Choose 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.
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:
AWS CDK
Define cloud infrastructure using familiar programming languages
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • 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:
- • 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 | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 86/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | AWS CDK | Pulumi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD | Hosting & DeploymentAutomation |
How AWS CDK and Pulumi Compare
AWS CDK
Define cloud infrastructure using familiar programming languages
Free · 86/100 score
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
AWS CDK is free. Pulumi is freemium.
Go with: AWS CDK
Want the highest-rated option?
AWS CDK: 86/100. Pulumi: 85/100.
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?
Both are hosting & deployment tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
AWS CDK scores higher: 86/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
AWS CDK
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 85
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Pulumi
The Bottom Line
AWS CDK (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS CDK or Pulumi better?
AWS CDK scores 86/100 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.