AWS CDK vs SST: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between AWS CDK and SST 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:
- • 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
SST
Open-source framework for deploying full-stack apps on AWS
Best for you if:
- • SST is an open-source framework for building serverless apps on AWS
- • It provides live Lambda development with infrastructure as code
| At a Glance |  AWS CDK |  SST |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | DevOps | DevOps |
Rating | 4.4/5 | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose AWS CDK or SST?
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
Choose SST if
Open-source framework for deploying full-stack apps on AWS
- Modern serverless framework
- Live Lambda development
- Good TypeScript support
| Feature | AWS CDK | SST |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 124 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | DevOpsCloud & Infrastructure | DevOpsCloud & Infrastructure |
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
SST
Open-source framework for deploying full-stack apps on AWS
Strengths
- +Modern serverless framework
- +Live Lambda development
- +Good TypeScript support
- +CDK based
- +Free and open source
Weaknesses
- -AWS only
- -Newer platform
- -Learning curve
- -Smaller community
- -Breaking changes
Key features
Pricing: AWS CDK vs SST
| Plan | AWS CDK | SST |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $0 forever Open Source |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on AWS CDK pricing and SST pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: AWS CDK
Want the highest-rated option?
AWS CDK is rated 4.4/5. SST has no ratings yet.
Go with: AWS CDK
Value user reviews?
AWS CDK: 124 reviews (4.4/5). SST: no ratings yet.
Go with: AWS CDK
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are devops tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
AWS CDK is rated 4.4/5; SST has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
AWS CDK
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
SST
- Choose if you want open-source framework for deploying full-stack apps on AWS
The Bottom Line
AWS CDK is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS CDK or SST better?
AWS CDK is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are AWS CDK and SST used for?
AWS CDK: Define cloud infrastructure using familiar programming languages. SST: Open-source framework for deploying full-stack apps on AWS.
What does AWS CDK cost vs SST?
AWS CDK is completely free. SST is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.