AWS CloudFormation vs Crossplane: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between AWS CloudFormation and Crossplane 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.
Bottom line: AWS CloudFormation wins this matchup. Puppet is our overall Infrastructure as Code pick. Harness is our free Infrastructure as Code pick. Pick Crossplane if you need infrastructure as code.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AWS CloudFormation
Infrastructure as code for AWS using YAML or JSON templates
Best for you if:
- • You want native AWS IaC
- • You want supports all AWS services
Crossplane
Build cloud infrastructure using Kubernetes
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (AWS CloudFormation requires payment)
- • You want kubernetes infrastructure management
- • You want multi-cloud
| At a Glance | AWS CloudFormation | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.0009/operationHandler Operations | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | DevOps | Infrastructure as Code |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose AWS CloudFormation or Crossplane?
Choose AWS CloudFormation if
Infrastructure as code for AWS using YAML or JSON templates
- You want native AWS IaC
- You want supports all AWS services
- Your work is DevOps-shaped, not infrastructure as code-shaped
Choose Crossplane if
Build cloud infrastructure using Kubernetes
- You want a fully free tool (AWS CloudFormation requires payment)
- You want kubernetes infrastructure management
- You want multi-cloud
- Your work is infrastructure as code-shaped, not DevOps-shaped
| Feature | AWS CloudFormation | Crossplane |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 326 reviews | ★4.3/5 68 reviews |
| Categories | DevOpsCloud & Infrastructure | Infrastructure as CodeCloud & Infrastructure |
In-Depth Analysis
AWS CloudFormation
Infrastructure as code for AWS using YAML or JSON templates
AWS CloudFormation's pricing is very fair, essentially being free for core functionality.
Strengths
- +Native AWS IaC
- +Supports all AWS services
- +Drift detection
- +Stack management
- +No additional cost
Weaknesses
- -YAML/JSON syntax verbose
- -AWS only
- -Slow deployments
- -Error messages cryptic
- -Rollback can be slow
Key features
Crossplane
Build cloud infrastructure using Kubernetes
Crossplane's pricing is incredibly generous, offering a powerful open-source solution for free.
Strengths
- +Kubernetes infrastructure management
- +Multi-cloud
- +GitOps friendly
- +CNCF project
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Steep learning curve
- -Complex setup
- -Resource overhead
- -Documentation dense
- -Debugging difficult
Key features
Pricing: AWS CloudFormation vs Crossplane
| Plan | AWS CloudFormation | Crossplane |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | $0.0009 /operation Handler Operations | Free UXP (Upbound) |
| Tier 3 | N/A | custom Upbound Commercial |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on AWS CloudFormation pricing and Crossplane pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Crossplane is free. AWS CloudFormation is paid.
Go with: Crossplane
Want the highest-rated option?
AWS CloudFormation: 4.4/5 (326 reviews). Crossplane: 4.3/5 (68 reviews).
Go with: AWS CloudFormation
Value user reviews?
AWS CloudFormation: 326 reviews (4.4/5). Crossplane: 68 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: AWS CloudFormation
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
AWS CloudFormation is paid. Crossplane is free. Go with Crossplane if free matters most.
What's your use case?
AWS CloudFormation is a DevOps tool. Crossplane is in infrastructure as code. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
AWS CloudFormation is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
AWS CloudFormation
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (326 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Crossplane
- Completely free
- Better fit for infrastructure as code
The Bottom Line
AWS CloudFormation wins this matchup. Puppet is our overall Infrastructure as Code pick. Harness is our free Infrastructure as Code pick. That said, Crossplane is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS CloudFormation or Crossplane better?
AWS CloudFormation is rated in our evaluation. AWS CloudFormation is paid and Crossplane is free.
What are AWS CloudFormation and Crossplane used for?
AWS CloudFormation: Infrastructure as code for AWS using YAML or JSON templates. Crossplane: Build cloud infrastructure using Kubernetes.
What does AWS CloudFormation cost vs Crossplane?
AWS CloudFormation is a paid tool. Crossplane is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.