AWS CloudFormation vs Pulumi: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between AWS CloudFormation 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 CloudFormation
Infrastructure as code for AWS using YAML or JSON templates
Best for you if:
- • You need infrastructure as code features specifically
- • AWS CloudFormation enables infrastructure as code using declarative YAML or JSON templates
- • It provisions and manages AWS resources consistently, with automatic rollback on failures
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need hosting & deployment 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 CloudFormation | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Infrastructure as Code | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 84/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | AWS CloudFormation | Pulumi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Infrastructure as Code | Hosting & DeploymentAutomation |
How AWS CloudFormation and Pulumi Compare
AWS CloudFormation
Infrastructure as code for AWS using YAML or JSON templates
Paid · 84/100 score
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Free tier available · 85/100 score
AWS CloudFormation is a infrastructure as code tool. Pulumi is in hosting & deployment.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Pulumi has a free tier. AWS CloudFormation is paid only.
Go with: Pulumi
Want the highest-rated option?
AWS CloudFormation: 84/100. Pulumi: 85/100.
Go with: Pulumi
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Pulumi
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
AWS CloudFormation is paid. Pulumi is freemium. Pulumi lets you start free.
What's your use case?
AWS CloudFormation is a infrastructure as code tool. Pulumi is in hosting & deployment. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Pulumi scores higher: 85/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Pulumi
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 84
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
AWS CloudFormation
- Better fit for infrastructure as code
The Bottom Line
Pulumi (85/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS CloudFormation or Pulumi better?
Pulumi scores 85/100 in our evaluation. AWS CloudFormation is paid and Pulumi is freemium.
What are AWS CloudFormation and Pulumi used for?
AWS CloudFormation: Infrastructure as code for AWS using YAML or JSON templates. Pulumi: Infrastructure as code in any language.
What does AWS CloudFormation cost vs Pulumi?
AWS CloudFormation is a paid tool. Pulumi is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.