AWS Lambda vs OpenFaaS: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between AWS Lambda and OpenFaaS 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 Lambda is our overall pick for serverless workflows. Pick OpenFaaS if you need cloud & infrastructure.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AWS Lambda
Run code without managing servers, pay only for compute time
Best for you if:
- • You need serverless features specifically
- • AWS Lambda lets you run code without provisioning servers-just upload your function and it scales automatically
- • It executes code in response to events from 200+ AWS services, charging only for compute time used
OpenFaaS
Serverless functions on Kubernetes
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need cloud & infrastructure features specifically
- • OpenFaaS is an open-source serverless framework for Docker and Kubernetes
- • It deploys functions as containers with auto-scaling and metrics
| At a Glance |  AWS Lambda |  OpenFaaS |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.16/moGraviton2 (ARM) | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Serverless | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.6/5 | - |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose AWS Lambda or OpenFaaS?
Choose AWS Lambda if
Run code without managing servers, pay only for compute time
- Industry-standard serverless platform
- Integrates with entire AWS ecosystem
- Scales automatically to any load
- Your work is serverless-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
Choose OpenFaaS if
Serverless functions on Kubernetes
- Open source serverless
- Kubernetes native
- Self-hostable
- You want a fully free tool (AWS Lambda requires payment)
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not serverless-shaped
| Feature | AWS Lambda | OpenFaaS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 1,079 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | ServerlessCloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
AWS Lambda
Run code without managing servers, pay only for compute time
Strengths
- +Industry-standard serverless platform
- +Integrates with entire AWS ecosystem
- +Scales automatically to any load
- +Pay only for compute time used
- +Supports many languages and runtimes
Weaknesses
- -Cold starts can affect latency
- -Complex pricing model
- -15-minute execution time limit
- -Debugging can be challenging
- -Vendor lock-in with AWS services
Key features
OpenFaaS
Serverless functions on Kubernetes
Strengths
- +Open source serverless
- +Kubernetes native
- +Self-hostable
- +Good community
- +Language agnostic
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Setup complexity
- -Enterprise features paid
- -Documentation gaps
- -Operational overhead
Key features
Pricing: AWS Lambda vs OpenFaaS
| Plan | AWS Lambda | OpenFaaS |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free Tier | Free Community Edition |
| Tier 2 | $0.20/million Pay-as-you-go | Custom OpenFaaS Pro |
| Tier 3 | $0.16/million Graviton2 (ARM) | N/A |
| Tier 4 | Up to 17% off Savings Plans | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on AWS Lambda pricing and OpenFaaS pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OpenFaaS is free. AWS Lambda is paid.
Go with: OpenFaaS
Want the highest-rated option?
AWS Lambda is rated 4.6/5. OpenFaaS has no ratings yet.
Go with: AWS Lambda
Value user reviews?
AWS Lambda: 1,079 reviews (4.6/5). OpenFaaS: no ratings yet.
Go with: AWS Lambda
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
AWS Lambda is paid. OpenFaaS is free. Go with OpenFaaS if free matters most.
What's your use case?
AWS Lambda is a serverless tool. OpenFaaS is in cloud & infrastructure. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
AWS Lambda is rated 4.6/5; OpenFaaS has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
AWS Lambda
- Our pick for this comparison
OpenFaaS
- Completely free
- Better fit for cloud & infrastructure
The Bottom Line
AWS Lambda is our pick. That said, OpenFaaS is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AWS Lambda or OpenFaaS better?
AWS Lambda is rated in our evaluation. AWS Lambda is paid and OpenFaaS is free.
What are AWS Lambda and OpenFaaS used for?
AWS Lambda: Run code without managing servers, pay only for compute time. OpenFaaS: Serverless functions on Kubernetes.
What does AWS Lambda cost vs OpenFaaS?
AWS Lambda is a paid tool. OpenFaaS is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.