CDKTF vs Pulumi: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between CDKTF 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:
CDKTF
Define Terraform infrastructure using programming languages
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need automation features specifically
- • CDKTF lets you define Terraform infrastructure using familiar programming languages
- • It synthesizes TypeScript, Python, Go, or C# code into Terraform configurations
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Automation | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 80/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | CDKTF | Pulumi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationCI/CD | Hosting & DeploymentAutomation |
How CDKTF and Pulumi Compare
CDKTF
Define Terraform infrastructure using programming languages
Free · 80/100 score
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Free tier available · 85/100 score
CDKTF is a automation tool. Pulumi is in hosting & deployment.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
CDKTF is free. Pulumi is freemium.
Go with: CDKTF
Want the highest-rated option?
CDKTF: 80/100. 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?
CDKTF is free. Pulumi is freemium. Go with CDKTF if free matters most.
What's your use case?
CDKTF is a automation tool. Pulumi is in hosting & deployment. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Pulumi scores higher: 85/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Pulumi
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 80
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
CDKTF
- Completely free
- Better fit for automation
The Bottom Line
Pulumi (85/100) is our pick. That said, CDKTF is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CDKTF or Pulumi better?
Pulumi scores 85/100 in our evaluation. CDKTF is free and Pulumi is freemium.
What are CDKTF and Pulumi used for?
CDKTF: Define Terraform infrastructure using programming languages. Pulumi: Infrastructure as code in any language.
What does CDKTF cost vs Pulumi?
CDKTF is completely free. Pulumi is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.