Depot vs Earthly: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Depot and Earthly 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:
Depot
Accelerate Docker image builds and GitHub Actions workflows with powerful remote compute and caching.
Best for you if:
- • You need ci/cd features specifically
- • Accelerates Docker image builds up to 55x faster.
- • Provides high-performance GitHub Actions runners at a lower cost.
Earthly
Automate engineering standards enforcement across every tool, team, and deployment.
Best for you if:
- • You need DevOps features specifically
- • Automates enforcement of engineering standards and compliance in PRs and AI agents.
- • Provides fast, consistent, and portable software builds with a Dockerfile-like syntax.
| At a Glance |  Depot |  Earthly |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $20/moDeveloper | Custom |
Best For | CI/CD | DevOps |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Depot or Earthly?
Choose Depot if
Accelerate Docker image builds and GitHub Actions workflows with powerful remote compute and caching.
- Significantly reduces Docker build times (up to 55x faster reported)
- Offers faster and potentially cheaper GitHub Actions runners than native GitHub options
- Provides robust distributed caching for various build systems, making builds incremental
- Your work is ci/cd-shaped, not DevOps-shaped
Choose Earthly if
Automate engineering standards enforcement across every tool, team, and deployment.
- Ensures consistent application of engineering standards and compliance automatically.
- Significantly reduces build times and improves build reliability.
- Provides clear visibility into standards adherence across the organization.
- Your work is DevOps-shaped, not ci/cd-shaped
| Feature | Depot | Earthly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | CI/CDCloud & Infrastructure | DevOpsDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Depot
Accelerate Docker image builds and GitHub Actions workflows with powerful remote compute and caching.
Strengths
- +Significantly reduces Docker build times (up to 55x faster reported)
- +Offers faster and potentially cheaper GitHub Actions runners than native GitHub options
- +Provides robust distributed caching for various build systems, making builds incremental
- +Supports native Intel and Arm architectures, avoiding emulation overhead
- +Easy integration with existing CI/CD pipelines and developer workflows
Weaknesses
- -Pricing for additional usage beyond included minutes can add up for larger teams
- -Advanced features like GPU builds and dedicated infrastructure are only available on the custom Business plan
Key features
Earthly
Automate engineering standards enforcement across every tool, team, and deployment.
Strengths
- +Ensures consistent application of engineering standards and compliance automatically.
- +Significantly reduces build times and improves build reliability.
- +Provides clear visibility into standards adherence across the organization.
- +Integrates seamlessly with existing CI/CD tools and complements policy tools like OPA.
- +Empowers developers with instant feedback and proactive guidance, reducing last-minute blockers.
Weaknesses
- -Requires initial setup to define and codify standards.
- -The learning curve for Earthfiles syntax, though familiar, might exist for new users.
Key features
Pricing: Depot vs Earthly
| Plan | Depot | Earthly |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $20/month Developer | N/A |
| Tier 2 | $200/month Startup | N/A |
| Tier 3 | Custom Business | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Depot pricing and Earthly pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Depot
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Depot is a ci/cd tool. Earthly is in DevOps. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Depot
- Our pick for this comparison
Earthly
- Better fit for DevOps
The Bottom Line
Depot is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Depot or Earthly better?
Depot is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Depot and Earthly used for?
Depot: Accelerate Docker image builds and GitHub Actions workflows with powerful remote compute and caching.. Earthly: Automate engineering standards enforcement across every tool, team, and deployment..
What does Depot cost vs Earthly?
Depot is a paid tool. Earthly is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.