Helm vs Pulumi: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Helm 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:
Helm
Package manager for Kubernetes applications
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • Helm is the package manager for Kubernetes that simplifies application deployment
- • It uses charts to define, install, and upgrade Kubernetes applications
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Best for you if:
- • 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 |  Helm | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 90/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Helm | Pulumi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD | Hosting & DeploymentAutomation |
How Helm and Pulumi Compare
Helm
Package manager for Kubernetes applications
Free · 90/100 score
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Helm is free. Pulumi is freemium.
Go with: Helm
Want the highest-rated option?
Helm: 90/100. Pulumi: 85/100.
Go with: Helm
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Helm
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Helm is free. Pulumi is freemium. Go with Helm if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are hosting & deployment tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Helm scores higher: 90/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Helm
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 85
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Pulumi
The Bottom Line
Helm (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Helm or Pulumi better?
Helm scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Helm is free and Pulumi is freemium.
What are Helm and Pulumi used for?
Helm: Package manager for Kubernetes applications. Pulumi: Infrastructure as code in any language.
What does Helm cost vs Pulumi?
Helm is completely free. Pulumi is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.