OpenFaaS vs AWS Lambda: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between OpenFaaS and AWS Lambda 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:
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
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
| At a Glance |  OpenFaaS |  AWS Lambda |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom/moOpenFaaS Pro | $0.20/million/moPay-as-you-go |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Serverless |
Rating | - | - |
Choose OpenFaaS or AWS Lambda?
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
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
| Feature | OpenFaaS | AWS Lambda |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.6/5 1,079 reviews |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment | ServerlessCloud & Infrastructure |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: OpenFaaS vs AWS Lambda
| Plan | OpenFaaS | AWS Lambda |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Community Edition | $0 Free Tier |
| Tier 2 | Custom OpenFaaS Pro | $0.20/million Pay-as-you-go |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $0.16/million Graviton2 (ARM) |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Up to 17% off Savings Plans |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on OpenFaaS pricing and AWS Lambda pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OpenFaaS is free. AWS Lambda is paid.
Go with: OpenFaaS
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OpenFaaS
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: AWS Lambda
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
OpenFaaS is free. AWS Lambda is paid. Go with OpenFaaS if free matters most.
What's your use case?
OpenFaaS is a cloud & infrastructure tool. AWS Lambda is in serverless. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews 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 OpenFaaS or AWS Lambda better?
AWS Lambda is rated in our evaluation. OpenFaaS is free and AWS Lambda is paid.
What are OpenFaaS and AWS Lambda used for?
OpenFaaS: Serverless functions on Kubernetes. AWS Lambda: Run code without managing servers, pay only for compute time.
What does OpenFaaS cost vs AWS Lambda?
OpenFaaS is completely free. AWS Lambda is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.