OpenTofu vs Terragrunt: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between OpenTofu and Terragrunt 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:
OpenTofu
Open-source Terraform fork
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need infrastructure as code features specifically
- • OpenTofu is an open-source fork of Terraform for infrastructure as code
- • It provides a community-driven alternative following Terraform's license change
Terragrunt
Terraform wrapper for DRY configurations
Best for you if:
- • You need workflow automation features specifically
- • Terragrunt is a thin wrapper for Terraform that keeps configurations DRY
- • It manages multiple Terraform modules with reduced duplication
| At a Glance |  OpenTofu |  Terragrunt |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Infrastructure as Code | Workflow Automation |
Rating | 85/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | OpenTofu | Terragrunt |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Infrastructure as Code | Workflow AutomationCI/CD |
How OpenTofu and Terragrunt Compare
OpenTofu
Open-source Terraform fork
Free · 85/100 score
Terragrunt
Terraform wrapper for DRY configurations
Free · 84/100 score
OpenTofu is a infrastructure as code tool. Terragrunt is in workflow automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: OpenTofu
Want the highest-rated option?
OpenTofu: 85/100. Terragrunt: 84/100.
Go with: OpenTofu
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OpenTofu
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
OpenTofu is a infrastructure as code tool. Terragrunt is in workflow automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
OpenTofu scores higher: 85/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
OpenTofu
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 84
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Terragrunt
- Better fit for workflow automation
The Bottom Line
OpenTofu (85/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenTofu or Terragrunt better?
OpenTofu scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are OpenTofu and Terragrunt used for?
OpenTofu: Open-source Terraform fork. Terragrunt: Terraform wrapper for DRY configurations.
What does OpenTofu cost vs Terragrunt?
OpenTofu is completely free. Terragrunt is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.