OpenTofu vs Terramate: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between OpenTofu and Terramate 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 need something completely free
- • 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
Terramate
Turn Your IaC into a Lightning-Fast Platform for Terraform, OpenTofu, and Terragrunt projects.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need workflow automation features specifically
- • Accelerates Terraform, OpenTofu, and Terragrunt projects with faster CI/CD.
- • Splits IaC into manageable "Stacks" for reduced blast radius and improved governance.
| At a Glance |  OpenTofu |  Terramate |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Infrastructure as Code | Workflow Automation |
Rating | 85/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | OpenTofu | Terramate |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 87 |
| 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 Terramate Compare
OpenTofu
Open-source Terraform fork
Free · 85/100 score
Terramate
Turn Your IaC into a Lightning-Fast Platform for Terraform, OpenTofu, and Terragrunt projects.
Free tier available · 87/100 score
OpenTofu is a infrastructure as code tool. Terramate is in workflow automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OpenTofu is free. Terramate is freemium.
Go with: OpenTofu
Want the highest-rated option?
OpenTofu: 85/100. Terramate: 87/100.
Go with: Terramate
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Terramate
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
OpenTofu is free. Terramate is freemium. Go with OpenTofu if free matters most.
What's your use case?
OpenTofu is a infrastructure as code tool. Terramate is in workflow automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Terramate scores higher: 87/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Terramate
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 85
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
OpenTofu
- Completely free
- Better fit for infrastructure as code
The Bottom Line
Terramate (87/100) is our pick. That said, OpenTofu is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenTofu or Terramate better?
Terramate scores 87/100 in our evaluation. OpenTofu is free and Terramate is freemium.
What are OpenTofu and Terramate used for?
OpenTofu: Open-source Terraform fork. Terramate: Turn Your IaC into a Lightning-Fast Platform for Terraform, OpenTofu, and Terragrunt projects..
What does OpenTofu cost vs Terramate?
OpenTofu is completely free. Terramate is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.