Packer vs Puppet: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Packer and Puppet 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 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Packer
Build identical machine images for multiple platforms from a single source template.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Creates identical machine images from a single source template.
- • Automates image building for multiple platforms (e.g., AWS, Docker).
Puppet
Infrastructure automation and configuration management
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need automation features specifically
- • Puppet is a configuration management tool for automating infrastructure
- • It defines infrastructure as code with declarative configurations
| At a Glance |  Packer |  Puppet |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Automation |
Rating | —/100 | 76/100 |
| Feature | Packer | Puppet |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 76 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentAutomation | AutomationCI/CD |
How Packer and Puppet Compare
Packer
Build identical machine images for multiple platforms from a single source template.
Free tier available
Puppet
Infrastructure automation and configuration management
Paid · 76/100 score
Packer is a hosting & deployment tool. Puppet is in automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Packer has a free tier. Puppet is paid only.
Go with: Packer
Want the highest-rated option?
Puppet scores 76/100. Packer is unrated.
Go with: Puppet
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Puppet
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Packer is freemium. Puppet is paid. Packer lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Packer is a hosting & deployment tool. Puppet is in automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Puppet
- Higher score: 76/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Packer
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for hosting & deployment
The Bottom Line
Puppet (76/100) is our pick. Packer has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Packer or Puppet better?
Puppet scores 76/100 in our evaluation. Packer is freemium and Puppet is paid.
What are Packer and Puppet used for?
Packer: Build identical machine images for multiple platforms from a single source template.. Puppet: Infrastructure automation and configuration management.
What does Packer cost vs Puppet?
Packer is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Puppet is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.