Pulumi vs Terraform: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Pulumi and Terraform 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:
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Best for you if:
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Pulumi is an infrastructure as code platform using general-purpose languages
- • It manages cloud resources with TypeScript, Python, Go, and other languages
Terraform
Infrastructure as code
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need automation features specifically
- • The standard tool for infrastructure as code across any cloud
- • Declarative configuration with plan-apply workflow
| At a Glance |  Terraform | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Automation |
Rating | 85/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Pulumi | Terraform |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentAutomation | AutomationCI/CD |
How Pulumi and Terraform Compare
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Terraform
Infrastructure as code
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Pulumi is a hosting & deployment tool. Terraform is in automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Pulumi
Want the highest-rated option?
Pulumi: 85/100. Terraform: 90/100.
Go with: Terraform
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Terraform
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Pulumi is a hosting & deployment tool. Terraform is in automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Terraform scores higher: 90/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Terraform
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 85
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Pulumi
- Better fit for hosting & deployment
The Bottom Line
Terraform (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pulumi or Terraform better?
Terraform scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Pulumi and Terraform used for?
Pulumi: Infrastructure as code in any language. Terraform: Infrastructure as code.
What does Pulumi cost vs Terraform?
Pulumi is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Terraform is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.