Puppet vs SaltStack: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Puppet and SaltStack 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:
Puppet
Infrastructure automation and configuration management
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.6/10 vs 7.5/10)
- • Puppet is a configuration management tool for automating infrastructure
- • It defines infrastructure as code with declarative configurations
SaltStack
Infrastructure automation and management
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • SaltStack is an infrastructure automation and configuration management tool
- • It manages servers at scale with event-driven automation
| At a Glance |  Puppet | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Automation | Automation |
Rating | 76/100 | 75/100 |
| Feature | Puppet | SaltStack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 76 | 75 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationCI/CD | AutomationWorkflow Automation |
How Puppet and SaltStack Compare
Puppet
Infrastructure automation and configuration management
Paid · 76/100 score
SaltStack
Infrastructure automation and management
Free tier available · 75/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
SaltStack has a free tier. Puppet is paid only.
Go with: SaltStack
Want the highest-rated option?
Puppet: 76/100. SaltStack: 75/100.
Go with: Puppet
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Puppet
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Puppet is paid. SaltStack is freemium. SaltStack lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are automation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Puppet scores higher: 76/100 vs 75/100.
Key Takeaways
Puppet
- Higher score: 76/100 vs 75
- Our pick for this comparison
SaltStack
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Puppet (76/100) is our pick. SaltStack has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Puppet or SaltStack better?
Puppet scores 76/100 in our evaluation. Puppet is paid and SaltStack is freemium.
What are Puppet and SaltStack used for?
Puppet: Infrastructure automation and configuration management. SaltStack: Infrastructure automation and management.
What does Puppet cost vs SaltStack?
Puppet is a paid tool. SaltStack is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.