Renovate vs Terragrunt: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Renovate 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:
Renovate
Automated dependency updates
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need version control features specifically
- • Renovate is an automated dependency update tool for code repositories
- • It creates pull requests for outdated packages with customizable rules
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 |  Renovate |  Terragrunt |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Version Control | Workflow Automation |
Rating | 90/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Renovate | Terragrunt |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Version ControlAutomation | Workflow AutomationCI/CD |
How Renovate and Terragrunt Compare
Renovate
Automated dependency updates
Free · 90/100 score
Terragrunt
Terraform wrapper for DRY configurations
Free · 84/100 score
Renovate is a version control tool. Terragrunt is in workflow automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Renovate
Want the highest-rated option?
Renovate: 90/100. Terragrunt: 84/100.
Go with: Renovate
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Renovate
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?
Renovate is a version control tool. Terragrunt is in workflow automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Renovate scores higher: 90/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Renovate
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 84
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Terragrunt
- Better fit for workflow automation
The Bottom Line
Renovate (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Renovate or Terragrunt better?
Renovate scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Renovate and Terragrunt used for?
Renovate: Automated dependency updates. Terragrunt: Terraform wrapper for DRY configurations.
What does Renovate cost vs Terragrunt?
Renovate is completely free. Terragrunt is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.