SaltStack vs Ansible: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between SaltStack and Ansible 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:
SaltStack
Infrastructure automation and management
Best for you if:
- • SaltStack is an infrastructure automation and configuration management tool
- • It manages servers at scale with event-driven automation
Ansible
Automate IT infrastructure with simple YAML playbooks
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 7.5/10)
- • Ansible is an open-source automation tool for configuration management, app deployment, and orchestration
- • It uses simple YAML playbooks to define automation tasks without requiring agents on managed nodes
| At a Glance |  Ansible | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Automation | Automation |
Rating | 75/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | SaltStack | Ansible |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 75 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationWorkflow Automation | AutomationCI/CD |
How SaltStack and Ansible Compare
SaltStack
Infrastructure automation and management
Free tier available · 75/100 score
Ansible
Automate IT infrastructure with simple YAML playbooks
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: SaltStack
Want the highest-rated option?
SaltStack: 75/100. Ansible: 86/100.
Go with: Ansible
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Ansible
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?
Both are automation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Ansible scores higher: 86/100 vs 75/100.
Key Takeaways
Ansible
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 75
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
SaltStack
The Bottom Line
Ansible (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SaltStack or Ansible better?
Ansible scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are SaltStack and Ansible used for?
SaltStack: Infrastructure automation and management. Ansible: Automate IT infrastructure with simple YAML playbooks.
What does SaltStack cost vs Ansible?
SaltStack is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Ansible is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.