Scalr vs CDKTF: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Scalr and CDKTF 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:
Scalr
Empower developers with self-service Terraform and OpenTofu while maintaining control and standardization.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need workflow automation features specifically
- • Enables self-service Terraform/OpenTofu for developers with secure, standardized workflows.
- • Provides flexible workflows, policy-as-code, and isolated environments for control and compliance.
CDKTF
Define Terraform infrastructure using programming languages
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need automation features specifically
- • CDKTF lets you define Terraform infrastructure using familiar programming languages
- • It synthesizes TypeScript, Python, Go, or C# code into Terraform configurations
| At a Glance |  Scalr | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Workflow Automation | Automation |
Rating | 83/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Scalr | CDKTF |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 83 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Workflow AutomationCI/CD | AutomationCI/CD |
How Scalr and CDKTF Compare
Scalr
Empower developers with self-service Terraform and OpenTofu while maintaining control and standardization.
Free tier available · 83/100 score
CDKTF
Define Terraform infrastructure using programming languages
Free · 80/100 score
Scalr is a workflow automation tool. CDKTF is in automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
CDKTF is free. Scalr is freemium.
Go with: CDKTF
Want the highest-rated option?
Scalr: 83/100. CDKTF: 80/100.
Go with: Scalr
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Scalr
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Scalr is freemium. CDKTF is free. Go with CDKTF if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Scalr is a workflow automation tool. CDKTF is in automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Scalr scores higher: 83/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Scalr
- Higher score: 83/100 vs 80
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
CDKTF
- Completely free
- Better fit for automation
The Bottom Line
Scalr (83/100) is our pick. That said, CDKTF is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scalr or CDKTF better?
Scalr scores 83/100 in our evaluation. Scalr is freemium and CDKTF is free.
What are Scalr and CDKTF used for?
Scalr: Empower developers with self-service Terraform and OpenTofu while maintaining control and standardization.. CDKTF: Define Terraform infrastructure using programming languages.
What does Scalr cost vs CDKTF?
Scalr is freemium (free tier + paid plans). CDKTF is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.