Serverless Framework vs Trigger.dev: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Serverless Framework and Trigger.dev 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:
Serverless Framework
Zero-friction serverless application development and deployment for AWS Lambda and beyond.
Best for you if:
- • Simplifies serverless application development and deployment on AWS Lambda.
- • Offers tools for monitoring, debugging, and team collaboration.
Trigger.dev
Background jobs for serverless
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Trigger.dev is an open-source background jobs framework for TypeScript
- • It runs long-running tasks with retries and scheduling
| At a Glance |  Serverless Framework |  Trigger.dev |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Serverless Framework | Trigger.dev |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentInfrastructure as Code | Hosting & DeploymentWorkflow Automation |
How Serverless Framework and Trigger.dev Compare
Serverless Framework
Zero-friction serverless application development and deployment for AWS Lambda and beyond.
Free tier available
Trigger.dev
Background jobs for serverless
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Serverless Framework
Want the highest-rated option?
Trigger.dev scores 84/100. Serverless Framework is unrated.
Go with: Trigger.dev
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Trigger.dev
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 hosting & deployment tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Trigger.dev
- Higher score: 84/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Serverless Framework
The Bottom Line
Trigger.dev (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Serverless Framework or Trigger.dev better?
Trigger.dev scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Serverless Framework and Trigger.dev used for?
Serverless Framework: Zero-friction serverless application development and deployment for AWS Lambda and beyond.. Trigger.dev: Background jobs for serverless.
What does Serverless Framework cost vs Trigger.dev?
Serverless Framework is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Trigger.dev is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.