SST vs Architect: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between SST and Architect 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
SST
Open-source framework for deploying full-stack apps on AWS
Best for you if:
- • You need DevOps features specifically
- • SST is an open-source framework for building serverless apps on AWS
- • It provides live Lambda development with infrastructure as code
Architect
Build serverless apps with infrastructure as code
Best for you if:
- • You need infrastructure as code features specifically
- • Architect is an infrastructure-as-code framework for deploying microservices
- • It enables component-based deployment with automatic dependency management
| At a Glance |  SST |  Architect |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | DevOps | Infrastructure as Code |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose SST or Architect?
Choose SST if
Open-source framework for deploying full-stack apps on AWS
- Modern serverless framework
- Live Lambda development
- Good TypeScript support
- Your work is DevOps-shaped, not infrastructure as code-shaped
Choose Architect if
Build serverless apps with infrastructure as code
- Simple AWS serverless
- Good DX
- Local development
- Your work is infrastructure as code-shaped, not DevOps-shaped
| Feature | SST | Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | DevOpsCloud & Infrastructure | Infrastructure as CodeServerless |
In-Depth Analysis
SST
Open-source framework for deploying full-stack apps on AWS
Strengths
- +Modern serverless framework
- +Live Lambda development
- +Good TypeScript support
- +CDK based
- +Free and open source
Weaknesses
- -AWS only
- -Newer platform
- -Learning curve
- -Smaller community
- -Breaking changes
Key features
Architect
Build serverless apps with infrastructure as code
Strengths
- +Simple AWS serverless
- +Good DX
- +Local development
- +Open source
- +Functional approach
Weaknesses
- -AWS only
- -Limited features
- -Smaller community
- -Less flexible
- -Opinionated
Key features
Pricing: SST vs Architect
| Plan | SST | Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 forever Open Source | Free Open Source |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on SST pricing and Architect pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: SST
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
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?
SST is a DevOps tool. Architect is in infrastructure as code. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
SST
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Architect
- Better fit for infrastructure as code
The Bottom Line
SST is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SST or Architect better?
SST is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are SST and Architect used for?
SST: Open-source framework for deploying full-stack apps on AWS. Architect: Build serverless apps with infrastructure as code.
What does SST cost vs Architect?
SST is completely free. Architect is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.