SST vs Pulumi: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between SST and Pulumi 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:
SST
Open-source framework for deploying full-stack apps on AWS
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need low-code backend features specifically
- • SST is an open-source framework for building serverless apps on AWS
- • It provides live Lambda development with infrastructure as code
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Pulumi is an infrastructure as code platform using general-purpose languages
- • It manages cloud resources with TypeScript, Python, Go, and other languages
| At a Glance |  SST | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Low-Code Backend | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 84/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | SST | Pulumi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Low-Code BackendHosting & Deployment | Hosting & DeploymentAutomation |
How SST and Pulumi Compare
SST
Open-source framework for deploying full-stack apps on AWS
Free · 84/100 score
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Free tier available · 85/100 score
SST is a low-code backend tool. Pulumi is in hosting & deployment.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
SST is free. Pulumi is freemium.
Go with: SST
Want the highest-rated option?
SST: 84/100. Pulumi: 85/100.
Go with: Pulumi
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Pulumi
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
SST is free. Pulumi is freemium. Go with SST if free matters most.
What's your use case?
SST is a low-code backend tool. Pulumi is in hosting & deployment. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Pulumi scores higher: 85/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Pulumi
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 84
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
SST
- Completely free
- Better fit for low-code backend
The Bottom Line
Pulumi (85/100) is our pick. That said, SST is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SST or Pulumi better?
Pulumi scores 85/100 in our evaluation. SST is free and Pulumi is freemium.
What are SST and Pulumi used for?
SST: Open-source framework for deploying full-stack apps on AWS. Pulumi: Infrastructure as code in any language.
What does SST cost vs Pulumi?
SST is completely free. Pulumi is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.