Terraform vs Chef: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Terraform and Chef 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:
Terraform
Infrastructure as code
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • The standard tool for infrastructure as code across any cloud
- • Declarative configuration with plan-apply workflow
Chef
Infrastructure automation with Ruby-based recipes
Best for you if:
- • Chef is an infrastructure automation platform for managing servers and applications at scale
- • It uses Ruby-based recipes to define infrastructure as code across cloud and on-premise environments
| At a Glance |  Terraform | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Automation | Automation |
Rating | 90/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | Terraform | Chef |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationCI/CD | AutomationCI/CD |
How Terraform and Chef Compare
Terraform
Infrastructure as code
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Chef
Infrastructure automation with Ruby-based recipes
Paid · 78/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Terraform has a free tier. Chef is paid only.
Go with: Terraform
Want the highest-rated option?
Terraform: 90/100. Chef: 78/100.
Go with: Terraform
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Terraform
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Terraform is freemium. Chef is paid. Terraform lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are automation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Terraform scores higher: 90/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
Terraform
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 78
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Chef
The Bottom Line
Terraform (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Terraform or Chef better?
Terraform scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Terraform is freemium and Chef is paid.
What are Terraform and Chef used for?
Terraform: Infrastructure as code. Chef: Infrastructure automation with Ruby-based recipes.
What does Terraform cost vs Chef?
Terraform is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Chef is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.