Terraform vs OpenTofu: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Terraform and OpenTofu 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 8.5/10)
- • You need automation features specifically
- • The standard tool for infrastructure as code across any cloud
- • Declarative configuration with plan-apply workflow
OpenTofu
Open-source Terraform fork
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need infrastructure as code features specifically
- • OpenTofu is an open-source fork of Terraform for infrastructure as code
- • It provides a community-driven alternative following Terraform's license change
| At a Glance |  Terraform |  OpenTofu |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Automation | Infrastructure as Code |
Rating | 90/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Terraform | OpenTofu |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationCI/CD | Infrastructure as Code |
How Terraform and OpenTofu Compare
Terraform
Infrastructure as code
Free tier available · 90/100 score
OpenTofu
Open-source Terraform fork
Free · 85/100 score
Terraform is a automation tool. OpenTofu is in infrastructure as code.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OpenTofu is free. Terraform is freemium.
Go with: OpenTofu
Want the highest-rated option?
Terraform: 90/100. OpenTofu: 85/100.
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. OpenTofu is free. Go with OpenTofu if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Terraform is a automation tool. OpenTofu is in infrastructure as code. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Terraform scores higher: 90/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Terraform
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 85
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
OpenTofu
- Completely free
- Better fit for infrastructure as code
The Bottom Line
Terraform (90/100) is our pick. That said, OpenTofu is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Terraform or OpenTofu better?
Terraform scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Terraform is freemium and OpenTofu is free.
What are Terraform and OpenTofu used for?
Terraform: Infrastructure as code. OpenTofu: Open-source Terraform fork.
What does Terraform cost vs OpenTofu?
Terraform is freemium (free tier + paid plans). OpenTofu is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.