Terraform vs Pulumi: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Terraform 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:
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
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Best for you if:
- • 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 |  Terraform | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Automation | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 90/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Terraform | Pulumi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationCI/CD | Hosting & DeploymentAutomation |
How Terraform and Pulumi Compare
Terraform
Infrastructure as code
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Pulumi
Infrastructure as code in any language
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Terraform is a automation tool. Pulumi is in hosting & deployment.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Terraform
Want the highest-rated option?
Terraform: 90/100. Pulumi: 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?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Terraform is a automation tool. Pulumi is in hosting & deployment. 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
Pulumi
- Better fit for hosting & deployment
The Bottom Line
Terraform (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Terraform or Pulumi better?
Terraform scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Terraform and Pulumi used for?
Terraform: Infrastructure as code. Pulumi: Infrastructure as code in any language.
What does Terraform cost vs Pulumi?
Terraform is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Pulumi is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.