Terramate vs Quay: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Terramate and Quay 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:
Terramate
Turn Your IaC into a Lightning-Fast Platform for Terraform, OpenTofu, and Terragrunt projects.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need devops features specifically
Quay
Container registry by Red Hat
Best for you if:
- • You need productivity features specifically
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | DevOps | Productivity |
Rating | 87/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Terramate | Quay |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 87 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 31 |
| Categories | DevOps | ProductivityCloud & Infrastructure |
Understanding the Differences
Both Terramate and Quay solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Terramate positions itself as "turn your iac into a lightning-fast platform for terraform, opentofu, and terragrunt projects." while Quayfocuses on "container registry by red hat". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Terramate
Terramate makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 87/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Quay
Quay is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Terramate lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Terramate
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Terramate handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Terramate
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Terramate
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Terramate, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Terramate higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted Quay more (31 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Terramate Does Better
- Higher overall score (87/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Quay If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Terramate (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Terramate scores higher in our analysis, but Quay might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Terramate or Quay better?
Based on our analysis, Terramate scores higher with 87/100. Terramate isfreemium while Quay is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Terramate to Quay easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Terramate and Quay offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Terramate is freemium with a free tier.Quay is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.