Turborepo vs Terragrunt: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Turborepo and Terragrunt 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:
Turborepo
Monorepo build system from Vercel
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need ci/cd features specifically
- • Intelligent build system for JavaScript/TypeScript monorepos
- • Caches task results to skip redundant work
Terragrunt
Terraform wrapper for DRY configurations
Best for you if:
- • You need infrastructure as code features specifically
- • Terragrunt is a thin wrapper for Terraform that keeps configurations DRY
- • It manages multiple Terraform modules with reduced duplication
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | CI/CD | Infrastructure as Code |
Rating | 86/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Turborepo | Terragrunt |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CI/CDAutomation | Infrastructure as CodeWorkflow Automation |
Understanding the Differences
Both Turborepo and Terragrunt solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Turborepo positions itself as "monorepo build system from vercel" while Terragruntfocuses on "terraform wrapper for dry configurations". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Turborepo
Turborepo makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Terragrunt
Terragrunt is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Turborepo lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Turborepo
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Turborepo handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Turborepo
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: Turborepo
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Turborepo is completely free.
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 Turborepo higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Terragrunt more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Turborepo Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Terragrunt If
- You need a completely free solution
- 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 Turborepo (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Turborepo scores higher in our analysis, but Terragrunt 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 Turborepo or Terragrunt better?
Based on our analysis, Turborepo scores higher with 86/100. Turborepo isfree while Terragrunt is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Turborepo to Terragrunt 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 Turborepo and Terragrunt offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Turborepo is completely free.Terragrunt is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.