UploadThing vs Cloudinary: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between UploadThing and Cloudinary 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.
Bottom line: Cloudinary is our overall pick for video & media workflows. Pick UploadThing if you need developer tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
UploadThing
File uploads for TypeScript developers
Best for you if:
- • You need developer tools features specifically
- • UploadThing is a file upload service for TypeScript applications
- • It provides simple file uploads with a developer-friendly API
Cloudinary
Manage, transform, and deliver images and videos at scale
Best for you if:
- • You need video & media features specifically
- • Media management and delivery platform
- • Image and video optimization on the fly
| At a Glance |  UploadThing |  Cloudinary |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $10/mo100GB | 89/monthPlus |
Best For | Developer Tools | Video & Media |
Rating | - | - |
Choose UploadThing or Cloudinary?
Choose UploadThing if
File uploads for TypeScript developers
- Easy file uploads
- TypeScript native
- Next.js focused
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not video & media-shaped
Choose Cloudinary if
Manage, transform, and deliver images and videos at scale
- Powerful transformations
- Auto optimization
- Great free tier
- Your work is video & media-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
| Feature | UploadThing | Cloudinary |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.5/5 251 reviews |
| Categories | Developer ToolsFile Management | Video & MediaDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
UploadThing
File uploads for TypeScript developers
Strengths
- +Easy file uploads
- +TypeScript native
- +Next.js focused
- +Good DX
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Newer platform
- -Vendor lock-in
- -Limited features
- -React/Next.js focused
- -Documentation improving
Key features
Cloudinary
Manage, transform, and deliver images and videos at scale
Strengths
- +Powerful transformations
- +Auto optimization
- +Great free tier
Weaknesses
- -Can get expensive
- -Complex pricing
Key features
Pricing: UploadThing vs Cloudinary
| Plan | UploadThing | Cloudinary |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | 0 forever Free |
| Tier 2 | $10 100GB | 89 /month Plus |
| Tier 3 | $25 Usage-Based | 224 /month Advanced |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom /month Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on UploadThing pricing and Cloudinary pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: UploadThing
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: UploadThing
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Cloudinary
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?
UploadThing is a developer tools tool. Cloudinary is in video & media. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Cloudinary
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
UploadThing
- Better fit for developer tools
The Bottom Line
Cloudinary is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UploadThing or Cloudinary better?
Cloudinary is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are UploadThing and Cloudinary used for?
UploadThing: File uploads for TypeScript developers. Cloudinary: Manage, transform, and deliver images and videos at scale.
What does UploadThing cost vs Cloudinary?
UploadThing is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Cloudinary is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.