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SST vs Terraform

Side-by-side comparison of SST and Terraform. Data-driven analysis for CTOs and engineering leaders.

Technical Profile

SST

Scalability
very high
Performance
high
Learning Curve
moderate
Maturity
stable
Languages: TypeScript

Terraform

Scalability
very high
Performance
high
Learning Curve
moderate
Maturity
mature
Languages: Go, HCL

When to Use

SST

  • +Serverless on AWS
  • +Full-stack apps
  • +Framework users

Avoid SST when

  • -Multi-cloud
  • -Non-serverless

Terraform

  • +Multi-cloud infrastructure
  • +Team collaboration
  • +Compliance requirements

Avoid Terraform when

  • -Single cloud simple setup
  • -Need programming language

Compliance & Security

SST

SOC 2GDPRHIPAAPCI-DSS

Security Features

EncryptionAudit LogsRBACMFA

Terraform

SOC 2GDPRHIPAAPCI-DSS

Security Features

EncryptionAudit LogsRBACMFA

Operations

SST

Maintenance
low
Monitoring
low
Backup/Recovery
simple
Hosting: aws

Terraform

Maintenance
medium
Monitoring
medium
Backup/Recovery
moderate
Hosting: self-hosted, cloud

Frequently Asked Questions

How does scalability compare between SST and Terraform?

SST offers very-high scalability, while Terraform offers very-high scalability. Consider your expected traffic and data volume when choosing.

Which has the easier learning curve: SST or Terraform?

SST has a moderate learning curve, while Terraform has a moderate learning curve. Factor in your team's existing skills and onboarding timeline.

What are the pricing differences between SST and Terraform?

SST uses a free pricing model with a free tier. Terraform uses a freemium pricing model starting at Cloud: $20/user/month with a free tier. Evaluate total cost of ownership including operational overhead.

Which option is better for compliance: SST or Terraform?

SST supports SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS. Terraform supports SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS. Always verify current certifications directly with the vendor.

Need help deciding between SST vs Terraform?

Use our interactive decision tool for a personalized recommendation.