Softwr

Cloud · head to head

SST vs Valkey

SST logo

SST

Cloud

Build full-stack apps on your own infrastructure

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Valkey logo

Valkey

Databases

Open-source in-memory data store forked from Redis

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: SST primarily optimized for AWS with Cloudflare support; Valkey younger project, so its track record is short even though the codebase is not
  • They diverge on capability: SST covers Single config file, Valkey covers Redis-compatible.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SST and Valkey actually diverge.

Attributes where SST and Valkey differ
AttributeSSTValkey
Pricing modelUnknownOpen source, no licence fee; managed cloud billed separately
PlatformsAWS, Cloudflare, Node.jsLinux, macOS, Docker, Self-hosted
CategoryCloudDatabases

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in SST

  • Single config file
  • Resource linking
  • Local development
  • Multi-cloud support
  • Multiple deployment stages
  • VPC tunneling

Only in Valkey

  • Redis-compatible
  • BSD licensed
  • Rich data structures
  • Replication and persistence

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

SST

  • Deploying Next.js frontends with serverless backendsnot Valkey
  • Managing databases and storage alongside application codenot Valkey
  • Creating staging environments for feature testingnot Valkey

Valkey

  • Continuing on a permissively licensed in-memory store after the Redis licence changenot SST
  • Caching and session storage where a foundation-governed project is a procurement requirementnot SST
  • Migrating from Redis without rewriting application codenot SST

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

SST

  • Primarily optimized for AWS with Cloudflare support
  • Learning curve for developers unfamiliar with infrastructure concepts
  • Limited documentation for some advanced use cases

Valkey

  • Younger project, so its track record is short even though the codebase is not
  • Divergence from Redis grows over time, so compatibility is strongest near the fork point and weakens as both evolve
  • Ecosystem tooling and documentation still frequently assume Redis, leaving translation work

Pricing, plan by plan

SST

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SST review.

Valkey

Free
  • ValkeyFree
    • Full functionality
    • Self-hosted
    • No usage limits

Which should you pick?

Choose SST if

  • You need single config file.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on AWS, Cloudflare, Node.js.
  • You also want resource linking.
SST review

Choose Valkey if

  • You need redis-compatible.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, macOS, Docker, Self-hosted.
  • You also want bsd licensed.
Valkey review

Questions people ask

Is SST or Valkey better?
Neither clearly leads. SST starts at Free and Valkey at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SST or Valkey?
SST starts at Free and Valkey at Free.
Does SST or Valkey run on more platforms?
SST runs on AWS, Cloudflare, Node.js. Valkey runs on Linux, macOS, Docker, Self-hosted.
Can I use SST for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is SST best used for?
SST is most often used for deploying next.js frontends with serverless backends, managing databases and storage alongside application code, creating staging environments for feature testing. Of those, deploying next.js frontends with serverless backends and managing databases and storage alongside application code are not what Valkey is typically brought in for.
What can SST do that Valkey cannot?
SST covers Single config file, Resource linking, Local development, Multi-cloud support. Valkey covers Redis-compatible, BSD licensed, Rich data structures, Replication and persistence.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SST: Is SST free?

Yes, SST is open source and free. You only pay for cloud resources from AWS and other providers.

Source
Valkey: Is Valkey free?

Yes, BSD-licensed open source under the Linux Foundation.

SST: What cloud providers does SST support?

SST supports over 150 providers through built-in AWS and Cloudflare components, plus Pulumi and Terraform providers.

Source
Valkey: Why does Valkey exist?

Redis changed its licence away from BSD in 2024. Valkey is the community fork continuing under permissive terms, backed by AWS, Google Cloud and Oracle among others.

Valkey: Can I switch from Redis to Valkey?

At the fork point it is drop-in compatible with existing clients and data. The further both projects move from that point, the more you should verify the specific features you use.

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