DDEV vs LANDO: Which Local Development Tool Is Right for You?
Choosing the right local development environment can save you hours of setup time and frustration. Two of the most popular Docker-based tools for this purpose are DDEV and Lando.
Both simplify the process of running your projects locally, but they focus on different strengths. This article compares their features, performance, and ideal use cases so you can decide which tool fits your workflow best.
- DDEV: Prioritizes simplicity, speed, and ease of use. Perfect for CMS projects like Drupal, WordPress, TYPO3, and Magento.
- Lando: Designed for flexibility and deep customization. Great for complex or multi-service applications.
| Characteristic | DDEV | Lando |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very simple and intuitive | More configurable, higher learning curve |
| Installation | Fast and beginner-friendly | Requires more setup steps |
| Performance | Optimized for CMS workflows, fast | Can be slower in certain setups |
| CMS Support | Excellent (Drupal, WP, TYPO3, Magento) | Good, but not CMS-focused |
| Configuration File | config.yaml | lando.yaml |
| Extensibility | Moderate via add-ons | Highly extensible |
| Debugging | Easy with built-in tools (ddev xdebug) | Available but more manual |
| Windows Support | Excellent, especially with WSL2 | Works well, but some edge cases reported |
| Community | Strong in Drupal & WordPress ecosystems | Broad but slightly smaller |
When to Choose DDEV
You should choose DDEV if:
- You mainly work with a CMS like Drupal, WordPress, TYPO3, or Magento.
- You want a quick start without heavy configuration.
- You prefer predictable, stable workflows.
- You are on Windows and want reliable WSL2 support.
ddev config
ddev start
ddev launch
When to Choose Lando
You should choose Lando if:
- Your project includes multiple services (Node.js, Redis, multiple databases).
- You need deep customization of the local environment.
- You want to emulate production environments locally.
- You are comfortable working with Docker and advanced config.
# initialize project
lando init
# start environment
lando start
Both DDEV and Lando are excellent tools for local development, but they shine in different scenarios:
- DDEV: Best for CMS-focused projects and developers who want a fast, stable, and simple setup.
- Lando: Best for complex projects that require high customization and multiple services.
No matter which one you choose, both will improve your development workflow and reduce setup headaches.