Airbyte vs Fivetran: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Airbyte and Fivetran 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Airbyte
Open-source data integration platform for ELT pipelines
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.3/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Open-source data integration
- • ELT from any source to any destination
Fivetran
Automated data integration and ELT
Best for you if:
- • You need automation features specifically
- • ELT data replication
- • Sync data to your warehouse
| At a Glance |  Airbyte |  Fivetran |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Automation |
Rating | 85/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Airbyte | Fivetran |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsLow-Code Backend | AutomationETL & Data Pipelines |
How Airbyte and Fivetran Compare
Airbyte
Open-source data integration platform for ELT pipelines
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Fivetran
Automated data integration and ELT
Paid · 83/100 score
Airbyte is a api tools tool. Fivetran is in automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Airbyte has a free tier. Fivetran is paid only.
Go with: Airbyte
Want the highest-rated option?
Airbyte: 85/100. Fivetran: 83/100.
Go with: Airbyte
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Airbyte
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Airbyte is freemium. Fivetran is paid. Airbyte lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Airbyte is a api tools tool. Fivetran is in automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Airbyte scores higher: 85/100 vs 83/100.
Key Takeaways
Airbyte
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 83
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Fivetran
- Better fit for automation
The Bottom Line
Airbyte (85/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Airbyte or Fivetran better?
Airbyte scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Airbyte is freemium and Fivetran is paid.
What are Airbyte and Fivetran used for?
Airbyte: Open-source data integration platform for ELT pipelines. Fivetran: Automated data integration and ELT.
What does Airbyte cost vs Fivetran?
Airbyte is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Fivetran is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.