Airbyte vs Steampipe: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Airbyte and Steampipe 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 need api tools features specifically
- • Open-source data integration
- • ELT from any source to any destination
Steampipe
Dynamically query APIs, code, and cloud resources with SQL for Zero-ETL insights.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Queries cloud APIs and other data sources using SQL.
- • Provides a Zero-ETL approach for real-time data access.
| At a Glance |  Airbyte |  Steampipe |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | API Tools | Big Data Analytics |
Rating | 85/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Airbyte | Steampipe |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsLow-Code Backend | Big Data AnalyticsBusiness Intelligence |
How Airbyte and Steampipe Compare
Airbyte
Open-source data integration platform for ELT pipelines
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Steampipe
Dynamically query APIs, code, and cloud resources with SQL for Zero-ETL insights.
Free · 88/100 score
Airbyte is a api tools tool. Steampipe is in big data analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Steampipe is free. Airbyte is freemium.
Go with: Steampipe
Want the highest-rated option?
Airbyte: 85/100. Steampipe: 88/100.
Go with: Steampipe
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Steampipe
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Airbyte is freemium. Steampipe is free. Go with Steampipe if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Airbyte is a api tools tool. Steampipe is in big data analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Steampipe scores higher: 88/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Steampipe
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 85
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Airbyte
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
Steampipe (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Airbyte or Steampipe better?
Steampipe scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Airbyte is freemium and Steampipe is free.
What are Airbyte and Steampipe used for?
Airbyte: Open-source data integration platform for ELT pipelines. Steampipe: Dynamically query APIs, code, and cloud resources with SQL for Zero-ETL insights..
What does Airbyte cost vs Steampipe?
Airbyte is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Steampipe is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.