Amundsen vs Backstage: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Amundsen and Backstage 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:
Amundsen
Open-source data discovery and metadata engine for enhanced data trust and productivity.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need documentation features specifically
- • Open-source data catalog for discovering and trusting data.
- • Automates metadata collection and facilitates context sharing.
Backstage
Build a unified developer portal for all your infrastructure, services, and documentation.
Best for you if:
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Open-source platform for building developer portals.
- • Unifies infrastructure tooling, services, and documentation.
| At a Glance |  Amundsen | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Documentation | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Amundsen | Backstage |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DocumentationETL & Data Pipelines | API ToolsDocumentation |
How Amundsen and Backstage Compare
Amundsen
Open-source data discovery and metadata engine for enhanced data trust and productivity.
Free
Backstage
Build a unified developer portal for all your infrastructure, services, and documentation.
Free tier available
Amundsen is a documentation tool. Backstage is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Amundsen is free. Backstage is freemium.
Go with: Amundsen
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Amundsen
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Amundsen
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Amundsen is free. Backstage is freemium. Go with Amundsen if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Amundsen is a documentation tool. Backstage is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Amundsen
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Backstage
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
Amundsen is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amundsen or Backstage better?
Amundsen scores high/100 in our evaluation. Amundsen is free and Backstage is freemium.
What are Amundsen and Backstage used for?
Amundsen: Open-source data discovery and metadata engine for enhanced data trust and productivity.. Backstage: Build a unified developer portal for all your infrastructure, services, and documentation..
What does Amundsen cost vs Backstage?
Amundsen is completely free. Backstage is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.