Apache Airflow vs Keptn: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Apache Airflow and Keptn 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:
Apache Airflow
Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need workflow automation features specifically
- • Apache Airflow is a workflow orchestration platform for programmatically authoring and scheduling data pipelines
- • It defines workflows as code using Python DAGs, with built-in monitoring and retry capabilities
Keptn
Automate and standardize your cloud-native application delivery.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Automates cloud-native application delivery.
- • Standardizes deployment, testing, and remediation.
| At a Glance |  Apache Airflow |  Keptn |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Workflow Automation | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 86/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Apache Airflow | Keptn |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 86 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Workflow AutomationCI/CD | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD |
How Apache Airflow and Keptn Compare
Apache Airflow
Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines
Paid · 86/100 score
Keptn
Automate and standardize your cloud-native application delivery.
Free
Apache Airflow is a workflow automation tool. Keptn is in hosting & deployment.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Keptn is free. Apache Airflow is paid.
Go with: Keptn
Want the highest-rated option?
Apache Airflow scores 86/100. Keptn is unrated.
Go with: Apache Airflow
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Apache Airflow
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Apache Airflow is paid. Keptn is free. Go with Keptn if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Apache Airflow is a workflow automation tool. Keptn is in hosting & deployment. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Apache Airflow
- Higher score: 86/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Keptn
- Completely free
- Better fit for hosting & deployment
The Bottom Line
Apache Airflow (86/100) is our pick. That said, Keptn is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apache Airflow or Keptn better?
Apache Airflow scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Apache Airflow is paid and Keptn is free.
What are Apache Airflow and Keptn used for?
Apache Airflow: Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines. Keptn: Automate and standardize your cloud-native application delivery..
What does Apache Airflow cost vs Keptn?
Apache Airflow is a paid tool. Keptn is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.