Apache Hudi vs Materialize: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Apache Hudi and Materialize 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 Hudi
An open data lakehouse platform bringing database functionality to your data lakes.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need etl & data pipelines features specifically
- • Brings database functionality (ACID transactions, updates, deletes) to data lakes.
- • Enables incremental processing for low-latency, minute-level analytics, replacing batch pipelines.
Materialize
The Live Data Layer for Apps and AI Agents, enabling real-time insights with SQL.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.1/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Provides a live data layer for real-time applications and AI agents.
- • Processes data streams and allows querying fresh data using standard SQL.
| At a Glance |  Apache Hudi |  Materialize |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | ETL & Data Pipelines | Big Data Analytics |
Rating | —/100 | 71/100 |
| Feature | Apache Hudi | Materialize |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 71 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | ETL & Data PipelinesData Warehouses | Big Data AnalyticsBusiness Intelligence |
How Apache Hudi and Materialize Compare
Apache Hudi
An open data lakehouse platform bringing database functionality to your data lakes.
Free
Materialize
The Live Data Layer for Apps and AI Agents, enabling real-time insights with SQL.
Paid · 71/100 score
Apache Hudi is a etl & data pipelines tool. Materialize is in big data analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apache Hudi is free. Materialize is paid.
Go with: Apache Hudi
Want the highest-rated option?
Materialize scores 71/100. Apache Hudi is unrated.
Go with: Materialize
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Materialize
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Apache Hudi is free. Materialize is paid. Go with Apache Hudi if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Apache Hudi is a etl & data pipelines tool. Materialize is in big data analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Materialize
- Higher score: 71/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Apache Hudi
- Completely free
- Better fit for etl & data pipelines
The Bottom Line
Materialize (71/100) is our pick. That said, Apache Hudi is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apache Hudi or Materialize better?
Materialize scores 71/100 in our evaluation. Apache Hudi is free and Materialize is paid.
What are Apache Hudi and Materialize used for?
Apache Hudi: An open data lakehouse platform bringing database functionality to your data lakes.. Materialize: The Live Data Layer for Apps and AI Agents, enabling real-time insights with SQL..
What does Apache Hudi cost vs Materialize?
Apache Hudi is completely free. Materialize is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.