Apache Zeppelin vs Deepnote: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Apache Zeppelin and Deepnote 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.
Bottom line: Apache Zeppelin is our overall pick for analytics workflows. Pick Deepnote if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Apache Zeppelin
A multi-purpose notebook for data ingestion, discovery, analytics, visualization, and collaboration.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Interactive notebook for data analytics and visualization.
- • Supports multiple languages and integrates with various data processing backends, including Apache Spark.
Deepnote
Collaborative analytics and data science notebook for the AI era.
Best for you if:
- • AI-powered collaborative data science notebook supporting Python, SQL, and R.
- • Transforms data explorations into interactive data apps and dashboards.
| At a Glance |  Apache Zeppelin |  Deepnote |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $39 per editor/month billed yearly/moTeam |
Best For | Analytics | Analytics |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Apache Zeppelin or Deepnote?
Choose Apache Zeppelin if
A multi-purpose notebook for data ingestion, discovery, analytics, visualization, and collaboration.
- Highly flexible due to pluggable interpreter architecture
- Strong integration with Apache Spark
- Facilitates collaboration among data professionals
- You want a fully free tool (Deepnote requires payment)
Choose Deepnote if
Collaborative analytics and data science notebook for the AI era.
- AI assistance significantly speeds up data analysis and coding tasks.
- Seamless collaboration features make teamwork efficient.
- Supports a wide range of data sources and languages.
| Feature | Apache Zeppelin | Deepnote |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★3.8/5 15 reviews | ★4.5/5 378 reviews |
| Categories | AnalyticsData Visualization | AnalyticsDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Apache Zeppelin
A multi-purpose notebook for data ingestion, discovery, analytics, visualization, and collaboration.
Strengths
- +Highly flexible due to pluggable interpreter architecture
- +Strong integration with Apache Spark
- +Facilitates collaboration among data professionals
- +Easy to share insights by embedding visualizations
- +Completely free and open-source
Weaknesses
- -Requires self-hosting and management
- -Embedding feature needs careful security consideration in untrusted environments
- -Visualization options might be basic compared to dedicated BI tools
Key features
Deepnote
Collaborative analytics and data science notebook for the AI era.
Strengths
- +AI assistance significantly speeds up data analysis and coding tasks.
- +Seamless collaboration features make teamwork efficient.
- +Supports a wide range of data sources and languages.
- +Ability to create interactive data apps and dashboards from notebooks.
- +Strong security and compliance features suitable for enterprises.
Weaknesses
- -Limited Deepnote AI features and compute resources in the free tier.
- -Advanced security and deployment options are only available in higher-tier plans.
- -Reliance on cloud infrastructure may not suit all data governance requirements without custom deployments.
Key features
Pricing: Apache Zeppelin vs Deepnote
| Plan | Apache Zeppelin | Deepnote |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $39 per editor/month billed yearly Team |
| Tier 3 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Apache Zeppelin pricing and Deepnote pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apache Zeppelin is free. Deepnote is freemium.
Go with: Apache Zeppelin
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Apache Zeppelin
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Apache Zeppelin
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Apache Zeppelin is free. Deepnote is freemium. Go with Apache Zeppelin if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are analytics tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Apache Zeppelin
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Deepnote
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 3.8/5
- Larger review base (378 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Apache Zeppelin is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apache Zeppelin or Deepnote better?
Apache Zeppelin is rated in our evaluation. Apache Zeppelin is free and Deepnote is freemium.
What are Apache Zeppelin and Deepnote used for?
Apache Zeppelin: A multi-purpose notebook for data ingestion, discovery, analytics, visualization, and collaboration.. Deepnote: Collaborative analytics and data science notebook for the AI era..
What does Apache Zeppelin cost vs Deepnote?
Apache Zeppelin is completely free. Deepnote is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.