CloudQuery vs Amundsen: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between CloudQuery and Amundsen 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: CloudQuery wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick Amundsen if you need data & databases.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
CloudQuery
Open-source cloud asset inventory
Best for you if:
- • You want cloud asset inventory
Amundsen
Open-source data discovery and metadata engine for enhanced data trust and productivity.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (CloudQuery requires payment)
| At a Glance | CloudQuery | Amundsen |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free 100% free |
Category | Cloud & Infrastructure Data & Databases | Data & Databases Developer Tools |
Rating | n/a | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | n/a | Requires internal engineering resources for setup and maintenance. |
Choose CloudQuery or Amundsen?
Choose CloudQuery if
- You want cloud asset inventory
- You want SQL interface
- You work in cloud & infrastructure, not data & databases
Choose Amundsen if
- You want a fully free tool (CloudQuery requires payment)
- You want enhances data discoverability and trust
- You want increases productivity for data professionals
- You work in data & databases, not cloud & infrastructure
In-Depth Analysis
CloudQuery
Open-source cloud asset inventory
CloudQuery's pricing is quite generous for individual users and small teams with its robust Free tier.
Strengths
- Pro: Cloud asset inventory
- Pro: SQL interface
- Pro: Many plugins
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Active development
Weaknesses
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Setup complexity
- Con: Resource intensive
- Con: Documentation improving
- Con: Enterprise features paid
Key features
Amundsen
Open-source data discovery and metadata engine for enhanced data trust and productivity.
Amundsen is an open-source project, making its 'Open Source' tier completely free.
Watch out
Requires internal engineering resources for setup and maintenance.
Strengths
- Pro: Enhances data discoverability and trust
- Pro: Increases productivity for data professionals
- Pro: Reduces data silos and improves collaboration
- Pro: Provides automated and curated metadata
- Pro: Open-source with an Apache License 2.0
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires self-hosting and setup
- Con: Integration effort may be needed for specific data sources
- Con: Community support may be the primary resource
Key features
Pricing: CloudQuery vs Amundsen
| Plan | CloudQuery | Amundsen |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | $500 month Team | N/A |
| Tier 3 | custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on CloudQuery pricing and Amundsen pricing.
Key Takeaways
CloudQuery
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Amundsen
- Completely free
- Better fit for data & databases
The Bottom Line
CloudQuery wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. That said, Amundsen is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CloudQuery or Amundsen better in 2026?
CloudQuery wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick CloudQuery for cloud & infrastructure workflows (main strength: cloud asset inventory). Pick Amundsen for data & databases workflows (main strength: enhances data discoverability and trust).
What are CloudQuery and Amundsen used for?
CloudQuery: Open-source cloud asset inventory. Amundsen: Open-source data discovery and metadata engine for enhanced data trust and productivity.
What does CloudQuery cost vs Amundsen?
CloudQuery's paid plans start at Free (Team). Amundsen is free.
What's the main difference between CloudQuery and Amundsen?
CloudQuery's main strength: cloud asset inventory. Amundsen's main strength: enhances data discoverability and trust.