Confluent vs Amazon Redshift: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Confluent and Amazon Redshift 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Confluent
Enterprise event streaming platform built on Kafka
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Confluent is the enterprise platform for Apache Kafka, providing managed streaming infrastructure
- • It handles Kafka deployment, management, and adds enterprise features like schema registry and ksqlDB
Amazon Redshift
Petabyte-scale data warehouse on AWS
Best for you if:
- • AWS cloud data warehouse
- • Petabyte-scale analytics
| At a Glance |  Confluent |  Amazon Redshift |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | ETL & Data Pipelines | ETL & Data Pipelines |
Rating | 88/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Confluent | Amazon Redshift |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | ETL & Data PipelinesMonitoring | ETL & Data PipelinesData Warehouses |
Understanding the Differences
Both Confluent and Amazon Redshift solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Confluent positions itself as "enterprise event streaming platform built on kafka" while Amazon Redshiftfocuses on "petabyte-scale data warehouse on aws". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Confluent
Confluent makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Amazon Redshift
Amazon Redshift is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Confluent lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Confluent
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Amazon Redshift is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Amazon Redshift
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Amazon Redshift takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Amazon Redshift
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Confluent, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Confluent higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Amazon Redshift more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Confluent Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Amazon Redshift If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Confluent (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Confluent scores higher in our analysis, but Amazon Redshift might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Confluent or Amazon Redshift better?
Based on our analysis, Confluent scores higher with 88/100. Confluent isfreemium while Amazon Redshift is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Confluent to Amazon Redshift easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Confluent and Amazon Redshift offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Confluent is freemium with a free tier.Amazon Redshift is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.