Dagster vs Cleavr: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Dagster and Cleavr 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:
Dagster
Data orchestration platform for ML pipelines
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need workflow automation features specifically
- • Modern data pipeline tool
- • Declarative YAML configurations
Cleavr
Server management for modern apps
Best for you if:
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Server management platform with 5-day free trial and affordable per-server pricing
- • Deploy Laravel, Node, Nuxt, Strapi to DigitalOcean, AWS, Hetzner, or your own VPS
| At a Glance |  Dagster |  Cleavr |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Workflow Automation | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 85/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Dagster | Cleavr |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Workflow AutomationETL & Data Pipelines | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD |
Understanding the Differences
Both Dagster and Cleavr solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Dagster positions itself as "data orchestration platform for ml pipelines" while Cleavrfocuses on "server management for modern apps". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Dagster
Dagster makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 85/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Cleavr
Cleavr is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Cleavr
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Dagster handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Dagster
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Dagster is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Dagster
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Dagster—it scored higher.
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 Dagster higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Cleavr more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Dagster Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Cleavr 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 Dagster (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Dagster scores higher in our analysis, but Cleavr 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 Dagster or Cleavr better?
Based on our analysis, Dagster scores higher with 85/100. Dagster ispaid while Cleavr 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 Dagster to Cleavr 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 Dagster and Cleavr offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Dagster is paid with potential trial.Cleavr is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.