Dagster vs Kedro: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Dagster and Kedro 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:
Dagster
Data orchestration platform for ML pipelines
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need workflow automation features specifically
- • Modern data pipeline tool
- • Declarative YAML configurations
Kedro
An open-source framework for building production-ready data engineering and data science pipelines.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need etl & data pipelines features specifically
- • Applies software engineering best practices to data and ML pipelines.
- • Provides tools for pipeline visualization, data cataloging, and project standardization.
| At a Glance |  Dagster |  Kedro |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Workflow Automation | ETL & Data Pipelines |
Rating | 85/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Dagster | Kedro |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 85 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Workflow AutomationCI/CD | ETL & Data Pipelines |
How Dagster and Kedro Compare
Dagster
Data orchestration platform for ML pipelines
Paid · 85/100 score
Kedro
An open-source framework for building production-ready data engineering and data science pipelines.
Free
Dagster is a workflow automation tool. Kedro is in etl & data pipelines.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Kedro is free. Dagster is paid.
Go with: Kedro
Want the highest-rated option?
Dagster scores 85/100. Kedro is unrated.
Go with: Dagster
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Dagster
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Dagster is paid. Kedro is free. Go with Kedro if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Dagster is a workflow automation tool. Kedro is in etl & data pipelines. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Dagster
- Higher score: 85/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Kedro
- Completely free
- Better fit for etl & data pipelines
The Bottom Line
Dagster (85/100) is our pick. That said, Kedro is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dagster or Kedro better?
Dagster scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Dagster is paid and Kedro is free.
What are Dagster and Kedro used for?
Dagster: Data orchestration platform for ML pipelines. Kedro: An open-source framework for building production-ready data engineering and data science pipelines..
What does Dagster cost vs Kedro?
Dagster is a paid tool. Kedro is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.