dlt Hub vs Prefect: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between dlt Hub and Prefect 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:
dlt Hub
Lightweight Python code to move data from various sources into well-structured, live datasets.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need etl & data pipelines features specifically
- • Open-source Python library for data extraction and loading (EL).
- • Automates data engineering tasks like schema inference and incremental loading.
Prefect
Modern workflow orchestration platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need automation features specifically
- • Prefect is a modern data workflow orchestration platform
- • It schedules and monitors Python data pipelines with observability
| At a Glance |  dlt Hub |  Prefect |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | ETL & Data Pipelines | Automation |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | dlt Hub | Prefect |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | ETL & Data Pipelines | AutomationWorkflow Automation |
How dlt Hub and Prefect Compare
dlt Hub
Lightweight Python code to move data from various sources into well-structured, live datasets.
Free
Prefect
Modern workflow orchestration platform
Free tier available · 84/100 score
dlt Hub is a etl & data pipelines tool. Prefect is in automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
dlt Hub is free. Prefect is freemium.
Go with: dlt Hub
Want the highest-rated option?
Prefect scores 84/100. dlt Hub is unrated.
Go with: Prefect
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Prefect
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
dlt Hub is free. Prefect is freemium. Go with dlt Hub if free matters most.
What's your use case?
dlt Hub is a etl & data pipelines tool. Prefect is in automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Prefect
- Higher score: 84/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
dlt Hub
- Completely free
- Better fit for etl & data pipelines
The Bottom Line
Prefect (84/100) is our pick. That said, dlt Hub is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dlt Hub or Prefect better?
Prefect scores 84/100 in our evaluation. dlt Hub is free and Prefect is freemium.
What are dlt Hub and Prefect used for?
dlt Hub: Lightweight Python code to move data from various sources into well-structured, live datasets.. Prefect: Modern workflow orchestration platform.
What does dlt Hub cost vs Prefect?
dlt Hub is completely free. Prefect is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.