Great Expectations vs Meltano: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Great Expectations and Meltano 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:
Great Expectations
Ensure governance and trust in AI with robust data quality across your pipelines.
Best for you if:
- • You need data quality features specifically
- • Ensures data quality and governance across pipelines.
- • Provides tools for data validation, monitoring, and collaboration.
Meltano
Open-source data integration platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need etl & data pipelines features specifically
- • Meltano is an open-source platform for running Singer ELT pipelines
- • It orchestrates data extraction and loading with version-controlled configs
| At a Glance |  Meltano | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Data Quality | ETL & Data Pipelines |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Great Expectations | Meltano |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Data QualityETL & Data Pipelines | ETL & Data PipelinesData Warehouses |
Understanding the Differences
Both Great Expectations and Meltano solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Great Expectations positions itself as "ensure governance and trust in ai with robust data quality across your pipelines." while Meltanofocuses on "open-source data integration platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Great Expectations
Great Expectations makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Meltano
Meltano is worth considering if you need a free tool. Scoring 84/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Great Expectations lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Great Expectations
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Meltano is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Meltano
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Meltano
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Meltano won't cost you anything.
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 Meltano higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Meltano more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Meltano Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Great Expectations If
- You want to start free and scale later
- 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 Meltano (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Meltano scores higher in our analysis, but Great Expectations 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 Great Expectations or Meltano better?
Based on our analysis, Meltano scores higher with 84/100. Great Expectations isfreemium while Meltano is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Great Expectations to Meltano 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 Great Expectations and Meltano offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Great Expectations is freemium with a free tier.Meltano is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.