Great Expectations vs Soda Core: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Great Expectations and Soda Core 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:
- • Ensures data quality and governance across pipelines.
- • Provides tools for data validation, monitoring, and collaboration.
Soda Core
Automate data quality detection, explanation, and resolution with AI-powered data observability.
Best for you if:
- • Automates data quality detection and resolution using advanced AI.
- • Unifies data quality workflows for both engineers and business users.
| At a Glance |  Soda Core | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Data Quality | Data Quality |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Great Expectations | Soda Core |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Data QualityETL & Data Pipelines | Data QualityMonitoring |
Understanding the Differences
Both Great Expectations and Soda Core 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 Soda Corefocuses on "automate data quality detection, explanation, and resolution with ai-powered data observability.". 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 Soda Core
Soda Core is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
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. Soda Core is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Soda Core
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: Great Expectations
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Great Expectations, 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 Great Expectations higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Soda Core more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Great Expectations Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Soda Core 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 Great Expectations. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Great Expectations scores higher in our analysis, but Soda Core 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 Soda Core better?
Based on our analysis, Great Expectations scores higher with high/100. Great Expectations isfreemium while Soda Core is freemium. 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 Soda Core 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 Soda Core offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Great Expectations is freemium with a free tier.Soda Core is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.