Kedro vs Meltano: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Kedro 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.
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:
Kedro
An open-source framework for building production-ready data engineering and data science pipelines.
Best for you if:
- • 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.
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 workflow automation 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 |  Kedro |  Meltano |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | ETL & Data Pipelines | Workflow Automation |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Kedro | Meltano |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | ETL & Data Pipelines | Workflow AutomationETL & Data Pipelines |
How Kedro and Meltano Compare
Kedro
An open-source framework for building production-ready data engineering and data science pipelines.
Free
Meltano
Open-source data integration platform
Free · 84/100 score
Kedro is a etl & data pipelines tool. Meltano is in workflow automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Kedro
Want the highest-rated option?
Meltano scores 84/100. Kedro is unrated.
Go with: Meltano
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Meltano
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Kedro is a etl & data pipelines tool. Meltano is in workflow automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Meltano
- Higher score: 84/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Kedro
- Better fit for etl & data pipelines
The Bottom Line
Meltano (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kedro or Meltano better?
Meltano scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Kedro and Meltano used for?
Kedro: An open-source framework for building production-ready data engineering and data science pipelines.. Meltano: Open-source data integration platform.
What does Kedro cost vs Meltano?
Kedro is completely free. Meltano is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.