LakeFS vs Meltano: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between LakeFS 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:
LakeFS
Apply Git-like version control to your data lake for reproducible AI and streamlined data workflows.
Best for you if:
- • You need version control features specifically
- • Applies Git-like version control to data lakes for managing data lifecycle and provenance.
- • Enables isolated testing, instant rollbacks, and reproducible AI/ML training.
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 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 |  LakeFS |  Meltano |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Version Control | Workflow Automation |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | LakeFS | 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 | Version ControlETL & Data Pipelines | Workflow AutomationETL & Data Pipelines |
How LakeFS and Meltano Compare
LakeFS
Apply Git-like version control to your data lake for reproducible AI and streamlined data workflows.
Free tier available
Meltano
Open-source data integration platform
Free · 84/100 score
LakeFS is a version control tool. Meltano is in workflow automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Meltano is free. LakeFS is freemium.
Go with: Meltano
Want the highest-rated option?
Meltano scores 84/100. LakeFS 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?
LakeFS is freemium. Meltano is free. Go with Meltano if free matters most.
What's your use case?
LakeFS is a version control 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
LakeFS
- Better fit for version control
The Bottom Line
Meltano (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LakeFS or Meltano better?
Meltano scores 84/100 in our evaluation. LakeFS is freemium and Meltano is free.
What are LakeFS and Meltano used for?
LakeFS: Apply Git-like version control to your data lake for reproducible AI and streamlined data workflows.. Meltano: Open-source data integration platform.
What does LakeFS cost vs Meltano?
LakeFS is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Meltano is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.