Marquez vs Prefect: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Marquez 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 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Marquez
Real-time data lineage and metadata management for complex data ecosystems.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Real-time metadata server for data lineage.
- • Visualizes data dependencies and flow across pipelines.
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 |  Marquez | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Big Data Analytics | Automation |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Marquez | 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 | Big Data AnalyticsData Visualization | AutomationWorkflow Automation |
How Marquez and Prefect Compare
Marquez
Real-time data lineage and metadata management for complex data ecosystems.
Free
Prefect
Modern workflow orchestration platform
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Marquez is a big data analytics tool. Prefect is in automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Marquez is free. Prefect is freemium.
Go with: Marquez
Want the highest-rated option?
Prefect scores 84/100. Marquez 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?
Marquez is free. Prefect is freemium. Go with Marquez if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Marquez is a big data analytics 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
Marquez
- Completely free
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
Prefect (84/100) is our pick. That said, Marquez is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marquez or Prefect better?
Prefect scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Marquez is free and Prefect is freemium.
What are Marquez and Prefect used for?
Marquez: Real-time data lineage and metadata management for complex data ecosystems.. Prefect: Modern workflow orchestration platform.
What does Marquez cost vs Prefect?
Marquez is completely free. Prefect is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.