Meltano vs Apache Airflow: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Meltano and Apache Airflow 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:
Meltano
Open-source data integration platform
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Meltano is an open-source platform for running Singer ELT pipelines
- • It orchestrates data extraction and loading with version-controlled configs
Apache Airflow
Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • Apache Airflow is a workflow orchestration platform for programmatically authoring and scheduling data pipelines
- • It defines workflows as code using Python DAGs, with built-in monitoring and retry capabilities
| At a Glance |  Meltano |  Apache Airflow |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Workflow Automation | Workflow Automation |
Rating | 84/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Meltano | Apache Airflow |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Workflow AutomationETL & Data Pipelines | Workflow AutomationCI/CD |
How Meltano and Apache Airflow Compare
Meltano
Open-source data integration platform
Free · 84/100 score
Apache Airflow
Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines
Paid · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Meltano is free. Apache Airflow is paid.
Go with: Meltano
Want the highest-rated option?
Meltano: 84/100. Apache Airflow: 86/100.
Go with: Apache Airflow
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Apache Airflow
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Meltano is free. Apache Airflow is paid. Go with Meltano if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are workflow automation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Apache Airflow scores higher: 86/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
Apache Airflow
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 84
- Our pick for this comparison
Meltano
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Apache Airflow (86/100) is our pick. That said, Meltano is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meltano or Apache Airflow better?
Apache Airflow scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Meltano is free and Apache Airflow is paid.
What are Meltano and Apache Airflow used for?
Meltano: Open-source data integration platform. Apache Airflow: Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines.
What does Meltano cost vs Apache Airflow?
Meltano is completely free. Apache Airflow is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.