Meltano vs Talend: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Meltano and Talend 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 want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • 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
Talend
Data integration and management platform
Best for you if:
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Talend is an enterprise data integration and data quality platform
- • It provides ETL, data governance, and master data management
| At a Glance |  Meltano |  Talend |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Workflow Automation | Big Data Analytics |
Rating | 84/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | Meltano | Talend |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Workflow AutomationETL & Data Pipelines | Big Data AnalyticsETL & Data Pipelines |
How Meltano and Talend Compare
Meltano
Open-source data integration platform
Free · 84/100 score
Talend
Data integration and management platform
Paid · 78/100 score
Meltano is a workflow automation tool. Talend is in big data analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Meltano is free. Talend is paid.
Go with: Meltano
Want the highest-rated option?
Meltano: 84/100. Talend: 78/100.
Go with: Meltano
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Meltano
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Meltano is free. Talend is paid. Go with Meltano if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Meltano is a workflow automation tool. Talend is in big data analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Meltano scores higher: 84/100 vs 78/100.
Key Takeaways
Meltano
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 78
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Talend
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
Meltano (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meltano or Talend better?
Meltano scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Meltano is free and Talend is paid.
What are Meltano and Talend used for?
Meltano: Open-source data integration platform. Talend: Data integration and management platform.
What does Meltano cost vs Talend?
Meltano is completely free. Talend is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.