MLRun vs Azure ML: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between MLRun and Azure ML 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:
MLRun
Open-source MLOps orchestration for managing ML and generative AI applications across their lifecycle.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need etl & data pipelines features specifically
- • Automates the entire ML and Gen AI lifecycle from development to production.
- • Provides scalable real-time serving and application pipelines with built-in observability.
Azure ML
Cloud platform for building and deploying ML models
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need workflow automation features specifically
- • Azure ML is Microsoft's cloud platform for building and deploying machine learning models
- • It provides notebooks, AutoML, MLOps pipelines, and model management
| At a Glance |  MLRun |  Azure ML |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | ETL & Data Pipelines | Workflow Automation |
Rating | —/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | MLRun | Azure ML |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | ETL & Data PipelinesAI Model Deployment | Workflow AutomationAI Model Deployment |
How MLRun and Azure ML Compare
MLRun
Open-source MLOps orchestration for managing ML and generative AI applications across their lifecycle.
Free
Azure ML
Cloud platform for building and deploying ML models
Paid · 85/100 score
MLRun is a etl & data pipelines tool. Azure ML is in workflow automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
MLRun is free. Azure ML is paid.
Go with: MLRun
Want the highest-rated option?
Azure ML scores 85/100. MLRun is unrated.
Go with: Azure ML
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Azure ML
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
MLRun is free. Azure ML is paid. Go with MLRun if free matters most.
What's your use case?
MLRun is a etl & data pipelines tool. Azure ML is in workflow automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Azure ML
- Higher score: 85/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
MLRun
- Completely free
- Better fit for etl & data pipelines
The Bottom Line
Azure ML (85/100) is our pick. That said, MLRun is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MLRun or Azure ML better?
Azure ML scores 85/100 in our evaluation. MLRun is free and Azure ML is paid.
What are MLRun and Azure ML used for?
MLRun: Open-source MLOps orchestration for managing ML and generative AI applications across their lifecycle.. Azure ML: Cloud platform for building and deploying ML models.
What does MLRun cost vs Azure ML?
MLRun is completely free. Azure ML is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.