Prefect vs Apache Airflow: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Prefect 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:
Prefect
Modern workflow orchestration platform
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need automation features specifically
- • Prefect is a modern data workflow orchestration platform
- • It schedules and monitors Python data pipelines with observability
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)
- • You need workflow automation features specifically
- • 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 |  Prefect |  Apache Airflow |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Automation | Workflow Automation |
Rating | 84/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Prefect | Apache Airflow |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationWorkflow Automation | Workflow AutomationCI/CD |
How Prefect and Apache Airflow Compare
Prefect
Modern workflow orchestration platform
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Apache Airflow
Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines
Paid · 86/100 score
Prefect is a automation tool. Apache Airflow is in workflow automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Prefect has a free tier. Apache Airflow is paid only.
Go with: Prefect
Want the highest-rated option?
Prefect: 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?
Prefect is freemium. Apache Airflow is paid. Prefect lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Prefect is a automation tool. Apache Airflow is in workflow automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
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
Prefect
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for automation
The Bottom Line
Apache Airflow (86/100) is our pick. Prefect has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prefect or Apache Airflow better?
Apache Airflow scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Prefect is freemium and Apache Airflow is paid.
What are Prefect and Apache Airflow used for?
Prefect: Modern workflow orchestration platform. Apache Airflow: Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines.
What does Prefect cost vs Apache Airflow?
Prefect is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Apache Airflow is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.