Singer vs Apache Airflow: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Singer 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:
Singer
Open-source data integration framework
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Singer is an open-source standard for writing data integration scripts
- • It provides taps and targets for moving data between systems
Apache Airflow
Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • 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 |  Singer |  Apache Airflow |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Workflow Automation |
Rating | 80/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Singer | Apache Airflow |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsETL & Data Pipelines | Workflow AutomationCI/CD |
How Singer and Apache Airflow Compare
Singer
Open-source data integration framework
Free · 80/100 score
Apache Airflow
Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines
Paid · 86/100 score
Singer is a api tools tool. Apache Airflow is in workflow automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Singer is free. Apache Airflow is paid.
Go with: Singer
Want the highest-rated option?
Singer: 80/100. 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?
Singer is free. Apache Airflow is paid. Go with Singer if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Singer is a api tools 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 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Apache Airflow
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 80
- Our pick for this comparison
Singer
- Completely free
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
Apache Airflow (86/100) is our pick. That said, Singer is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Singer or Apache Airflow better?
Apache Airflow scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Singer is free and Apache Airflow is paid.
What are Singer and Apache Airflow used for?
Singer: Open-source data integration framework. Apache Airflow: Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines.
What does Singer cost vs Apache Airflow?
Singer is completely free. Apache Airflow is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.