Singer vs Dagster: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Singer and Dagster 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
Dagster
Data orchestration platform for ML pipelines
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need workflow automation features specifically
- • Modern data pipeline tool
- • Declarative YAML configurations
| At a Glance |  Singer |  Dagster |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | API Tools | Workflow Automation |
Rating | 80/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Singer | Dagster |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 85 |
| 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 Dagster Compare
Singer
Open-source data integration framework
Free · 80/100 score
Dagster
Data orchestration platform for ML pipelines
Paid · 85/100 score
Singer is a api tools tool. Dagster is in workflow automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Singer is free. Dagster is paid.
Go with: Singer
Want the highest-rated option?
Singer: 80/100. Dagster: 85/100.
Go with: Dagster
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Dagster
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Singer is free. Dagster is paid. Go with Singer if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Singer is a api tools tool. Dagster is in workflow automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Dagster scores higher: 85/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Dagster
- Higher score: 85/100 vs 80
- Our pick for this comparison
Singer
- Completely free
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
Dagster (85/100) is our pick. That said, Singer is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Singer or Dagster better?
Dagster scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Singer is free and Dagster is paid.
What are Singer and Dagster used for?
Singer: Open-source data integration framework. Dagster: Data orchestration platform for ML pipelines.
What does Singer cost vs Dagster?
Singer is completely free. Dagster is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.