Talend vs Apache Airflow: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Talend 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:
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
Apache Airflow
Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 7.8/10)
- • 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 |  Talend |  Apache Airflow |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Big Data Analytics | Workflow Automation |
Rating | 78/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Talend | Apache Airflow |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 78 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Big Data AnalyticsETL & Data Pipelines | Workflow AutomationCI/CD |
How Talend and Apache Airflow Compare
Talend
Data integration and management platform
Paid · 78/100 score
Apache Airflow
Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines
Paid · 86/100 score
Talend is a big data analytics tool. Apache Airflow is in workflow automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Apache Airflow
Want the highest-rated option?
Talend: 78/100. 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?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Talend is a big data analytics 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 78/100.
Key Takeaways
Apache Airflow
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 78
- Our pick for this comparison
Talend
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
Apache Airflow (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Talend or Apache Airflow better?
Apache Airflow scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Talend and Apache Airflow used for?
Talend: Data integration and management platform. Apache Airflow: Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines.
What does Talend cost vs Apache Airflow?
Talend is a paid tool. Apache Airflow is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.