Temporal vs Apache Airflow: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Temporal 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:
Temporal
Durable execution for microservices
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need low-code backend features specifically
- • Temporal is a durable workflow platform for building reliable applications
- • It handles failures, retries, and state management for long-running processes
Apache Airflow
Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines
Best for you if:
- • 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 |  Temporal |  Apache Airflow |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Low-Code Backend | Workflow Automation |
Rating | 88/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Temporal | Apache Airflow |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Low-Code BackendAutomation | Workflow AutomationCI/CD |
How Temporal and Apache Airflow Compare
Temporal
Durable execution for microservices
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Apache Airflow
Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines
Paid · 86/100 score
Temporal is a low-code backend tool. Apache Airflow is in workflow automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Temporal has a free tier. Apache Airflow is paid only.
Go with: Temporal
Want the highest-rated option?
Temporal: 88/100. Apache Airflow: 86/100.
Go with: Temporal
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Temporal
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Temporal is freemium. Apache Airflow is paid. Temporal lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Temporal is a low-code backend tool. Apache Airflow is in workflow automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Temporal scores higher: 88/100 vs 86/100.
Key Takeaways
Temporal
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 86
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Apache Airflow
- Better fit for workflow automation
The Bottom Line
Temporal (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Temporal or Apache Airflow better?
Temporal scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Temporal is freemium and Apache Airflow is paid.
What are Temporal and Apache Airflow used for?
Temporal: Durable execution for microservices. Apache Airflow: Workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines.
What does Temporal cost vs Apache Airflow?
Temporal is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Apache Airflow is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.