Windmill.dev vs Prefect: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Windmill.dev and Prefect 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 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Windmill.dev
Build, deploy, and monitor internal software, workflows, and data pipelines with code flexibility.
Best for you if:
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Build internal tools, workflows, and data pipelines using code.
- • Supports multiple programming languages and Git-based collaboration.
Prefect
Modern workflow orchestration platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need automation features specifically
- • Prefect is a modern data workflow orchestration platform
- • It schedules and monitors Python data pipelines with observability
| At a Glance |  Windmill.dev | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Big Data Analytics | Automation |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Windmill.dev | Prefect |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Big Data AnalyticsWorkflow Automation | AutomationWorkflow Automation |
How Windmill.dev and Prefect Compare
Windmill.dev
Build, deploy, and monitor internal software, workflows, and data pipelines with code flexibility.
Free tier available
Prefect
Modern workflow orchestration platform
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Windmill.dev is a big data analytics tool. Prefect is in automation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Windmill.dev
Want the highest-rated option?
Prefect scores 84/100. Windmill.dev is unrated.
Go with: Prefect
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Prefect
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Windmill.dev is a big data analytics tool. Prefect is in automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Prefect
- Higher score: 84/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Windmill.dev
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
Prefect (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windmill.dev or Prefect better?
Prefect scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Windmill.dev and Prefect used for?
Windmill.dev: Build, deploy, and monitor internal software, workflows, and data pipelines with code flexibility.. Prefect: Modern workflow orchestration platform.
What does Windmill.dev cost vs Prefect?
Windmill.dev is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Prefect is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.