Prefect vs Airbyte Pricing (2026)

Which one is cheaper?

Airbyte is the cheaper option, starting at $29/mo vs $100/mo for Prefect.

Can I use either one for free?

Both offer free plans, so you can try each without paying. Start with whichever fits your workflow better and upgrade when you hit the limits.

How do they charge?

Different approach here. Prefect uses hybrid pricing, while Airbyte goes with usage-based. That changes the math depending on your team size and usage.

Which one is a better deal?

Depends on what you need. Prefect: At $100/mo entry for paid plans, Prefect sits mid-pack — pricier than bare-bones workflow tools but well below heavyweight enterprise data orchestration platforms that gate everything behind custom quotes. They're clearly courting data teams who've outgrown open-source Prefect Core but aren't ready for a six-figure Airflow-alternative contract. Airbyte: Sitting below enterprise ETL players like Fivetran on price, Airbyte leans on its open-source roots to win developers who want control without enterprise sticker shock. The free tier and low Individual price are clearly aimed at poaching users who'd otherwise self-host or hack together scripts, while Custom exists to compete for the same enterprise budgets as pricier rivals.

Still deciding? See the best Prefect alternatives or the best Airbyte alternatives, ranked with verified pricing.