13 data integration tools: a comparative analysis of the top solutions

Choosing the right data integration tool can be like looking for a needle in a tech haystack:

• Which data integration software is compatible with my tech stack?
• Which data integration tool is cost-effective?
• What features does a data integration platform need to have?

Don't worry! We're your experienced guides in this complex data integration landscape and are here to help.

Take a look at the next table!

Here we've listed 13 data integration platforms. We've collected a broad spectrum of tools, so they cover many data integration scenarios and satisfy different requirements.

Click on the software name to jump directly to the corresponding section of the article!

This article isn't just a read – it's a beacon that lights up the path to making your choice of a data integration tool not only easy but enjoyable. We've done the heavy lifting filtering out the clutter to bring you valuable insight.

Before we begin, let’s set the common ground!

What is data integration?

Data integration is a way of combining data from different sources into a single, unified view. It involves cleaning, transforming, and consolidating data from various databases, applications, systems, or services.

Data integration aims to provide meaningful and valuable information that can be easily used for analytical, operational, or transactional purposes.

It's not just about moving data from one place to another, but also about ensuring data consistency, reliability, and high quality.

What is a data integration tool?

So, a data integration tool is software that facilitates the data integration process.

At a minimum, it should be capable of extracting, managing, and combining all the data from multiple sources in one single platform. This process is often called ETL – extract, transform, load.

Depending on the platform, certain steps of database integration are available out of the box, but you can also write a custom algorithm.

Types of data integration platforms

Would you rather have a map when entering a maze?

This question is no joke, as there are dozens of integration platforms on the market, and the selection process can be puzzling.

While working on this article, we looked through a lot of public sources and to our surprise didn’t find a comprehensive classification. That’s why we outlined 10 categories of data integration solutions. You can use this table as a starting point for choosing the right platform for your company.

There are 10 categories of data integration tools in the list and several features in each category. You can evaluate them and decide which set of features is necessary for you. You can also add extra features that will be relevant to your specific use case.

So when you read about or try out new data integration software, you are no longer wandering blindly. You now have a map!

What are the best data integration tools in 2023?

We'll review data integration tools from the first table one by one giving a broad overview of those.

n8n

n8n is a highly customizable integration tool that provides a rich set of features to automate workflows across multiple apps. The tool values usability, yet supports advanced functionalities.

A standout feature of n8n is the self-hosted mode (even on a free tier!), which allows data ownership and control. For those who value data ownership and want to avoid high-cost operations, n8n is certainly a worthy consideration.

Although the tool can be used by beginners with little or no coding, it assumes users' skills grow over time and evolve with them, providing more and more advanced features: JS expressions, JS and Python code, custom system calls, and queue mode suitable for highly loaded automation.

• Extremely customizable to meet the needs of both tech and non-tech users;
• Build custom scenarios at speed: use branching and routing of multiple data sources and destinations at once;
• Convenient API auth: configure once, n8n takes the rest;
• 600+ ready-made free workflows to get you started;
• Hundreds of ready-made nodes for popular services and databases;
• Generic HTTP Request node to make custom integrations, no need to code;
• A cost-effective pricing structure offers a good balance of free and paid functions.

• More complex automations require certain technical knowledge;
• Self-hosted version entails some sysadmin knowledge.

• Self-hosted Community version is free;
• Starter single-user cloud plan –  €20/Mo;
• Cloud Pro plan for teams – from €50/Mo;
• Contact sales for a quote on an enterprise plan (either cloud or self-hosted).

Here are more ideas for integration with n8n:

Rivery

Rivery is a robust data transformation tool designed to optimize integration and streamline data sharing between tech and non-tech users. Its ability to facilitate efficient data orchestration through its informative dashboard, versatile Rivery Kits, and Python code integration creates a user-friendly environment.

As noted in numerous user reviews, its straightforward interface facilitates the learning curve, allowing users to create sophisticated ETL scripts in a matter of hours using only SQL.

However, despite its merits, Rivery has some translucency issues when it comes to understanding the functions of the three types of Rivers for different purposes and their payments' obscurity.

Although these issues can be daunting for novice users, once understood, they can serve as features that aid in customization and organizational operations.

• Informative dashboard for effective monitoring;
• Rivery version history to track changes;
• Environment and Deploy Manager with Environment variables for organized operation;
• Rivery Kits serve as practical starter packages;
• Python code integration provides greater versatility.

• Confusion around the functions of the three types of Rivery: Source to Target, Logic River, Action River;
• Obscure payments: pricing structure for RPU is not easily understandable;
• Data synch intervals are not instant, minimum delay for Starter plan is 60 mins;
• Limited functionality for developers compared to admins.

• Starter – $0.75/RPU Credit;
• Professional – $1.20/RPU Credit;
• Enterprise -  you`ll need to contact the Rivery sales team for a quote.

Skyvia

Skyvia is a user-friendly data integration tool that excels in creating simple relationships and executing straightforward tasks. It's ideal for organizations looking to automate data backups with robust security, thanks to its hosting in the secure Azure data cloud.

The ability to run scheduled integrations at varying frequencies simplifies data management for SMBs. However, for complex operations where multiple systems need to interact, Skyvia falls short as the types of automation appear quite isolated.

• Capability to map relationships when integrating data: This versatility enables cross-departmental integrations, such as syncing employee details from HR with DevOps task assignments;
• Straightforward monitoring and logging: This makes Skyvia easy to troubleshoot and quickly identify issues;
• Hosted on Azure, providing robust security: A critical requirement for any data-related operation.

• The four main types of automation (data integration, query, connect and backup) seem isolated, which can cause issues in complex scenarios;
• The tool's capabilities seem limited for complex tasks or when more iteration between systems is required;
• Although the integrations can run on a schedule, the lower-tier plans only allow daily runs.

• Free plan for a small volume of data – $0/Mo;
• Basic plan – $19/Mo;
• Standard – $99/Mo;
• Professional – $499/Mo.

Cyclr

Cyclr is an embedded integration technology ideal for enhancing SaaS platforms and applications. It improves the speed and satisfaction of customer integration needs directly from the application.

Designed with a four-layer architecture, Cyclr provides a comprehensive set of functionality:

1. Connector layer: Visual API representation with a library of pre-built connectors for customization.
2. Orchestration layer: Pre-mapping and logical steps for easy integration.
3. Presentation layer: White-label platform for direct customer deployment, customizable through the Cyclr API.
4. Performance layer: Ensures seamless workflow management at scale.

• User-friendly interface: Cyclr's drag-and-drop system is intuitive, making it easy to use even without prior technical knowledge;
• Extensive app Library: over 500+ connectors to various popular apps;
• Advanced customization: apart from being able to create custom connectors using developer tools, users also have the flexibility to tailor integrations to meet specific business needs.

• Limited support: while it supports a large number of applications, notable omissions such as Salesforce and HubSpot can hinder the seamless integration processes;
• Limited analytics: the lack advanced analytical features can be limiting for businesses that require detailed data analysis;
• Pricing: based on the number of integration endpoints, this solution could be expensive for large businesses that need to integrate multiple applications.

• Startup plan – starting at $999/Mo;
• Growth plan – starting at $1899/Mo;
• Scale plan – contact sales for a quote.

Make.com

Make.com is a highly sought-after tool that allows for smooth data integration and transformation. It boasts an array of functionalities including custom app creation, storage for execution logs, and access to over 300 Make API endpoints, expediting the automation of tasks with ease.

However, despite its wide-ranging capabilities, Make has a number of limitations. The tool is entirely cloud-based and hence masks the thorough potential of certain scenarios critical to data ownership.

For instance, using this tool can put SecOps at a disadvantage as they will not be able to fully control and protect sensitive data. Moreover, it might burn a hole in your pocket since the price depends on the number of operations and can easily spike if the automations are run too often or as they become heavier.

• Intuitive User Interface;
• Advanced features: especially the built-In Data Store and the Word document template system;
• Offers possibilities to connect various inputs to their respective outputs.

• Cloud-based: data ownership becomes a concern as the tool is completely cloud-based;
• High costs: not suitable for budget projects as the costs spike with increased usage.

• Free starter plan with a small amount of operations per month;
• Core plan – starting at $9/Mo;
• Pro plan – from $9/Mo;
• Teams plan – from $9/Mo;
• Contact sales for a quote on the Enterprise plan.

Integrate.io

Integrate.io is a robust platform for data integration that offers a wide range of services such as low-code ETL, data replication and warehouse, API generation and analytics platform. Initially catering to the e-commerce industry, it has now expanded beyond this niche to become an invaluable tool for data-driven decision making in various fields.

• Intuitive user interface topped with a wide spectrum of functions beyond just ETL;
• Several reviews on Capterra praise it’s top-notch technical support that is both responsive and competent;
• Inclusion of multiple data sources, making it easy to quickly create custom datasets.

• Currently only cloud-based sources are supported, so working with local files like Excel or CSV is not possible;
• The set of pre-built connectors for source & destination components is rather limited and could be expanded (e.g. inclusion of Zendesk, Bing Ads);
• Can prove to be costly on an annual basis compared to alternatives.

• For ETL & reverse ETL, the Starter plan comes at $15K/year;
• Professional plan – starting at $25K/year;
• Enterprise – contact the sales team.

Boomi AtomSphere

Boomi AtomSphere is a robust integration platform designed to cater to the dynamic needs of large enterprises and organizations. It is built on the principle that not only technical experts but also non-technical people are able to perform system integrations.

In addition to ETL, Boomi AtomSphere offers a range of software integration features such as API management, a master data hub, EDI management, and other cloud-based services. The AtomSphere platform is particularly efficient in facilitating numerous applications beyond data integration.

However, the tool requires a significant amount of training to truly master due to its intricate interface and complex terminology.

• Support the whole data integration life cycle;
• System integration capabilities with ready-made examples;
• A wide array of out-of-the-box integration connectors.

• The interface is visually loaded and therefore difficult to navigate;
• Platform terminology can be complex and confusing;
• Requires extensive training before users can use it effectively.

Pricing is not listed on the website, you`ll need to contact the sales team. A recent Reddit thread reveals pricing details and the user claims Boomi charges $320/mo per connector.

Jitterbit Harmony

Jitterbit is an established platform in the realm of data integration and transformation, offering a wealth of tools designed to make complex business processes as intuitive as possible.

It stands apart with its convenient suite of features including Cloud Studio, API Management, Vinyl low-code app builder, Marketplace and Management Console – all designed to successfully manage every stage of the integration lifecycle.

Jitterbit Harmony, the ETL part of the platform, stands out for features such as robust connectors for established enterprise-level solutions such as SAP, Oracle Netsuite and Microsoft Dynamic. It also offers data auto-matching and cloud deployments for highly productive workflows.

• Comprehensive one-stop solution for ETL, API Management, Low-Code App Builder and more;
• Extended enterprise-level connector support for industry heavyweights like SAP, Oracle Netsuite and Microsoft Dynamics;
• Offers data auto-matching capabilities;
• Deployment ability in the cloud for high performance workflows;
• Jitterbit Studio's visual workflow designer makes it easier to design complex business operations.

• Pricing can be on the higher end, especially when integrating more than two APIs;
• Absence of pre-built capabilities, such as error-tracking or monitoring, can hamper user-experience unless custom programmed;
• Out-of-the-box functionality seems limited; Users have to write their own plugins for features such as OAuth.

The website doesn't list the costs, so you should reach out to the Jitterbit´s sales team for pricing information. According to comments from Reddit users, prices can escalate to a range in the high five figures annually.

MuleSoft Composer

Mulesoft Composer is a new automation tool designed for businesses seeking to enhance data integration across departments. It simplifies automation through a user-friendly interface akin to Microsoft Power Automate, catering to tech-savvy and non-tech users alike. The tool's distinctive structure, involving IT department oversight, bolsters security.

Customer reviews, despite its novelty, applaud its data integration capabilities, although it may have limited connectors and higher pricing compared to alternatives.

• Automation interface akin to MS Power Automate promotes efficient use;
• Approval structure involving IT departments ensures secure automations;
• Built-in templates and pre-built connectors facilitate swift integration.

• Relative novelty results in limited number of connectors;
• License price point may be higher compared to competitors.

Pricing plans are unavailable on the website. You should contact the Mulesoft sales team for a quote. Our search revealed some redditors claiming that prices are in the range of tens of thousands of USD per year.

Talend

Talend Data Fabric aims to be a one-stop solution for all data integration and data quality monitoring needs. As an OData compliant tool, it allows for the creation of proprietary company level APIs, making integration with other software systems straightforward and efficient. Talend provides a comprehensive solution by offering powerful data management tools as well as metrics to track data quality, such as the innovative Talend trust score.

• A data integration platform designed to collect, govern, transform and share company-wide data;
• Empowered with potent tools to not only manage data, but also monitor data quality;
• Creates APIs for integration with other company-level software;
• Has functionality to monitor the activity of the API used for integration;
• Cited as easy-to-use by many users due to the wide range of support, such as MySQL and noSQL databases.

• The naming of its eight different solutions is rather confusing since determining which tool to use can be difficult;
• Some user reviews indicate that the software becomes slower as project size increases;
• Exception-handling capabilities could be more robust, according to reviewers.

Pricing for the platform is not provided on the website and requires a call with the sales team. We could not easily find price ranges on the forums. An older posting on the Talend community forum indicated $12K/year per user for a Cloud Data Integration.

Fivetran

Fivetran is a powerful modern data integration and transformation tool adapted to today's landscape of cloud-based data storage and operations. It excels in a range of different contexts, from fledgling startups to established enterprises, offering an efficient, low-code solution for ETL data workflows, well integrated with Snowflake and PostgreSQL data warehouse destinations.

Fivetran provides an end-to-end solution, allowing users to create connectors, transformations and destinations that cater to their unique needs. A strong coupling with dbt Core and SQL for data transformations offers convenient options for both tech and non-tech users. Less tech-savvy users can rely on more traditional SQL syntax, while dbt Core allows you to create advanced data transformations using Ninja templating macros.

• Offers a low-code ELT solution suitable even for small startups;
• Compatible with multiple data warehouse destinations such as Snowflake and PostgreSQL;
• Logs and alerts keeps users up-to-date about all data operations, increasing transparency in the process;
• Fivetran architecture provides some out-of-the-box functionality such as a rollback mechanism for failed syncs and prevention of database schema drift.

• The pricing model can be confusing, and row-by-row selection can lead to unexpected cost spikes;
• Some reviewers have complained about performance issues when scaling up to handle large volumes of data;
• Creating custom data connectors can be challenging, as it requires programming knowledge and only a few hosting options are available (particularly cloud functions from Google, Azure or AWS Lambda).

• Free plan for individuals automating small volumes of data;
• Starter, Standard and Enterprise plans have obscure pricing. The price calculator and pricing guide show figures ranging from hundreds of USD per month to ten thousand of USD monthly;
• For information on Business Critical and Private Deployment plans, please contact the sales team.

dbt Cloud

Reading about the previous integration tool, you probably noticed the support of dbt Core (Data Build Tools) for data transformations. In fact, dbt Core is a product of its own – an open-source command-line tool for data pipelines. In addition to the Core product, dbt also offers a Cloud platform that strives to bridge the gap between software developers and data management professionals with its SQL-first transformation workflow. This tool allows teams to deploy analytical code following software engineering best practices.

DBT offers robust features such as modularity, portability, automatic documentation generation and an elaborate CI/CD process. Combined with its versatility in supporting diverse environments (Dev or Deployment for each project), dbt simplifies data management by allowing users to easily select preferred data warehouses, configure environments and schedule jobs using CRON or Webhooks.

• Support user collaboration with native GitHub support and environments;
• SQL commands or Jinja template macros for data transformations;
• User-friendly automatic generation of DBT docs from YML files;
• Efficient debugging support with automatically generated data lineage graphs and built-in scheduler.

• Need for additional training given the use of SQL and Jinja, as noted by some external users;
• Difficulty integrating DBT with CI/CD processes;
• Not suitable for Non-Tech Users: The tool can be overwhelming for the average user due to its focus on software development practices.

• Developer – free with a single seat and limited monthly usage;
• Team – $100 per developer seat per month;
• Enterprise – need to contact sales for a quote.

WSO2 Choreo

WSO2 offers a range of data integration tools, from the low-code Micro Integrator to Ballerina, an open-source programming language optimized for integration. The latest product in their arsenal is Choreo, released in 2022, which takes away the pain of setting up a software manufacturing environment. With Choreo, developers can build services, APIs, data integrations and more directly on the platform and then deliver the results to users. All using a low-code interface or several programming languages.

On the downside, as a new entrant to the market, Choreo has limited user reviews, mostly focused on its API management capabilities. While developers find it easy to work with this platform due to its flexible code compatibility and sleek visual interface featuring workflow diagrams, non-developer users may find it hard to navigate without some form of training.

• Develop a range of products beyond just data integration;
• Modern UI with low-code workflows;
• Pro-code capabilities for advanced integrations with support for a variety of programming languages.

• Limited number of user reviews available;
• Requires initial understanding of development processes for effective use;
• Documentation is under development and seems to cover only a fraction of the platform capabilities.

• Developer – free up to 5 components;
• Pay-as-you-go – $150 per component per month;
• Enterprise – custom quotes, sales department should be contacted.

Wrap Up

In this article, we've reviewed 13 platforms from different data integration vendors that cater to various needs: hosting, licensing, data processing, integration approach, scale, usability, support, security, compliance, connectivity, and data quality management.

We've also shared a feature matrix that you can expand upon and use when searching for the most suitable integration platform to meet your specific needs.

We've provided some insights about each of the data integration platforms and hopefully made the selection process easier for you!

n8n is a great choice for data integration for a variety of scenarios:

• When you just start with data integration and want to dive in gradually;
• As you gain experience, you may need more complex integrations beyond just a single source – target pairs;
• When you need both data ownership and reasonable pricing.

With n8n, you can work alone, as part of a small team, or in a large enterprise. Choose from our cloud plans to get started now, or explore the powerful features of the Enterprise edition, trusted by many large corporations.

What’s next?

The focus of data integration is mainly on collecting quality data in a centralized place. Check out several other articles on related topics:

• If you need to integrate several apps, check out this overview of iPaaS vendors.
• Since many services rely heavily on APIs, we made an overview of the API integration tools.
• For those who want to dig a little deeper, here’s how to easily create an API with n8n.

We'd love to hear your feedback on your community forum. Here you'll find answers to most questions about n8n. Users, external experts and company members make sure that no question goes unanswered.