What is the main difference between Apache Airflow and Prefect?

Apache Airflow and Prefect are both workflow orchestration tools but differ in their approach, features, and target audience. Compare their GitHub stats, technology stack, and community adoption to make the best choice.

Which is better: Apache Airflow or Prefect?

The choice between Apache Airflow and Prefect depends on your specific needs, technical requirements, and team preferences. Both are quality open source solutions with active communities.

Can I migrate from Apache Airflow to Prefect?

Migration between Apache Airflow and Prefect is possible but requires careful planning. Consider data export/import capabilities, feature parity, and potential workflow changes.

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Apache Airflow vs Prefect

Learn how Apache Airflow and Prefect differ in their key features, development activity, technology stack and community adoption, so you can decide which of these workflow orchestration tools is best for you.

Apache Airflow

Python-based workflow orchestration platform for scheduling, monitoring, and managing data pipelines at any scale.

Visit Apache Airflow Read more

47,279stars+293(+0.6%)

Last 30 days

Last commit
7 hours ago
Repository age
12 years
Version
3.3.2
License
Apache-2.0
Self-hosted
Yes
Repository
apache/airflow

Prefect

Orchestrate data pipelines, ML jobs, and agent workflows in plain Python with automatic retries, scheduling, and a unified UI for every run across your infrastructure.

Visit Prefect Read more

24,076stars+145(+0.6%)

Last 30 days

Last commit
7 hours ago
Repository age
8 years
Version
3.9.0
License
Apache-2.0
Self-hosted
Yes
Repository
prefecthq/prefect

Detailed Comparison

Apache Airflow appears to have several advantages over Prefect, particularly in popularity and maturity. Consider your specific needs regarding popularity, growth, activity, maturity, licensing and features when making your decision.

Apache Airflow wins

Community & Popularity

Apache Airflow leads in popularity with 47,279 stars vs 24,076 stars for Prefect. The 96% higher star count indicates stronger community adoption. In terms of developer contributions, Apache Airflow has 18,151 forks, indicating strong developer engagement.

Comparable

Growth Momentum

Apache Airflow and Prefect are moving at much the same rate, adding 293 stars and adding 145 stars respectively over the last 30 days (+0.6% vs +0.6%). Neither is pulling away from the other on momentum alone.

Comparable

Development Activity

Both projects show recent activity, with Apache Airflow last updated 7 hours ago and Prefect 7 hours ago.

Apache Airflow wins

Project Maturity

Apache Airflow has been in development longer, starting 12 years ago, compared to Prefect which began 8 years ago. This 3.3-year head start suggests Apache Airflow may have more mature features and established processes.

Comparable