Side by side
Apache Arrow DataFusion vs Apache Hive
Both stand on query engine software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted
DataFusion offers a customizable query engine with a broad set of built-in formats and runtime controls. Its core is intended for in-process use, while distributed processing is handled by the related Ballista project.
Visit Apache Arrow DataFusion
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2
Apache Hive combines SQL data warehousing with metadata services, transaction support, and connections to multiple storage systems. Check the release-specific prerequisites before choosing a version, particularly if you are considering the end-of-life 3.x line.
Visit Apache HiveThe facts
| Apache Arrow DataFusion | Apache Hive | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | datafusion.apache.org | hive.apache.org |
| On query engine software | #5 of 28 | #1 of 28 |
Apache Arrow DataFusion: what it does well
- Free open-source project with SQL and DataFrame APIs.
- Supports parallel and streaming query execution.
- Reads CSV, Parquet, JSON, Avro, and Arrow.
- Enforces memory limits and supports disk spilling.
What to know first
- Core project is designed for in-process use.
- Official Apache releases are source artifacts.
Apache Hive: what it does well
- Free and open-source data warehouse software.
- Supports large datasets with SQL.
- JDBC and ODBC clients connect through HiveServer2.
- Supports Iceberg tables through its StorageHandler.
- Offers fine-grained access control and audit logging.
What to know first
- The 3.x release line is end of life.
- Hive 4.2.x requires JDK 21 at minimum.
- Current prerequisites also list Hadoop 3.3.6 and Tez.
Alternatives to Apache Arrow DataFusion Alternatives to Apache Hive The whole list