Side by side
OpenLineage vs OpenMetadata
Both stand on data lineage tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APISelf-hosted
Choose OpenLineage when you need an open, extensible format for lineage events across data tools. Look elsewhere if you want a ready-made metadata server; the project points to Marquez for receiving and analyzing events.
Visit OpenLineage
Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb
OpenMetadata combines data cataloging and governance with business definitions and organizational memory. Teams choosing an authentication setup should note that simultaneous use of multiple mechanisms is unsupported.
Visit OpenMetadataThe facts
| OpenLineage | OpenMetadata | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Self-hosted | API, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | openlineage.io | open-metadata.org |
| On data lineage tools | #13 of 43 | #9 of 43 |
OpenLineage: what it does well
- Free and open-source open standard
- Tracks datasets, jobs, and runs
- User-defined facets extend the lineage model
- Python and Java event clients
- Documented integrations across major data tools
What to know first
- It is not a metadata server
- Integration capability matrix is incomplete
- Legacy Airflow support before version 2.7 is unmaintained
- Not every mechanism gathers every metadata facet
OpenMetadata: what it does well
- Catalog includes discovery, quality, observability, and lineage.
- Connectors support 130+ data services.
- Can be self-hosted or tried in a live sandbox.
- Provides a native MCP server and AI SDK.
- Self-hosted plan is listed as free.
What to know first
- Multiple authentication mechanisms cannot be used simultaneously.
- Self-hosted deployment requires managing the organization’s own environment.
Alternatives to OpenLineage Alternatives to OpenMetadata The whole list