Side by side
OpenMetadata vs Soda
Both stand on data observability 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-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 OpenMetadata
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1
Soda combines data testing, observability, and contracts for teams managing data quality across workflows. Teams considering paid use should account for the Team plan’s 750.00 USD monthly price and the Enterprise tier for premium support.
Visit SodaThe facts
| OpenMetadata | Soda | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | No |
| Runs on | API, Self-hosted, Web | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Team: $750 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | open-metadata.org | soda.io |
| On data observability tools | #1 of 13 | #2 of 13 |
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.
Soda: what it does well
- Tests data across development and CI/CD workflows.
- Observability does not require every rule upfront.
- Sample rows are not collected by default.
- Offers three deployment models.
- Free plan includes pipeline testing and alerting integrations.
What to know first
- Team plan costs $750 a month.
- Premium support is an Enterprise feature.
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