10 Best Data Migration Tools of 2025

Data Migration, as the name suggests, refers to moving data from one point to another. It could be location to location, format to format, or application to application. This one-time process of transferring data may include Preparing, Transforming, and Extracting the data, using different migration tools.  

Ideally, Data Migration should be carried out without any data loss and with minimal manual Data Recreation or Manipulation. This article talks about the 12 best Data Migration Tools currently in the marketplace for your Data Migration needs.

What is Data Migration?

In the context of the Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) process, any Data Migration process would at least cover the load and transform steps. This implies that the extracted data must go through a preparation series of operations. This is followed by loading this data to a target location where it can be used by Data Scientists, Data Analysts, etc to extract meaningful insights.

Take a look at how data migration works in detail to get a better understanding of the concept.

Importance of Data Migration

• Establishing a New Data Warehouse
• Overhauling an Entire System
• Upgrading Databases
• Merging New Data from an Acquisition
• Deploying Additional Systems  
• Upgrading Technology
• Data Consolidation
• Compliance and Security
• Business Expansion and Mergers

Irrespective of the exact purpose of Data Migration software, the primary goal is to enhance competitiveness and performance. If a Data Migration process is not carried out correctly, it can lead to inaccurate data (redundancies and unknowns) occupying space in the target location. This might even happen if the source data is fully adequate and usable.

Also, look at the key differences between Data Migration vs Data Integration to make sure you understand the difference between the two terms.

What are Data Migration Tools?

Data migration tools are designed to help move data from one system to another, whether it’s transferring data between databases or shifting it to the cloud. These tools streamline the migration process, reducing the manual effort needed and helping to prevent errors. They often include options to transform data, allowing it to fit properly into the new system’s structure or format.

Many tools also validate the data to ensure it’s accurate and matches the original, maintaining data quality throughout the transfer. Additionally, they prioritize data security, protecting sensitive information and ensuring compliance during the entire process.

Types of Data Migration Tools

Organizations can either write their Data Migration scripts or use Cloud-Based or On-Premises database migration tools. Self-Scripted Data Migration is an in-house solution that might be suitable for small projects but it’s not scalable for larger projects. If all your data is present in one location then On-Premises Data Migration Tools are the way to go.

Cloud-Based Data Migration Tools might be suitable for organizations moving their data from a diverse set of platforms/sources to a Cloud-Based destination. Here is a deeper dive into the three types of Data Migration Tools:

• On-Premises: On-Premise solutions come in handy for static data requirements with no plans to scale. It is an ideal option for compliance requirements prohibiting Multitenant or Cloud-Based Data Migration Tools. It offers low latency and complete control over the stack from the application to the physical layers. However, this means that these tools must be kept up and running.  
• Self-Scripted: These solutions are ideal for small-scale projects and quick fixes. These can also be used when a specific destination or source is unsupported by other tools. Self-Scripted Data Migration Tools can be developed pretty quickly but require extensive coding knowledge.
• Cloud-Based: Cloud-Based Data Migration Tools are used when you need to scale up and down to meet dynamic data requirements. These tools follow a pay-as-you-go pricing that eliminates unnecessary spending on unused resources.  

Also, take a look at the types of database migration in detail to broaden your thought process.

The Top Data Migration Tools

Here is a comprehensive list of some of the best Data Migration Tools available in the market, that you can choose from for your Analytics pipeline:

1. Hevo Data

Hevo, one of the top ETL tools for data migration, is the only real-time ELT No-code Data Pipeline platform that cost-effectively automates data pipelines that are flexible to your needs. With integration with 150+ Data Sources (40+ free sources), we help you not only export data from sources & load data to the destinations but also transform & enrich your data, & make it analysis-ready.

For the rare times things do go wrong, Hevo ensures zero data loss. To find the root cause of an issue, Hevo also lets you monitor your workflow so that you can address the issue before it derails the entire workflow. Check Hevo’s in-depth documentation to learn more.

Hevo has a simple, transparent pricing model that has 3 usage-based pricing plans starting with a free tier, where you can ingest up to 1 million records.

Key features of Hevo

• Data Transformation: It provides a simple interface to perfect, modify, and enrich the data you want to transfer.
• Schema Management: Hevo can automatically detect the schema of the incoming data and maps it to the destination schema.
• Incremental Data Load: Hevo allows the transfer of data that has been modified in real-time. This ensures efficient utilization of bandwidth on both ends.

Hevo was the most mature Extract and Load solution available, along with Fivetran and Stitch but it had better customer service and attractive pricing. Switching to a Modern Data Stack with Hevo as our go-to pipeline solution has allowed us to boost team collaboration and improve data reliability, and with that, the trust of our stakeholders on the data we serve.

– Juan Ramos, Analytics Engineer, Ebury

Hevo Data is also a database migration tool as it supports databases as sources. Check out how Hevo empowered Ebury to build reliable data products.

2. Fivetran

Fivetran offers automated Data Integration that is built on a fully managed ELT architecture. Its idempotent core architecture makes it resilient to data duplication and failure while minimizing computational costs. Fivetran eliminates user maintenance and ensures 99.9% uptime. 

Salient features of Fivetran

• Transformations: Fivetran does not transform data prior to loading. It has recently started offering support for post-load transformations through copy-and-paste SQL.  
• Support and Training: Fivetran offers support through an in-app form. It also offers comprehensive documentation for all its services. However, Fivetran doesn’t offer any training services. 
• Connectors: Fivetran offers connectors for various data sources. It supports over a dozen Data Warehouse destinations but offers no support for Data Lakes. 

Fivetran Pricing  

Fivetran pricing is based on credits. Credits offer value based on the actual number of MARs used by the customer in a given billing period and the MAR threshold, as stated in the Service Consumption Table.

The pricing plans offered by Fivetran

3. Matillion

Matillion is a Cloud-Based ETL platform that enables your data journey by migrating, extracting, and transforming your data in the Cloud. This allows you to gain new insights and make better decisions. 

Key features of Matillion

• Transformations: Matillion supports post-load transformations through its Transformation Components. Any user can create a Transformation Component either by writing SQL Queries or via point and click selection. This allows you to drag any component onto Matillion’s visual workspace at a specific point in the Data Pipeline.  
• Support and Training: Matillion offers support through an online ticketing system that can be accessed by email or its support portal. Documentation depends on articles that can be accessed through the support portal. Matillion doesn’t provide training services but you can look through the tutorial videos on Matillion’s YouTube channel.
• Connectors: Matillion integrates with close to 60 data sources in 7 key categories: ERP, finance, social networks, databases, internet resources, CRM, marketing communications, file, and document formats. Customers can request the company to build a new data source. Matillion doesn’t allow anyone outside the company to create new Data Source integrations or make improvements to the existing resources. Matillion supports Google BigQuery, Amazon Redshift, and Snowflake as destinations. 

Matillion Pricing

Matillion offers a 14-day free trial to its new customers. Its pricing plans depend on the platform on which the customer’s Data Warehouse runs. It charges an hourly rate depending on the instance size run by the customers. Apart from this, it also offers annual billing plans.

4. Stitch Data

Stitch Data is a Cloud-Based ETL platform that allows you to move data pretty quickly from point A to point B without any coding necessary. This enables you to focus on extracting actionable insights from your data to steer business growth.

Key features of Stitch Data

• Transformations: Stitch Data is an ELT product that only carries out the transformations required for compatibility with the destination. This consists of denesting data or translating the data types whenever necessary. Stitch Data is a part of Talend that also offers tools for transforming data through external processing engines like MapReduce and Apache Spark. It also offers a set of tools that can transform the data within the Data Warehouse itself. 
• Support and Training: Stitch Data offers in-app chat support to all its customers. Phone support is provided only to its Enterprise customers. Stitch Data also offers support SLAs to ensure a smooth customer journey. The documentation provided by Stitch Data is open-source and comprehensive. Therefore, it allows anyone to offer improvements and additions or repurpose the content for their needs. However, Stitch Data doesn’t provide any training services.
• Connectors: Stitch Data supports various SaaS and database integrations as data sources. It currently supports 9 Data Lake and Data Warehouse destinations. Customers can add new sources to Stitch by developing it according to the standards of Singer, an open-source tool for writing scripts to move data. Singer integrations can be run independently by every user. Customers can also contract with Stitch Data to build new sources. You can use Singer integrations on Stitch Data’s platform to take advantage of Stitch Data’s credential management, scheduling, monitoring, and auto-scaling features.

Stitch Data Pricing

Stitch Data offers pricing plans that can be scaled to fit a vast array of company sizes and budgets. Stitch Data offers a 14-day free trial to its new customers. Its standard plans can range from $100 to $1250 per month depending on the required number of rows(millions)/month. It offers discounts to its customers who opt for their annual plans. The Enterprise plans are aimed at larger organizations with custom use cases. Based on your requirements, you will be charged accordingly.

5. AWS Data Pipeline

Amazon Web Services (AWS) houses various tools for working with data in the cloud. AWS Data Pipeline focuses on data transfer. Another key AWS tool that focuses on moving data from sources to analytics destinations is called AWS Glue. AWS Glue is primarily focused on ETL.

Key features of AWS Data Pipeline

• Transformations: AWS Data Pipeline supports preload transformations that use SQL commands. It allows you to create a pipeline graphically through a console using the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI). This requires the pipeline definition in JSON format. You can also create a pipeline programmatically by using API calls. 
• Support and Training: AWS provides online support through a knowledge base and a ticketing system. These support tickets may get a chat or phone response. AWS Data Pipeline offers comprehensive documentation for its functioning. Apart from this, AWS Data Pipeline also offers digital training materials. 
• Connectors: AWS Data Pipeline supports four types of Data Nodes as destinations and sources namely SQL, DynamoDB, Redshift tables, and S3 locations. AWS Data Pipeline doesn’t support any SaaS data sources for now.

AWS Data Pipeline Pricing

AWS Data Pipeline offers pricing plans based on how often your preconditions and activities are scheduled to run and whether they run on AWS or on-premises.

6. Integrate.io

Integrate.io is an ETL solution that offers Data Migration services. It supports many SaaS apps and services that users can access with a drag-and-drop no-code interface. Integrate.io offers over 140 cloud data sources, Data Warehouses, and Databases. It manages all future changes automatically with zero maintenance.

Salient features of Integrate.io

• Transformations: Integrate.io offers more than 220 pre-built data transformations to automate all the data mappings and structures so that users can get all the complex transformations on their tips.
• Encryption: Integrate.io secures the streaming data with its Field-level encryption. It ensures that the company’s sensitive data stay safe while migrating it from one source to another.
• Customer Support: It provides 24/7 customer support services to its users so that worldwide customers can get their issue fixed as soon as it arrives. Integrate.io also offers video call customer support to all its users.

Integrate.io Pricing

Inegrate.io doesn’t follow any fixed pricing plan. It offers a 7-day trial to all new customers who ask for a demo. It charges based on the number of connectors users are using. The cost doesn’t deviate based on the volume of data or complexity.

7. IBM Informix

IBM Informix is a Data Migration tool that uses SQL commands to migrate data from one operating system to another. It can seamlessly migrate SQL, NoSQL, or JSON, and time series and spatial data. IBM Informix uses a hybrid Cloud infrastructure that helps enterprises to reduce the cost of hardware and software maintenance and also boosts Data Migration.

Salient features of IBM Informix

• Real-time Analytics: IBM Informix delivers fast data transfer that helps transactional data workload enable Data Analytics on data in real-time.
• Fast Transactions: IBM Informix offers high-availability data replication (HADR), remote secondary standby database servers, and shared-disk secondary servers.
• Data Management: To deliver hassle-free management, IBM Informix offers smart triggers for event processing and push notifications.

IBM Informix Pricing

IBM Informix offers a small plan for $1,250.00 USD /Instance and a large plan for $4,000.00 USD /Instance. It provides different RAM, Storage, and network capabilities based on the type of plan.

8. IRI NextForm

IRI NextForm is a Data Migration tool from IRI built on eclipse that helps users to migrate and re-format data from legacy and modern databases, index and sequential files, Hadoop, and unstructured data. It offers CoSort’s high-volume data transformation capabilities with the ergonomics of Eclipse.

Salient features of IRI NextForm

• Interoperable Metadata: IRI provides support for its other products such as IRI Voracity, IRI FieldShield, and many more to reuse source and destination definitions.
• Structure Unstructured Data: It allows users to structure the unstructured data effortlessly and expose associations for relational use.
• Cross-Platform: It eliminates the repetitive task by automatically modifying the same job running or created on one system to another.

IRI NextForm Pricing

IRI NextForm has different pricing for various products such as Lite, COBOL, DBMS, Legacy, Modern, and Premium. Also, it charges additionally for support in installation.

9. SnapLogic

SnapLogic is the integration platform as a service (iPaaS) that offers a Data Migration tool. SnapLogic automates most of your Data Migration workflow with its workflow builder. It boosts the cloud data migration and allows users to unified view of all data. SanpLogic supports Data Migration from on-premise systems and cloud apps to keep the streaming data in sync.

Salient features of SnapLogic

• Automated Workflow: With the help of SnapLogic, users can automate their data transfer workflow and focus on other activities. Its automated workflow builder allows users to easily define all the parameters.
• Reporting: Users can track all the Data Migration activities with the help of visualization and reporting tools.
• Accessibility: SnapLogic is a browser-based tool that allows users to access Data Migration irrespective of the operating system.

SnapLogic Pricing

SnapLogic offers 30 days free trial period to all its customers, and charges are variable based on the type of use and number of connectors used. Other pricing details are not disclosed.

10. Informatica Power Center

Informatica PowerCenter is an advanced data integration technology created by Informatica that enables the transfer of data from diverse sources to their native data warehouses, Hadoop, or cloud-based systems. The technology provides a wide range of useful features that simplify data management and integration. 

Salient features of Informatica Power Centre

1. Advanced Data Transformation: PowerCenter excels in transforming data with a comprehensive set of functions for complex data processing tasks, ensuring high-quality data output.
2. Universal Connectivity: Its ability to connect to virtually any data source, whether on-premises or in the cloud, and its extensive range of connectors and adapters make it highly versatile.
3. Automated Data Validation Testing: PowerCenter includes features for automated data validation testing, which helps maintain data integrity throughout the migration process.

Informatica Power Center Pricing

The official Informatica website does not provide specific pricing details for Informatica PowerCenter. For exact pricing, it is recommended to contact Informatica directly or consult the pricing pages for the cloud services where PowerCenter will be deployed.

Challenges of Data Migration

Despite the various advantages provided by Data Migration, it continues to face several challenges every year as follows:

• Lack of Expertise: This seems like a simple task, but there’s a lot of complexity involved in Data Migration. Having an experienced professional with excellent references on your team can ensure a smooth process. 
• Lack of Planning: In general, IT teams devote very little time to planning the Data Migration process. Having a solid Data Migration plan saves an immense amount of time and resources during the Data Migration process.  
• Lack of Data Governance: You need to be clear about who has the right to approve, edit, create, or remove data from the source system. This needs to be included in the proper documentation as part of your project plan to ensure clarity.
• Unproven Migration Methodology: You need to do some research that can help elicit the benefits of the Data Migration process with examples. Try not to accept a generic solution offered by a vendor if it can’t be backed by a testimonial.
• Supplier and Project Management: You need to manage the vendors and the project which can get pretty hectic at times. Make sure that you have the time to manage the project and any related suppliers otherwise, the project might take a hit in terms of efficiency.
• Cross-Object Dependencies: It is pretty common to miss out on a dependent dataset in the Data Migration plan. Make sure that you build a contingency to take care of Cross-Object dependencies. This prevents possible delays in delivery.  
• Waiting for Perfect Specs for the Target: If the implementation team is busy dealing with the design criteria, you should focus on proper communication with the stakeholders and effective data governance measures.
• Insufficient Data Prep Software and Skills: For a large-scale Data Migration, you need to invest in first-class data quality software and consider bringing in a specialist firm to assist you. This can help you cut costs since this is usually a cheaper (time and effort) process than assigning an in-house team to deal with it. 
• Not Contacting Key Stakeholders: You need to explain the need for the Data Migration project and its impact on your key stakeholders before you get down to brass tacks. This ensures that your timeline isn’t disrupted at a later stage which would hamper efficiency. 
• Not Communicating with the Business: After explaining the project to your key stakeholders, you need to keep them in the loop regularly. It is recommended that you provide a status report on the same day every week, especially if things go awry. Regular communication helps build trust with all the beneficiaries over the long term.  

Tool	Type	Transparent pricing	No- Code Interface	Purchase Process	G2
Hevo Data	Commercial	Yes	Yes	Self-Service	4.3/5
Fivetran	Commercial	Yes	Yes	Self-Service	4.2/5
Matillion	Commercial	Yes	Yes	Self-Service	4.3/5
Stitch Data	Commercial	Yes	Yes	Contact Sales	4.4/5
AWS Data Pipeline	Commercial	No	Yes	Contact Sales	4.1/5
Xplenty	Commercial	No	Yes	Contact Sales	None
IBM Informix	Commercial	Yes	Yes	Self-Service	4.6/5
IRI NextForm	Commercial	Yes	No	Contact Sales	None
SnapLogic	Commercial	No	Yes	Contact Sales	4.2/5
Informatica PowerCenter	Commercial	No	No	Contact sales	4.4/5

Best Practices for Using Data Migration Tools

To facilitate a smooth transition of data from one system to another, consider the following best practices:

• Comprehensive Planning: Prior to the actual data migration, it is imperative to meticulously plan the entire process. This includes pre-defining timelines, delineating roles and responsibilities, and establishing contingency plans to address any potential issues or delays.
• Data Mapping: Critical to the migration process is the identification and definition of data relationships between the source and the target systems. Close attention to this step ensures the precise transfer of databases.
• Data Cleansing: Prior to initiating the migration, it is essential to rectify any errors or inconsistencies within the data. Issues such as duplications, naming inconsistencies, and data format errors must be resolved to guarantee data accuracy and prevent complications during the migration.
• Testing: A crucial phase in the migration process involves conducting test migrations to the target destination. This helps confirm that all considerations have been addressed and that the data is ready for transfer. Testing should encompass both individual data sets and the overall system functionality.
• Validation: The concluding step entails the verification of the migrated data’s validity and its alignment with the end user’s expectations. Post-migration checks are conducted to ensure the data’s usability within the new system.

Also, take a look at the Top Postgres Database Migration Tools to learn other methods of migration as well.

Case Studies: Successful Data Migration in Action

• Wayfair’s Migration to Amazon Aurora: Wayfair, a leading eCommerce company in the US, transitioned its on-premise MySQL database to Amazon Aurora via Amazon DMS. This six-month project, involving nearly 200TB of data, culminated in a substantial reduction of database-related expenses.
• American Express’s Shift to Microsoft SQL Server: American Express, a major player in global financial services, leveraged Microsoft SSMA for the migration from an on-premise Oracle database to Microsoft SQL Server. This strategic move resulted in decreased complexity, improved performance, and cost savings.
• Standard Bank’s Transition to Oracle: Standard Bank, a prominent South African bank, upgraded its on-premise Microsoft SQL database to Oracle using the Oracle Data Migration tool. The bank’s primary goals of high availability, scalability, and security were successfully met through this migration.
• MetLife’s Cloud Migration with Informatica PowerCenter: MetLife, an internationally recognized insurance company, employed Informatica PowerCenter to transfer its on-premise SQL Server databases to the cloud. This initiative led to enhanced data integration, improved data quality, and more efficient cost management.

How to Select the Right Data Migration Tool for your Organization?

A comprehensive Data Migration strategy prevents a suboptimal experience that might end up creating more problems than it solves. An incomplete strategy can cause a Data Migration project to fail. Selecting a Data Migration tool is an important part of that strategy and it should be based on the organization’s business requirements. Here are a few factors that you can keep in mind before deciding on a Data Migration tool:

• Reliability: Cloud-Based tools visibly stand out as they have close to 100% uptime due to their highly redundant architectures.
• Security: A Migration tool needs to meet certain compliance and security requirements. Few Cloud-Based tools don’t make the cut, but a majority of them such as Hevo Data is compliant with HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC 2 to name a few.  
• Data Sources and Destinations: This is a pivotal factor based on your requirements. Self-Scripting solutions offer support for almost any destination or source but are not scalable. They are suitable only for small projects. Most of the Cloud-Based and On-Premise tools handle numerous data destinations and sources.
• Performance and Scalability: Cloud-Based tools trump the others in this category due to their flexibility which allows them to scale up or down according to the needs of the user.
• Pricing: Pricing can be affected by various factors including the number and types of data sources at the destination, the quantity of data, and service level. For most Data Migration projects Cloud-Based solutions provide the best pricing plans. However, some of these pricing plans can be slightly confusing. Some of these tools offer a free tier that businesses can leverage. 
• Compatibility and Adaptability: Ensure that the tool integrates with existing systems. The integration should be seamless and should have the ability to adapt to various data formats and sources. Such flexibility is indispensable when handling diverse data sources and technology stacks.
• User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive design and clear usability are key features that enhance the efficiency of the data migration process. They reduce the risk of errors and ensure smoother data transfers. Tools that are easy to navigate and require minimal training for the team are highly advantageous.
• Regulatory Compliance: It is imperative that the tool adheres to relevant industry standards and data protection regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA.
• Customization and Extensibility: The tool should support customization and extensibility to cater to unique data migration scenarios.
• Self-Service Deployments: Self-service options allow customers to initiate the process independently. The chosen tool should provide enough flexibility and different methods of deployment.
• Interoperability with Legacy Systems: The ability to convert legacy data formats into those required for new systems is crucial. Top-tier data migration tools include plug-ins or modules that facilitate this conversion process, ensuring the original content remains accessible and secure.
• Self-Service Deployments: Self-service deployment options empower customers to manage their data migration tasks independently. This approach eliminates the need for waitlists, as users can download the application and execute the migration through a series of well-defined steps.
• Automated Workflows: Tools that offer automated workflows simplify the data migration process, which often involves moving large volumes of data and complex procedures. Automating the data migration testing process is also recommended to preserve the integrity of the data.
• Auto-Detection of Missing Items: The feature of auto-detection of missing items is a time-saver in extensive databases or repositories. It ensures that any errors, such as the accidental deletion of data, are promptly detected, and the process is paused to prevent further issues.
• Comprehensive Documentation & Training: A self-help manual that elucidates the usage of the tool is invaluable, particularly for understanding complex features such as scripting languages and APIs. For intricate migration projects, the availability of video tutorials, workshops, and round-the-clock support from vendors is a significant consideration.

Take a look at how you can build a successful data migration team for your organization.

Conclusion

1. This article talks about the top 12 Data Migration Tools available in the marketplace. It highlights the key features and pricing to give you a complete overview of all the tools. Some of these tools are also database migration tools.
2. This blog will help you make an informed decision based on your requirements. It also covers the basics of Data Migration, its types, the factors to keep in mind while making a decision, and the challenges faced by it.

Check out how you can perform ETL seamlessly.

FAQ on Data Migration Tools

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