Fivetran vs Informatica: Comprehensive Comparison for 2024

If any of you are in data integration, you’ll know how important ETL tools are to handling your data from multiple sources. Today, we will compare two such tools: Fivetran vs Informatica. Both solutions stand at the top but target various needs and use cases. So, let’s break down what makes each tool shine and how they stack against each other.

What is Fivetran?

G2 Rating: 4.2(377)

Capterra Rating: 4.7(20)

Fivetran is a no-code, automated data integration tool designed for simplicity and efficiency. Out-of-the-box connectors make it very easy to set up and maintain. With Fivetran, building or maintaining a pipeline is nothing to worry about; it’s all done for you.

Key Features and Functionalities:

• Automatic Schema Mapping: Fivetran automatically adjusts to changes in your source schema.
• Data Connectors: Fivetran supports 500+ data connectors, making integrating data from multiple sources easy.
• Security: Fivetran adheres to SOC 1 & 2, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, HIPAA, CCPA, GDPR, and HITRUST regulations.
• Low Maintenance: Fivetran handles maintenance, updates, and any potential breakages.

When to use Fivetran?

Fivetran is the leading data integration tool. It offers automated and seamless data extraction, easy setup, and low maintenance, making it the right choice to implement in any organization that requires minimal effort from the users’ end. Fivetran can integrate varied sources into a central repository due to its comprehensive set of connectors. This comes in handy for businesses intending to move data from several different origins in one place quickly.

What is Informatica?

G2 Rating: 4.3(519)

Capterra Rating: 4.3(14)

Informatica is a powerhouse in the data integration space, known for its extensive customization and enterprise-grade solutions. It’s designed to operate seamlessly in both on-premise and cloud environments, making it highly versatile. Informatica has AI capabilities that help automate various data management tasks, ensuring a more efficient and intelligent data integration process.

Key Features and Functionalities:

• AI-Powered Automation: Leverages AI to automate data management tasks, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual intervention.
• Data Connectors: Supports 100+ data connectors, whether on-premise or in the cloud.
• Robust Data Transformation Capabilities: Supports complex transformations and business logic.

When to use Informatica?

Informatica is a strong choice for complex data environments requiring robust data integration, transformation, and quality management. It is most beneficial to large enterprises where advanced capabilities, heavy customization, and a comprehensive suite of tools are needed to handle very diverse and intricate data workflows.

Comparison Criteria

Criteria	Fivetran	Informatica
Focus	Data Ingestion, ELT	Data Ingestion, ETL, ELT
Data Connectors	500+ prebuilt non-customizable connectors	100+ prebuilt data connectors
Pricing	Volume-based pricing through Monthly Active Rows with a 14-day free trial.Has a Free Plan.	Cosumption-based pricing with a 30-day free trial only using work email.
Ease of Use	No-code UI platform	Varies from low-code to high-code, depending on the product.
API Access	Full access to the platform is provided through a REST API, including interactive API references.	Offers REST API, Connector Toolkit, and Informatica Developer Tool for advanced integrations.
Support	All Fivetran customers have 24/7 access to a team of technical specialists.	Comprehensive support options, including documentation and customer support. It depends on your pricing plan.
Security Certifications	SOC 1 & 2, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, HIPAA, CCPA, GDPR, HITRUST	SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, HIPAA, GDPR, Privacy Shield.
Customizability of Connectors	Fivetran’s Function connector offers limited customization options.	High customizability through the Connector Toolkit and REST API connectors.
Vendor Lock-In	Yes	Yes
AI Capabilities	No	Yes, CLAIRE AI model.

Detailed Comparison:

Integration Capabilities

• Fivetran
  • Data Sources and Destinations: Fivetran offers over 500+ pre-built, non-customizable connectors, primarily for structured data sources. It supports many databases, data warehouses, SaaS applications, and more. However, Fivetran does not support unstructured data sources, limiting flexibility in some complex environments.
  • Real-Time Data Replication: Fivetran is optimized for real-time data replication with change data capture (CDC) for specific databases, making it suitable for environments that require continuous data synchronization.
  • Simplified Setup: Fivetran is designed for ease of use, with minimal configuration required to connect data sources and destinations. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses looking for a quick setup.

• Informatica
  • Extensive Connector Support: Informatica supports 100+ connectors across SaaS apps, relational databases, on-premise systems, cloud platforms, and more.
  • Advanced Data Management: Informatica supports ETL and ELT processes, along with advanced features like metadata management, data quality, and master data management. It also supports complex data transformations and integrations with AI-driven capabilities.
  • Custom Connectors: Informatica’s Connector Toolkit allows for the creation of custom connectors, offering high flexibility for unique data integration needs.

Ease Of Use

• Fivetran
  • No-Code Platform: Fivetran provides a no-code interface that simplifies setting up and managing data pipelines, making it accessible even to non-technical users.
  • Quick Setup: Fivetran setup process is straightforward, often taking only a few minutes to connect sources and destinations, which is a significant advantage for teams with limited technical resources.
  • Limited Customization: While easy to use, Fivetran’s platform is less customizable, which might be a limitation for users with complex data transformation needs.

• Informatica
  • Varied Skill Requirements: Informatica offers tools ranging from low-code to high-code, depending on the specific product and use case. This flexibility caters to many users, from business analysts to data engineers.
  • Visual ETL Designers: Informatica provides visual ETL pipeline designers, which enhance the user experience by allowing users to drag and drop components to create data workflows.
  • Steeper Learning Curve: Due to its extensive features and customizability, Informatica has a steeper learning curve than Fivetran, especially for users new to ETL tools.

Pricing Model

• Fivetran
  • Pricing Tiers: Fivetran offers five pricing levels—Free, Starter, Standard, Enterprise, and Business Critical. Each tier varies in terms of security, data governance, and support.
  • Free Plan: This plan is suitable for those starting with a low-volume ELT pipeline. It limits monthly active rows to 500,000 and allows up to a 15-minute sync frequency.
  • Paid Plans: The Starter plan offers more monthly active rows but fewer features than the Free plan. Paid plans starting from the Standard tier provide enhanced security and additional features.
  • Cost Perception: Small companies often criticize Fivetran’s pricing as expensive. Many users on review platforms like G2 find it impractical for smaller businesses.

• Informatica
  • Consumption-Based Pricing: Informatica uses a consumption-based pricing model, measured in Informatica Processing Units (IPUs). Organizations must subscribe to sufficient IPUs to meet their data integration needs.
  • Free Tier: Informatica offers a free tier for Cloud Data Integration, which includes simple transformations and live chat support but lacks advanced features like SOC 2 Compliance, API Management, and data privacy.
  • Paid Tiers: The paid tiers offer enhanced support and access to the full range of features unavailable in the free tier.
  • Cost Perception: Similar to Fivetran, Informatica’s pricing is also perceived as expensive by users, with reviews on G2 highlighting its high cost.

Customer Support

Fivetran offers robust customer support designed to meet the needs of its diverse clientele. Their support structure includes:

• Global Support Team: Fivetran provides 24/7 global coverage with trained and qualified support engineers. Customers can submit support requests via the Fivetran support portal.
• Severity Levels: Support requests are assigned a severity level, determining the response time. The severity levels range from urgent (mission-critical issues) to low (minimal impact).
• Response Times: Response times vary depending on the customer’s plan. For instance, the Enterprise Plan offers an initial response time of 1 hour for urgent issues, while the Free Plan has a 48-hour response time across all severity levels.
• Premium Support: Fivetran offers a Premium Support plan that includes a dedicated Support Account Manager (SAM), faster response times, priority handling, and personalized support from engineers with account-specific knowledge.

Informatica provides various customer support options to cater to different organizational needs. Their support plans include:

• Standard and Premium Support: Organizations can choose between standard and premium support plans depending on their requirements.
• Support Channels: Both plans provide access to Informatica’s support portal, where customers can submit tickets. Additionally, support is available via email and phone, ensuring that issues are addressed promptly.
• Knowledge Base and Online Training: Informatica offers an extensive knowledge base and online training resources, enabling users to find answers and enhance their skills independently.
• Community and Resources: Customers also gain access to community forums, webinars, and documentation that facilitate self-service and continuous learning.

To explore more data integration options, take a look at our comparison of Talend vs Airflow to help you choose the best tool for your needs.

Why Hevo is the best alternative to Fivetran and Informatica?

Hevo is a cutting-edge data integration platform that simplifies connecting and managing data from diverse sources. With its intuitive interface and robust capabilities, Hevo is ideal for businesses seeking an efficient and cost-effective solution. Here’s why Hevo is a compelling alternative to Fivetran and Informatica:

• Competitive and Transparent Pricing: Hevo offers clear, flat pricing tiers that simplify cost management, unlike Fivetran’s opaque and potentially costly model, especially for smaller businesses.
• Inclusive Customer Support: While Fivetran focuses on larger customers, Hevo provides strong, accessible support across all tiers, ensuring that all businesses receive the assistance they need.
• Flexibility and Customization: Hevo provides greater flexibility and ease of use than Informatica, which can be complex and less adaptable to rapid changes in the data environment.
• Ease of Use and Integration: Hevo’s user-friendly interface and seamless integration with various data sources offer a smoother experience than Informatica’s steeper learning curve and Fivetran’s integration limitations.

Conclusion

The choice between Fivetran and Informatica will be based on your business needs. Fivetran rules in the simplicity and real-time data integration departments are very suitable for small businesses or those with simple requirements. On the other hand, Informatica is a robust and configurable platform ideal for big enterprises with complex data landscapes and advanced feature requirements.

Before deciding, consider the size of your organization, technical resources, and data complexity. Also, consider what long-term goals are being set for you. While both tools have strengths, your unique needs should dictate which you use.

Ready to streamline your data integration? Try Hevo today and experience seamless, real-time data pipelines with our no-code platform.
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