Summary IconKEY TAKEAWAY
  • Fivetran offers set-and-forget automation, and Boomi (formerly Rivery) offers complex workflow orchestration. However, they both serve different operational teams. 
  • It’s difficult to choose between them since it means trading off simplicity for control, yet both platforms remain popular choices in the cloud-native ELT space.
  • Hevo Data offers an edge over Fivetran’s no-code ease and Boomi’s transformation power, with a real-time streaming architecture that both competitors lack.

    Choosing between Fivetran and Boomi (formerly Rivery) boils down to a simple question: are you looking for high performance on autopilot or high flexibility with custom controls? 

    Fivetran offers speed and simplicity with its set-and-forget solution and automated, managed ELT pipelines with minimal engineering intervention. Boomi, on the other hand, offers flexibility, enabling teams to build complex workflows in a single platform. 

    In short, Fivetran focuses on the pipeline while Boomi focuses on the workflow. 

    Both tools are popular in the cloud-native ELT space; however, they cater to different use cases, team types, and data maturity levels. 

    Hence, it can become confusing to differentiate between Fivetran and Boomi. 

    In this blog post, we compare both platforms’ architecture, pricing models, and transformation capabilities. By the end of it, you’ll be in a better position to decide which tool aligns with your stack’s complexity and your team’s engineering capacity.

    Let’s begin. 

    What is Fivetran? 

    fivetran platform

    G2 Rating: 4.3/5 (779)

    Capterra Rating: 4.4/5 (24)

    Fivetran is a fully managed, cloud-native data movement platform built for enterprises with complex, large-scale integration needs. In 2026, it had expanded beyond simple ELT into a data movement platform that handles ingestion, managed data lakes, and data activation (Reverse ETL).

    It automates the lifecycle of extracting and loading data from 700+ sources, including complex enterprise systems like SAP, Oracle, and NetSuite, into cloud warehouses, lakes, and AI-ready environments. With its zero-maintenance philosophy, Fivetran handles schema drift, API versioning, and system updates without the need for manual pipeline coding.

    Key Capabilities: 

    • Managed data movement: Replicates data from applications, databases, and events with 99.9% uptime and self-healing pipelines that resolve failures without human intervention.
    • Fivetran Activations: Formerly a separate focus, this native capability now allows teams to sync warehouse data back into business tools (CRMs, Marketing platforms) using the same unified interface.
    • Hybrid deployment: Using high-volume replication (powered by HVR technology), Fivetran now supports secure, real-time database replication for enterprises with strict data residency requirements.
    • AI-Ready infrastructure: New Lite connectors and pre-built data models for Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) allow teams to feed clean, governed data into AI models faster than ever.

    What is Boomi Data Integration (formerly Rivery)?

    G2 Rating: 4.7/5 (120)

    Capterra Rating: 5/5 (12)

    Rivery is a cloud-native SaaS platform for Extract, Load, and Transform (ELT) processes. Following its acquisition by Boomi in late 2024, Rivery is now part of the Boomi Enterprise Platform as Boomi Data Integration. With this move, Rivery has transformed from a standalone ELT tool into a core pillar of a broader AI-orchestration and iPaaS ecosystem.

    It enables teams to unify, transform, and activate data from 200+ native sources (such as Salesforce, Snowflake, and SAP) without high engineering overhead. Boomi offers the flexibility to build complex workflows, whether it’s for cloud migrations or modern data stacks. 

    Key Capabilities:

    • Unified workflow: A visual, no-code interface that works alongside SQL and Python, where both analysts and engineers can build complex, scalable pipelines.
    • Advanced DataOps: Features like real-time Change Data Capture (CDC), reusable Logic Rivers, and pre-built kits help teams cut development time by up to 50%.
    • Data activation: Native Reverse ETL capabilities enable teams to push insights back into operational tools like CRMs and project management apps.
    • The Boomi edge: Now backed by Boomi’s enterprise-grade infrastructure, Rivery includes deeper integration with AI Agents and better support for enterprise-scale workloads.

    Fivetran vs. Boomi (formerly Rivery): Comparison Criteria

    Use Case Comparison

    CategoryFivetranBoomi (formerly Rivery)Hevo Data
    Automated ETL/ELT✅ (Zero-maintenance)✅ (Workflow-based)✅ (No-code/real-time)
    Reverse ETL✅ (Activations)✅ (Native)
    Data Quality & Monitoring✅ (Schema Drift)✅ (Custom checks)✅ (Automated alerts)
    Change Data Capture (CDC)✅ (Log-based)✅ (Batch/CDC)✅ (Near real-time/streaming)

    Connectors

    CategoryFivetranBoomi (formerly Rivery)Hevo Data
    Total Connectors700+200+150+
    Connector Maintenance✅ (Fully managed)✅ (Automated)✅ (No-maintenance)
    Custom Connector Req❌ (Build via SDK)(Visual builder)❌ (SDK or service)
    Real-Time Support✅ (1-min syncs*)❌ (5-60 min)(Real-time CDC)

    *Note: 1-minute syncs on Fivetran typically require the Enterprise or Business Critical tier.

    Performance and Scalability

    CategoryFivetranBoomi (formerly Rivery)Hevo Data
    Real-Time Data Streaming❌ (1-min sync)❌ (Batch)(True streaming)
    Transformation Performance❌ (Post-load only)(In-pipeline)✅ (Python-based)
    Ease of Scaling✅ (Automatic)✅ (Auto-scale)(Instant/elastic)
    High-Volume Data Loads(Enterprise HVR)
    Pre-Load Transformation (Full support)✅ (Basic/Python)

    Usability and Support

    CategoryFivetranBoomi (formerly Rivery)Hevo Data
    Ease of Setup✅ (Fastest)❌ (Steep curve)✅ (Intuitive)
    24/7 Live In-App Chat(Best in class)
    Engineering-led Support❌ (Tiered)(Industry-leading)

    Security and Compliance

    CategoryFivetranBoomi (formerly Rivery)Hevo Data
    CertificationsSOC2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI, HITRUSTSOC2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, FedRAMPSOC2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, DORA
    AES Encryption✅ (256-bit Rest & Transit)✅ (256-bit Rest & Transit)✅ (256-bit Rest & Transit)
    Access Control (RBAC)✅ (Granular/enterprise)✅ (Environment-based)✅ (Team-based)
    SAML / SSO Support✅ (All paid tiers)

    Pricing and Transparency

    CategoryFivetranBoomi (formerly Rivery)Hevo Data
    Pricing ModelMAR-based + $5 base feeCredit-based (Compute)Event-based (Volume)
    Free Tier❌ (14-day trial only)❌ (30-day trial only)(1M Events/mo)
    Cost TransparencyLow (Hard to forecast MAR)Medium (Credit usage varies)High (Clear event counts)
    Predictability❌ (Surprise spikes)❌ (Logic-dependent)(Linear scaling)

    Fivetran vs. Boomi (formerly Rivery): In-depth Feature & Use Case Comparison

    1. Ease of use

      Ease of a platform depends on how much engineering time it saves your team. 

      Fivetran

      Fivetran is known for its zero-maintenance architecture. It’s simple and easy to set up and requires minimal configuration. For teams that look for quick deployment without deep technical expertise, Fivetran’s automated maintenance and intuitive interface make it a go-to tool.

      Many reviews on G2 praise the platform for its simplicity and easy configuration:

      Boomi (formerly Rivery)

      Boomi is ideal for complex integration needs since it offers a highly customizable setup. This high customization also means it has a steep learning curve. It is ideal for teams that need to build custom data pipelines for niche SaaS platforms or bespoke ETL processes, but require a more technical hand to manage.

      Verdict 

      If you need a highly customizable platform and don’t mind the learning curve that comes with it, Boomi is the ideal choice. But if you need simplicity and faster configuration, Fivetran is the best choice.

      If you are looking to switch from Fivetran, check out our blog on Top 11 Fivetran Alternatives

      Why Choose Hevo Over Fivetran and Boomi (formerly Rivery)? 

      Hevo stands out with its near-zero latency and cost predictability without having to choose between Fivetran’s ease of use and Boomi’s technical flexibility. It offers: 

      • Transparent, event-based pricing: Hevo uses a straightforward event-based model. You pay only for the records you move, with a Free Forever tier (up to 1M events/month).
      • Hybrid transformation layer: Hevo provides the best of both worlds. You get the no-code convenience of drag-and-drop transformations, alongside a Python-based interface for engineers who need to write custom logic.
      • Real-Time CDC: Hevo specializes in sub-60-second data freshness. It provides high-frequency, log-based replication as a standard for modern data teams.

      Join over 2,000+ satisfied customers, including ThoughtSpot, who rely on Hevo for their data integration needs. Don’t just take our word for it; see why we are rated 4.4 on G2.

      2. Integration capabilities

        The value of a connector depends on its reliability and how easily it handles custom data. 

        Fivetran

        Fivetran has a huge collection of 700+ connectors. This enables the platform to connect to any data source, such as popular databases, cloud storage, and SaaS platforms. However, if a native connector doesn’t exist, you are forced to write custom Cloud Functions, which can be cumbersome.

        On G2, numerous customers have said the number of connectors offered by Fivetran is one of the best things about the platform.

        Boomi (formerly Rivery)

        Boomi offers over 200 connectors. They help you integrate the platform easily with databases, cloud data warehouses, and third-party apps like Salesforce or HubSpot. As the platform is capable of handling diverse, specialized integrations, if you have diverse data ecosystems, you will find it ideal for your needs.

        It excels at custom connectivity since its custom API engine allows technical users to build their own connectors for niche internal tools. 

        Verdict

        Fivetran is the winner for sheer volume, but Boomi is superior for organizations dealing with many custom or niche internal APIs. 

        3. Data transformations

          The requirements for today’s teams have shifted from simple loading to active ELT, where data is transformed as it moves.

          Fivetran

          Fivetran specializes in post-load (ELT). It focuses on loading data into the warehouse and transforming it there while keeping the raw and transformed data. Thus, it does not offer reverse ETL.

          This makes the platform ideal for businesses that want to track data lineage, auditing, or reprocessing.

          Boomi (formerly Rivery)

          Boomi offers ETL processes with multi-step in-warehouse transformations. It also comes with reverse ETL capabilities, enabling you to push insights back into operational apps and make real-time decisions.

          These features make the platform valuable for businesses looking for dynamic workflows.

          Boomi’s bi-directional data movement is why it’s ideal for companies that want to activate data, not just analyze it.

          One customer has said on G2 that Rivery is the most versatile ETL/ELT tool in the market.

          Verdict

          Boomi is the most versatile for complex end-to-end logic and for businesses that want reliable data loading and quick insights into the data. 

          If you’re looking for Boomi alternatives, you can check out our blog on the Top 5 Boomi alternatives.

          4. Pricing structure

            Forecastability is the biggest challenge for teams, as usage-based models become more complex.

            Fivetran

            Fivetran’s pricing model is predictable with its Monthly Active Raw or MAR-based pricing. It offers a free plan with a limit of 500,000 MAR for connections and 5,000 monthly model runs (MMR) for transformations with unlimited users, 15-minute syncs, role-based access control, etc.

            Update: Fivetran has introduced a $5 base charge per connection for paid plans and now counts Deletes as active rows. While it’s predictable, your costs can spike unexpectedly during large historical re-syncs.

            Fivetran also offers Standard, Enterprise, and Business Critical plans with custom pricing.

            There are also customers on G2 who find Fivetran’s pricing costly for small businesses.

            Boomi (formerly Rivery)

            Boomi uses a Credit-based system (RPU). Its Base plan is ideal for anyone looking to try the plan with a pay-as-you-go option with full access to all connectors and targets.

            Boomi also offers Professional, Pro Plus, and Enterprise plans with custom pricing with varying environments, built-in CI/CD options, access to Rivery’s API and CLI, etc.

            However, users on G2 say that the pricing by Boomi is a bit confusing and takes time to evaluate the right plan.

            Verdict

            When it comes to pricing, Boomi brings usage-based pricing for businesses looking for plans that meet their usage requirements. Fivetran, on the other hand, offers predictable pricing due to its focus on MAR-centric billing.

            5. Customer support

              When a pipeline breaks at 2 AM, the Support SLA becomes the most important feature.

              Fivetran

              Fivetran offers priority support in its Enterprise plan and has a responsive ticketing system. 

              But as many users point out in G2, Fivetran’s customer support is a bit less proactive.

              Priority support and dedicated Slack channels are typically locked behind their most expensive Enterprise tiers.

              Boomi (formerly Rivery)

              Since the acquisition, Rivery has integrated Boomi’s global support network. 

              The support includes SLA-backed assistance, dedicated account managers, and multiple channels, such as live chat, email, and phone.

              Verdict

              Boomi is the preferred choice for enterprises requiring formal, dedicated account management.

              Why is Hevo better than Fivetran and Boomi (formerly Rivery)? 

              While Fivetran and Boomi (formerly Rivery) bring a standard ETL framework and diverse pricing, there are several ways in which Hevo Data stands out among the two: 

              1. Cost-effectiveness and transparent pricing

                Hevo offers the most transparent billing in the industry.

                • Pay-per-event: Direct correlation between data volume and cost.
                • Generous free tier: Start with 1M events/month free, perfect for pilots and small-scale production.
                • Linear scaling: Predictable tiers, such as Starter ($239/month, 5M events), Professional ($679/month, 20M events), or  Business Critical (custom pricing), ensure you never get a surprise invoice.

                2. Customer support and satisfaction

                  Data pipelines don’t sleep, and neither does our support.

                  • In-app live chat: Resolve issues in minutes with real engineers, not bots; available on all paid plans.
                  • Proactive monitoring: Hevo Smart Assist identifies and alerts you to pipeline anomalies before they break your dashboards.
                  • SLA guarantees: 1-hour response times for Business Critical users.

                  In a nutshell, Hevo Data fares better than Fivetran and Boomi with:

                  • Reliable and proactive customer support on most plans
                  • Real-time data replication for near-instantaneous data updates
                  • Intuitive, no-code platform suitable for technical and non-technical users
                  • ETL, ELT, and Reverse ETL with versatile transformation options
                  • Event-based pricing that’s affordable and predictable

                  3. Real-time data replication and streaming

                    Unlike the micro-batching models of Fivetran and Boomi, Hevo is built on a streaming-first architecture.

                    • Log-based CDC: Instantly captures database changes.
                    • Near-zero latency: Enables sub-60-second data freshness for time-critical AI and analytics.
                    • Streaming backbone: Moves data as it arrives, eliminating the wait time in traditional ETL.

                    4. No-code setup and user-friendly interface

                      Hevo removes the engineering bottleneck with an interface designed for both analysts and engineers.

                      • Minute-level setup: Go from source to destination in a 4-step configuration.
                      • Auto-schema management: Automatically maps and updates destination tables as source schemas evolve.
                      • Reduced devOps burden: Empower non-technical stakeholders to own their pipelines without taxing the data team.

                      5. End-to-end transformation flexibility

                        Hevo is the only platform in this mix that masters the hybrid approach: in-flight, user-driven, and post-load transformations.

                        • Universal capability: Native support for ETL, ELT, and Reverse ETL in one interface.
                        • Hybrid logic: Clean and enrich data in-flight with Python or use a drag-and-drop editor for warehouse-level modeling.
                        • No dependencies: Prepare AI-ready datasets without requiring third-party orchestration tools.

                        If you are looking for other Fivetran Alternatives, have a look at some other comparisons:

                        Conclusion

                        Both Boomi (formerly Rivery) and Fivetran both offer unique data integration solutions for different niches. Fivetran is known for its ease of use, extensive pre-built connectors, and automated data pipelines. It’s ideal for teams looking for a hands-off solution with minimal maintenance. 

                        Boomi excels with its all-in-one platform that combines data integration, transformation, and orchestration into a single environment. It’s ideal for engineering-heavy teams that need to create complex workflows. 

                        Hevo Data emerges as the high-performance alternative to Fivetran and Boomi. It offers near-zero latency, predictable event-based pricing, and the ability to clean data before it lands in your warehouse.

                        Ready to see how real-time streaming can transform your analytics? Sign up for a 14-day full-feature free trial and experience Hevo’s no-code, high-speed suite firsthand; no credit card required.

                        FAQ on Rivery vs. Fivetran

                        1. Is ETL better than ELT?

                        Whether ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) is better than ELT (Extract, Load, Transform) depends on the specific use case, data infrastructure, and organizational requirements. Each approach has its own advantages and is suitable for different scenarios.

                        2. Are ETL tools dead?

                        ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tools are not dead, but the landscape has evolved. Traditional ETL tools have shifted towards ELT (Extract, Load, Transform) approaches, especially with the rise of cloud data warehouses that allow for more scalable and flexible transformations. Modern ETL/ELT tools focus on real-time data integration, automation, and ease of use, adapting to the needs of cloud-based architectures and big data environments.

                        3. What is the best ETL tool in the market?

                        Hevo is a strong ETL tool known for its user-friendly interface, real-time data replication, and broad support for various data sources and destinations. Other leading ETL tools include:
                        1. Fivetran
                        2. Rivery
                        3. Talend

                        4. Who competes with Fivetran?

                        Fivetran has many competitors in the market, including Rivery, Hevo Data, Airbyte, and more. While these competitors provide similar service offerings to Fivetran, they differ in diverse areas.
                        For example, Hevo Data no-code offers bi-directional data pipeline creation with real-time integration capabilities, while Fivetran provides fully automated ELT pipelines.

                        5. Why is Fivetran so expensive?

                        A chief reason for Fivetran’s high costs is its MAR-based pricing, which charges per row updated or inserted. This leads to unpredictable expenses as data volumes grow. Fivetran’s premium connectors and frequent syncs also drive up the expenses.
                        However, there are many alternatives like Hevo Data that offer similar functionality at lower, more predictable, and transparent costs.

                        6. What is the difference between Hevo and Rivery?

                        The key difference between Hevo and Rivery is their approach to usability and focus.
                        Hevo prioritizes a no-code, user-friendly platform with real-time data replication and accessible pricing. But Rivery focuses on customizable, orchestration-heavy workflows with advanced features like Python execution.
                        This approach is why Hevo is ideal for non-technical teams and dynamic use cases, while Rivery is suitable for complex integrations.

                        7. What are the disadvantages of Fivetran?

                        Fivetran, despite being a popular ELT tool, is limited by diverse disadvantages.
                        One of the most common issues is its unpredictable MAR-based pricing. The platform also has limited transformation capabilities and a dependency on external tools for data transformation.
                        Restricted real-time syncing and delayed support are two other issues that users on the non-Enterprise plan often face.

                        Roopa Madhuri G
                        Senior Product Manager

                        Roopa Madhuri.G is a Senior Product Manager with a robust background in the data industry. Her expertise spans Business Insights, Data Engineering, Legacy Modernization, Ownership, and Product Management, where she excels in transforming complex data into actionable insights. Roopa is known for her strategic insight and ability to drive business outcomes through data-driven decisions.