Fivetran Review: Pros, Cons, Features, and Pricing

Q: How does Fivetran handle data security and compliance?

Fivetran takes data security seriously, implementing encryption both in transit and at rest. They comply with industry standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2, ensuring your data is handled with care. Your team can trust Fivetran to maintain data integrity and confidentiality throughout the data integration process.

Q: Can Fivetran support real-time data syncing?

Fivetran offers near-real-time data syncing, keeping your data warehouse updated with minimal delay. It uses incremental updates to sync only the changed data, ensuring efficiency. This feature is beneficial for teams needing timely data for analysis and decision-making.

Q: Is there a way to monitor data pipeline health in Fivetran?

Yes, Fivetran provides a dashboard where you can monitor the status of your data pipelines. It alerts your team to any issues, helping you address them quickly to ensure your data workflows run smoothly.

Q: How customizable are Fivetran's data transformations?

While Fivetran supports basic SQL transformations, it may not offer extensive customization. However, it simplifies data preparation with its built-in transformation capabilities. Your team can perform essential data transformations directly within the platform.

Q: Does Fivetran offer support for schema changes?

Fivetran automatically adapts to schema changes, preventing disruptions in your data flow. It updates your data warehouse schema as changes occur, minimizing manual intervention. Its automation feature is particularly useful for teams dealing with dynamic data sources.

Q: Can Fivetran handle large volumes of data?

Fivetran is designed to scale and can handle large volumes of data efficiently. Its architecture supports high data throughput, making it suitable for enterprises with significant data needs. Your team will find it capable of managing extensive data operations.

Q: What kind of customer support does Fivetran provide?

Fivetran has various support channels, including email and a help center. While some users mention slower response times, the support team is knowledgeable and can help you resolve issues effectively.

Q: Does Fivetran provide any backup or recovery options?

Fivetran doesn't store your data permanently, so it doesn't offer traditional backup options. However, it ensures data consistency between your source and destination. Your team should manage backups within your data warehouse for long-term data retention.

Fivetran is an ETL tool built around fully managed, automated data pipelines that connect hundreds of SaaS apps, databases, and cloud sources to your data warehouse. It's a strong fit if your team needs to move data reliably without owning or maintaining pipeline infrastructure. If you've outgrown Stitch and need broader connector coverage with more dependable schema change handling, Fivetran is the more capable option.

Fivetran Evaluation Summary

Automates data extraction, loading, and transformation for analytics.

Pricing

Pricing upon request
14-day free trial + free demo + free plan available

Why Trust Our Software Reviews

Fivetran Overview

In my opinion, Fivetran stands out for its automated data integration and wide range of connectors, making it a strong choice for data-centric teams. It's particularly effective for organizations that need quick, reliable data syncing without heavy manual intervention, though its pricing can be high. Compared to other ETL tools, Fivetran excels in ease of use and setup speed, but it may offer limited customization options. Your team will find it beneficial if you prioritize automated data workflows and have the budget for its premium features.

pros

Automated data syncing saves your team time and effort.
Extensive connectors support various data sources for your work.
Simple setup and management make it easy for your team to use.

cons

Its limited customization options might not suit your needs.
Some users find the support response time slower than expected.
It requires stable internet connectivity for optimal performance.

Is Fivetran Right For Your Needs?

Who Would be a Good Fit for Fivetran?

Fivetran is ideal for data-driven teams in tech and finance needing quick, automated data integration. It suits businesses with diverse data sources, as its extensive connectors simplify syncing. Analytics departments benefit from its ease of use, cutting manual effort and letting you focus on insights. Data engineers will appreciate its minimal setup and maintenance, allowing them to manage data pipelines efficiently.

Tech Startups

Fivetran's automated processes help your team manage data without needing a large IT department.
Finance Companies

The tool's reliable data syncing supports your need for accurate, real-time financial data analysis.
Data Analysts

Fivetran simplifies data integration, letting you focus on deriving insights.
Marketing Teams

Its wide range of connectors allows you to easily gather data from various marketing platforms.
Large Enterprises

Fivetran handles complex data environments, making it great for large-scale data operations.
E-Commerce

With Fivetran, your team can efficiently sync sales and customer data for better business insights.

Who Would be a Bad Fit for Fivetran?

Fivetran may not suit small businesses or startups with tight budgets due to its pricing. If your team needs highly customized data transformations, Fivetran's limited customization options could be restrictive. Companies with unstable internet or those requiring on-premise solutions will face challenges since Fivetran relies on cloud connectivity. Additionally, if fast customer support is critical for your operations, the slower response times might not meet your needs.

Small Startups

Fivetran's pricing can be steep if you have a tight budget.
Custom Solutions

If your work demands extensive customization, Fivetran's options may seem limited.
On-Premise Needs

Fivetran relies on cloud infrastructure, making it unsuitable if your company needs on-premise solutions.
Unstable Internet

Your team will struggle if internet connectivity isn't reliable, as Fivetran requires stable access.
Niche Industries

Highly specialized industries needing unique data integrations might find Fivetran's offerings too generic.
Fast Support Needs

If quick customer support is crucial, Fivetran's slower response times could hinder your operations.

Our Review Methodology

How We Test & Score Tools

We’ve spent years building, refining, and improving our software testing and scoring system. The rubric is designed to capture the nuances of software selection and what makes a tool effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.

Below, you can see exactly how our testing and scoring works across seven criteria. It allows us to provide an unbiased evaluation of the software based on core functionality, standout features, ease of use, onboarding, customer support, integrations, customer reviews, and value for money.

Core Functionality (25% of final scoring)

The starting point of our evaluation is always the core functionality of the tool. Does it have the basic features and functions that a user would expect to see? Are any of those core features locked to higher-tiered pricing plans? At its core, we expect a tool to stand up against the baseline capabilities of its competitors.

Standout Features (25% of final scoring)

Next, we evaluate uncommon standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality typically found in tools of its kind. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.

We also evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. Tools offering plentiful native integrations, 3rd party connections, and API access to build custom integrations score best.

Ease of Use (10% of final scoring)

We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the tool. High scoring software is well designed, intuitive to use, offers mobile apps, provides templates, and makes relatively complex tasks seem simple.

Onboarding (10% of final scoring)

We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use a tool with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the tool with no experience. High scoring solutions indicate little or no support is required.

Customer Support (10% of final scoring)

We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base. Tools and companies that provide real-time support score best, while chatbots score worst.

Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring)

Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promoter score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the tool again for the core functionality. A high scoring software reflects a high net promoter score from current or past customers.

Value for Money (10% of final scoring)

Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.

Core Features

Automated Data Syncing

Fivetran automatically replicates data from various sources to your warehouse, reducing manual work for your team. This ensures your data is always up to date without constant monitoring.

Schema Management

You can use Fivetran for schema change automation, so your team doesn't have to worry about breaking data pipelines. This keeps your data movement smooth and consistent.

Data Transformation

Fivetran supports basic SQL transformations, allowing your team to refine data before analysis and simplifying your data preparation process.

Error Notifications

You'll get alerts if something goes wrong so you can address issues quickly. This minimizes downtime and ensures data accuracy.

Security Compliance

Fivetran adheres to industry security standards, keeping your data stacks safe and compliant. This gives your team peace of mind when handling sensitive information.

screenshot - Fivetran Review: Pros, Cons, Features, and Pricing — Automatically syncs data to keep warehouses up to date.

Standout Features

Extensive Connectors

Fivetran offers a wide range of pre-built connectors to popular data sources, making it versatile for various industries. Your team can connect different platforms without custom coding.

Incremental Updates

It performs incremental updates, syncing only the data that's changed. This saves time and resources, ensuring your data warehouse is efficiently managed.

Ease of Use

Fivetran stands out for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for your team to manage your data models without extensive training. The intuitive dashboard simplifies monitoring and managing data sources, and automated processes reduce manual tasks. As a no-code ETL tool, users appreciate how quickly it can be set up. The ease of handling schema changes and receiving error notifications further enhances usability.

Onboarding

Fivetran's onboarding process is straightforward, allowing your team to start syncing data quickly. The platform provides clear documentation and tutorials that help new users understand the system. User reviews find the initial configuration smooth, with support available to address any questions. Compared to other ETL tools, Fivetran delivers a quick time to value, ensuring your team can start leveraging data insights without lengthy delays.

Customer Support

Fivetran provides decent customer support, but some users note slower response times compared to other ETL tools. Your team can access documentation and community forums for self-help, but direct assistance might take longer to receive. The support team is knowledgeable when they respond, helping you troubleshoot issues effectively.

Integrations

Fivetran integrates with dbt Core, RedShift, AWS, Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Ads, Snowflake, Shopify, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance, SAP ERP, Oracle Fusion, and Stripe. Fivetran also offers an API and supports building custom connectors through its Connector SDK, allowing for third-party integration.

Value for Money

Fivetran provides a flexible pricing model that aligns with its comprehensive ETL capabilities, making it a worthwhile investment for many teams. The tiered pricing structure allows users to select plans based on their specific data ingestion needs. A free plan is available, so you can evaluate the service before committing to a paid plan. No public pricing is available. Contact Fivetran for pricing details.

Free: Basic data connectors, 500,000 monthly active rows, and standard support.
Standard: Additional connectors and priority support.
Enterprise: Custom connectors, advanced security, and dedicated support.
Business Critical: Customer-managed keys for encryption and private networking options.

Fivetran Specs

2-Factor Authentication
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
API
Approval Workflows
Balance Sheet
Billing/Invoicing
Budgeting
Calendar Management
Comparative Reporting
CRM Integration
Custom Reports
Customer Management
Dashboard
Data Export
Data Import
Data Visualization
Expense Tracking
External Integrations
Forecasting
General Account Ledger
Historical Data Analysis
Inventory Tracking
Multi-Currency
Multi-User
Notifications
P&L
Payroll
Scenario Planning
Scheduling
Supplier Management
Tax Management
Time Management

Fivetran FAQs

How does Fivetran handle data security and compliance?

Can Fivetran support real-time data syncing?

Is there a way to monitor data pipeline health in Fivetran?

How customizable are Fivetran's data transformations?

Does Fivetran offer support for schema changes?

Can Fivetran handle large volumes of data?

What kind of customer support does Fivetran provide?

Does Fivetran provide any backup or recovery options?

Fivetran Company Overview & History

Fivetran, founded in 2012 by George Fraser and Taylor Brown, is headquartered in Oakland, California. It has grown significantly, reaching a valuation of $5.6 billion in 2021 and serving over 5,000 customers, including Fortune 500 companies. Known for simplifying data integration and management, Fivetran has expanded to ten international offices. The company focuses on operational use cases such as data democratization and AI readiness.

Fivetran Major Milestones

2012: Founded by George Fraser and Taylor Brown.
2014: Developed its first data connector, marking product-market fit.
2021: Reached a valuation of $5.6 billion and acquired Teleport Data and HVR to enhance capabilities.
2022: Expanded to ten international offices, serving over 5,000 customers.
2023: Received a Gold Globee® Award for Achievement of the Year in Customer Service.