Finding the right MySQL ETL tool is essential for managing and analyzing data in the era of big data. Ideally, you want a solution that makes it easy for you to control data flows, meets security standards, integrates easily with popular apps, and helps every member of your team build data pipelines without learning how to code.

With so many ETL tools for MySQL data warehouses and databases, it’s understandable that you need a guide to help you choose an option that fits your company. The more ETL solutions you explore, the more likely it is that you will select software that empowers your employees and managers to make smart, informed choices from reliable data.

To help you select an ETL solution that's right for you, here is a roundup of some of the top ETL tools available. Those with an * beside them were listed within the top 10 ETL tools on G2.com. These include Integrate.io and Talend. The remaining tools offer their own unique benefits and may be right for your needs. However, it is important to remain mindful of their weaknesses in relation to your specific requirements.

10 ETL Tools for MySQL Data Warehouses:

  1. DataExpress
  2. Integrate.io*
  3. Pentaho Kettle
  4. csv2db
  5. Apatar
  6. Domo
  7. AWS Glue
  8. Benetel
  9. Apache Spark 
  10. Talend Open Studio*

DataExpress

DataExpress offers numerous features that benefit MySQL users. It meets the security requirements of HIPAA and the finance industry. DataExpress will also allow you to create a data transfer schedule. Once you set a schedule, it will transmit data automatically from your database to your analytics app.

DATA443 Risk Mitigation, the company that makes DataExpress, has several versions for you to consider. Unfortunately, the options force you to commit to a very specific form of the software. You don’t get much flexibility.

Also, DATA443 Risk Mitigation focuses on security. That means DataExpress exceeds most regulatory guidelines. It also means that ETL isn’t the developer’s primary concern.

Integrate.io

Integrate.io is an ETL, ELT, and data integration platform that will help you streamline processes and save time. The engineers at Integrate.io have spent a lot of time making sure that users have all of the integration they need. In terms of databases, Integrate.io integrates seamlessly with MySQL, as well as many other database options. That diversity lets you pull data from practically any source.

Features and advantages of Integrate.io:

  • The incredibly simple, graphic-based user interface lets you build data pipelines within minutes.
  • Scalability that adjusts to fluctuations in your data needs.
  • Robust security that meets or exceeds standards from GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA, and CCPA.
  • Fast responses from customer service to make sure your projects go smoothly.
  • Easy configuration, allowing you to push and pull data using Integrate.io's native connectors. 
  • Customization using Integrate.io's rich expression language, webhooks, and advanced API. 
  • Custom data pipeline development

Related Reading: ETL Pipeline vs. Data Pipeline: What's the Difference?

 

Pentaho Kettle

Pentaho Data Integration (or Kettle) has an excellent user interface that lets inexperienced users build data pipelines. You don’t need to know SQL or other languages to get started. Those features make it a good option for business intelligence as well as MySQL ETL.

On the flip side, some of its most significant faults include:

  • Limited templates that will constrain your designs.
  • A frustratingly short period before database connections time out.
  • Indecipherable error codes that don’t really identify the problem.

The price point for this option means Pentaho Kettle probably isn't for everyone.

csv2db

If you have limited needs that involve adding CSV files to your MySQL database, then csv2db could work for you. The tool does one thing, but it does it remarkably well.

Users will need some coding experience to get started. Csv2db isn’t the type of solution that sales teams can use. It’s designed for technology experts who want a fast, simple way to manage data.

Apatar

Apatar is fairly straightforward when it comes to MySQL ETL and data analysis for business intelligence. Its open-source software designed for business users offers access to data quality tools, integration tools, and more. You don’t need coding or data management experience to use the tool. If you do know how to write scripts, though, you can get more flexibility and customization from Apatar.

Since Apatar is open source, you don’t have to pay to use it. It works surprisingly well for free software, but you will eventually notice some problems. Since the developer doesn’t earn money from subscriptions, it can’t afford to pay a customer service team. If you have any questions, you have to rely on a few web demos or a forum run by other users.

It's also important to note that Apatar doesn’t get many updates. Don’t expect it to integrate with the latest apps.

Domo

With a healthy marketing and advertising budget, you’ve probably heard of Domo before. There are some definite advantages to choosing Domo. It does more than most MySQL ETL tools. For example, you can use it to analyze and visualize data. Other popular use cases include bring Domo data to Amazon Redshift and loading Domo data to Google BigQuery. 

By including data analytics and visualization features, Domo positions itself as a user-friendly option. Unfortunately, that’s precisely where the software falls short. In reality, Domo has a steep learning curve and a user interface that doesn’t make much sense to new users. While it seems like an excellent option for business intelligence, it lacks the intuitive features that marketing and sales experts need to make data-driven decisions.

AWS Glue

Amazon Web Services is a cloud-based service, offering AWS Glue, a real-time ETL tool that leverages Python as its base language. AWS is ideal when you want to go completely serverless. However, it will come at a cost. You will be charged an hourly rate in increments of one second. 

While AWS Glue is one of the top solutions in the serverless cloud computing category, there are limitations. For example, AWS Glue is not a full-fledged ETL solution like Integrate.io. This means that if you want to customize your services, you'll need a high level of expertise. To benefit from this tool, you'll need a team that is knowledgeable in serverless architecture. 

 

Benetl

Benetl is a free MySQL ETL tool. However, it still comes at a price. You need serious experience in coding and database management to get anything out of Benetl. It barely has a user interface other than a screen that lets you write commands. To connect Benetl to MySQL, you need to download a driver that is not included with the core software. Even creating a Benetl account seems impossible for people without computer science degrees.

Benetl also only manages csv, txt, and xls files, which may be problematic for you and your team. 

Unless you are a data expert, you may want to reconsider Benetl. Even though there is no upfront cost, the learning curve is so steep you will likely end up spending a lot of time (and thus money) trying to figure it out. It’s better to pay for software that works for your employees.

Apache Spark 

Apache Spark is a "lightning-fast" unified analytics engine capable of quickly and efficiently processing large datasets. Known for its speed, Apache Spark can run workloads 100x faster. Although powerful, Apache Spark does not offer an automatic optimization process. This is something you need to consider if automation is important to you, as you will need to optimize your code manually.

This open-source ETL tool is also not ideal for a multi-user environment and does not offer its own file management system.

Talend Open Studio

Talend Open Studio is an open-source data integration platform that offers services for data management, data integration, big data, and more. Many users appreciate Talend's features and interactive space, allowing drag-and-drop shortcuts.

At its core, Talend is an ETL tool that allows you to efficiently manage the steps involved in ETL processes. For example, reading data from a CSV file. 

Although there are various components that will make your life easier, Talend is also extremely particular. One of the greatest cons is that every step needs to be exact. If not, you will receive errors. There are also no recovery or backup features. 

Conclusion

 

When it comes to ETL solutions that will work with MySQL, there are many tools that will do the trick. The best option for you will depend on variables such as your data sources and current applications. However, if you're looking for a user-friendly ETL solution with great scalability and excellent customer service, Integrate.io is the one for you. Contact us for a free 14-day trial and experience the Integrate.io platform for yourself.

Also, be sure to check out our available resources and tutorials.