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Selecting the right data integration platform determines whether your data team spends time building pipelines or drowning in maintenance. While Fivetran offers extensive connector coverage with automation-first ELT, and Rivery provides end-to-end orchestration capabilities, Integrate.io's ETL platform delivers something neither competitor can match: a fixed-fee pricing model with native in-pipeline transformations. Understanding these differences—between usage-based billing that escalates unpredictably and transparent pricing that stays constant—helps data teams select the platform that matches their budget constraints, technical requirements, and growth trajectory.

Key Takeaways

  • Integrate.io offers fixed-fee pricing at $1,999/month with unlimited data volumes and pipelines, while Fivetran uses per-connection MAR-based pricing and Rivery uses credit-based pricing starting at $0.90/BDU—making Integrate.io the only predictable-cost option

  • Integrate.io provides 220+ native transformations that execute during data transit, reducing reliance on destination-based transformation workflows (commonly dbt), which is where Fivetran transformations typically run

  • For real-time data needs, Integrate.io delivers 60-second CDC, while while Fivetran lists 1-minute syncs on Enterprise and Business Critical, and Rivery's sync frequencies range from 5 to 60 minutes

  • Fivetran offers over 700 connectors, while Integrate.io and Rivery each offer over 200 connectors, but Integrate.io's native REST API connector enables custom integrations without cloud function infrastructure

  • Integrate.io customers report 34-71% cost savings compared to alternatives, with Fresno Pacific University achieving nearly 50% cost reduction after switching platforms

Understanding Data Integration Tools: Fivetran, Rivery, and Integrate.io Explained

Data integration platforms move information between systems, transform it for analysis, and ensure business teams can access clean, reliable data. The distinction between ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) and ELT (Extract, Load, Transform) approaches shapes how each platform operates and what infrastructure costs you'll incur.

ETL transforms data before loading it into your warehouse, reducing compute costs and ensuring only clean data enters your destination systems. ELT loads raw data first, then transforms it using warehouse compute—a simpler approach that shifts processing costs to your data warehouse bill.

Fivetran pioneered the automated ELT approach for cloud data warehouses, building the largest connector library in the market. Rivery expanded on this model by adding orchestration capabilities into a unified platform. Integrate.io took a different path, formed through the merger of Xplenty, DreamFactory, FlyData, and Intermix.io, creating a platform that supports both ETL and ELT approaches natively.

This architectural difference matters for cost and flexibility. Integrate.io's ability to transform data in-pipeline means you can choose where transformation happens based on your specific needs—not platform limitations.

Fivetran: Automated Data Movement for End-to-End Analytics

Fivetran launched in 2012 with a singular focus: automating data pipelines so thoroughly that maintenance becomes nearly invisible. The platform earned a 4.2 G2 rating by delivering on this promise of set-and-forget data replication.

Fivetran's core strengths include:

  • 700+ fully-managed connectors covering the broadest SaaS ecosystem in the market

  • Automatic schema drift handling that adapts to source changes without manual intervention

  • Enterprise database support for Oracle, SAP, and Workday via HVR acquisition

  • Native dbt integration for transformation workflows

However, Fivetran's limitations create friction:

  • Transformations are typically executed in the destination (e.g., via dbt workflows, including Fivetran-managed dbt options), rather than as in-pipeline transforms before load

  • Custom connectors need infrastructure, adding cloud function complexity

  • Complex MAR-based pricing that makes cost forecasting difficult

A March 2025 pricing change shifted Fivetran from account-level to connection-level MAR tracking, significantly increasing costs for organizations with multiple connectors. This change caught many customers off-guard and highlighted the unpredictability of usage-based pricing models.

Rivery: Orchestrating Your Data Ecosystem with a Unified Platform

Rivery entered the market in 2019 positioning itself as an end-to-end alternative to point solutions. The platform earned the highest G2 rating of 4.7/5, with particularly strong marks for ease of use.

Rivery's platform delivers:

  • End-to-end data operations combining ELT, orchestration, transformation, and reverse ETL

  • 200+ managed connectors with straightforward API integration

  • Industry-leading support quality at 9.4/10 on G2

  • Built-in workflow orchestration with loops, containers, and conditional logic

  • Simple API connector that requires no cloud function infrastructure

Key limitations include:

  • Complex BDU credit-based pricing that users report difficulty understanding

  • Boomi acquired Rivery in 2024

  • Limited customization options compared to code-based solutions

  • Smaller connector library than Fivetran

Integrate.io: Low-Code Data Pipelines and Comprehensive Data Management Solutions

Integrate.io stands apart by combining fixed-fee pricing with comprehensive data pipeline capabilities. The platform earns a 4.3/5 G2 rating while delivering features that address the cost and flexibility gaps in competing solutions.

Integrate.io's unified platform includes:

  • ETL and ELT flexibility—Integrate.io supports both approaches, while Fivetran is primarily ELT-focused and Rivery also supports ETL/ELT depending on the workflow

  • 220+ built-in transformations with drag-and-drop interface

  • 60-second CDC replication across all pricing tiers via the ELT & CDC platform

  • Bi-directional Salesforce connector—unique among competitors

  • Native Python support added in April 2025

  • Reverse ETL capabilities built into the core platform

  • REST API generation for database-to-API publishing

The fixed-fee model eliminates cost surprises:

  • $1,999/month includes unlimited data volumes, pipelines, and connectors

  • No MAR tracking or credit consumption to monitor

  • 24/7 support from staff with data engineering backgrounds

  • 30-day onboarding with dedicated Solutions Engineer

For teams tired of translating MAR projections or calculating BDU credits, Integrate.io's transparent pricing removes financial uncertainty from data integration planning.

Feature Comparison: Connectors, Transformations, and Scalability

The practical differences between these platforms emerge when examining specific capabilities that affect daily operations.

Connector Coverage and Custom Integrations

Fivetran leads with 700+ connectors, covering nearly every SaaS application a modern organization might use. Both Integrate.io and Rivery offer 200+ connectors, which covers the majority of enterprise use cases.

Where Integrate.io gains advantage is custom integration flexibility. The platform's native REST API connector enables teams to connect proprietary or niche APIs without deploying cloud functions or managing additional infrastructure—a requirement for Fivetran's custom connectors.

Transformation Capabilities

This comparison reveals Integrate.io's clearest advantage:

Integrate.io's in-pipeline transformation means data gets cleaned and structured before entering your warehouse, reducing compute costs and ensuring only analytics-ready data reaches your destination.

Real-Time Capabilities and Sync Frequency

For organizations requiring near-real-time data:

  • Integrate.io: 60-second CDC on all plans

  • Fivetran: 1-minute syncs require Enterprise tier; Standard plans limited to 15-minute intervals

  • Rivery: Variable frequency by plan

Integrate.io's consistent 60-second availability across all tiers means real-time data access doesn't require premium pricing negotiations.

Security and Compliance: Protecting Your Data Assets

Data security requirements often determine platform viability before feature comparisons begin. All three platforms address enterprise security needs, but Integrate.io's compliance certifications provide the broadest coverage.

Integrate.io's security framework includes:

  • SOC 2 Type certified

  • GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA compliant

  • Field Level Encryption via Amazon KMS

  • Pass-through architecture that stores no customer data

  • CISSP and Cybersecurity-certified security team

  • Data encrypted in transit and at rest

  • Regional data processing options for privacy law compliance

The platform has been audited by Fortune 100 security teams and passed without issues—a testament to enterprise-grade security practices.

Fivetran and Rivery offer comparable certifications at enterprise tiers, but Integrate.io includes comprehensive compliance across all pricing levels. For regulated industries like healthcare and financial services, this inclusive approach to security removes compliance as a pricing negotiation point.

Pricing Models and Customer Support: What to Expect

Pricing structure fundamentally shapes the total cost of ownership and budget predictability for data integration platforms.

Integrate.io: Fixed-Fee Simplicity

  • $1,999/month for unlimited data volumes, pipelines, and connectors

  • No overage charges regardless of data growth

  • 24/7 support with data engineering expertise

  • 30-day onboarding included

  • Contract buyout program for platform migrations

Fivetran: Usage-Based Complexity

  • MAR-based pricing is calculated per connection; costs scale with MAR usage (including a Free tier up to 500K MAR/month)

  • $667 per million MAR at Enterprise tier

  • $1,067 per million MAR at Business Critical tier

  • Connection-level MAR tracking since March 2025

  • Support varies by tier (business hours for Standard)

Rivery: Credit-Based Consumption

  • $0.90 per BDU credit

  • Database sources billed by volume

  • API sources billed by execution

  • 24/7 global support

  • Professional plan required for unlimited users

Customers switching to Integrate.io report 34-71% cost savings on average. Fresno Pacific University achieved nearly 50% cost reduction without compromising performance.

Choosing the Right Solution: Fivetran vs Rivery vs Integrate.io

Platform selection depends on specific organizational requirements, technical constraints, and budget parameters.

Choose Fivetran when:

  • Maximum connector coverage (700+) is non-negotiable

  • Enterprise database connectors (Oracle, SAP, Workday) are primary sources

  • Low data volumes qualify for the free tier (under 500K MAR)

  • Your team already uses dbt for transformation workflows

Choose Rivery when:

  • Advanced workflow orchestration with built-in logic is essential

  • Pay-per-use flexibility aligns with variable workloads

  • Industry-leading support quality is a priority

  • You need end-to-end functionality without Integrate.io's fixed pricing

Choose Integrate.io when:

  • Predictable, fixed-cost pricing eliminates budget uncertainty

  • In-pipeline transformations reduce warehouse compute costs

  • 60-second CDC is required without premium tier pricing

  • Both ETL and ELT flexibility serves diverse use cases

  • Bi-directional Salesforce integration supports multi-org environments

  • Compliance requirements (HIPAA, SOC 2, GDPR) span all deployment scenarios

  • Python transformation capabilities extend pipeline customization

  • CI/CD integration supports DevOps workflows

For organizations seeking cost predictability, transformation flexibility, and comprehensive capabilities without premium tier pricing, Integrate.io delivers the most complete value. The fixed-fee model turns data integration from a variable cost center into a predictable operational expense, while native transformation capabilities reduce downstream warehouse costs.

Start with a free trial to evaluate how Integrate.io's platform addresses your specific data integration requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Fivetran's and Rivery's approach to data integration?

Fivetran focuses exclusively on automated ELT with the largest connector library at 700+, while Rivery provides an end-to-end platform combining ELT with orchestration, transformation, and reverse ETL. Fivetran requires external tools like dbt for any transformation work, whereas Rivery includes SQL and Python transformation capabilities. Fivetran uses MAR-based pricing while Rivery uses BDU credit consumption. Both struggle with cost predictability compared to Integrate.io's fixed-fee approach.

How does Integrate.io's fixed-fee pricing model compare to competitors that charge by data volume?

Integrate.io charges a flat $1,999/month for unlimited data volumes, pipelines, and connectors—eliminating the cost variability that comes with Fivetran's MAR-based or Rivery's credit-based models. Customers report 34-71% savings compared to usage-based alternatives. For a team processing 5 million MAR monthly, Fivetran costs can range from $30,000-48,000 annually, while Integrate.io remains fixed at $23,988. This predictability enables accurate budget planning without monitoring consumption metrics.

Can Integrate.io handle real-time data replication for analytical workloads?

Yes. Integrate.io provides 60-second CDC replication across all pricing tiers, not just premium plans. This contrasts with Fivetran, where 1-minute sync frequencies require Enterprise tier subscriptions, while Standard plans are limited to 15-minute intervals. Integrate.io's ELT & CDC platform delivers sub-60-second latency with auto-schema mapping and consistent replication regardless of data volumes.

What specific security and compliance standards does Integrate.io adhere to?

Integrate.io maintains SOC 2 Type certification with GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA compliance. The platform uses Field Level Encryption via Amazon KMS, encrypts all data in transit and at rest, and operates as a pass-through layer that stores no customer data. The security team includes CISSP and Cybersecurity-certified professionals, and the platform has been audited by Fortune 100 security teams without issues. Regional data processing options support organizations with specific geographic compliance requirements.

Is Integrate.io suitable for businesses with limited technical resources for data pipeline management?

Integrate.io was built specifically for this scenario. The platform offers a drag-and-drop interface with 220+ transformations that enable non-developers to build and manage pipelines—positioning it as easier than MuleSoft and more powerful than Data Loader. The 30-day onboarding includes a dedicated Solutions Engineer, and 24/7 support from staff with data engineering backgrounds ensures teams receive expert guidance when needed. For organizations adding code-first capabilities, native Python support extends customization options.