Selecting the right data integration platform determines whether your organization spends months wrestling with fragmented tools or weeks delivering unified, analytics-ready data. While Hevo Data focuses on no-code ELT with streaming capabilities and Census (now Fivetran Activations) specializes exclusively in reverse ETL, Integrate.io's ETL platform delivers the unified solution combining ETL, ELT, CDC, Reverse ETL, and API Management in a single platform. Understanding these fundamental differences helps data teams select the approach that matches their technical requirements, budget constraints, and growth trajectory.
Key Takeaways
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Integrate.io is the unified platform offering all four major data movement capabilities—ETL, ELT, CDC, and Reverse ETL—eliminating the need for multiple point solutions
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Integrate.io's fixed-fee pricing at $1,999/month includes unlimited data volumes, pipelines, and connectors, while Hevo Data's event-based model scales unpredictably and Census pricing varies by tier
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For real-time operational analytics, Integrate.io delivers 60-second CDC replication compared to Hevo Data's 30-minute minimum
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Integrate.io provides 220+ low-code transformations accessible via drag-and-drop, while Hevo Data requires SQL for advanced logic and Census operates as SQL-only
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Enterprise scalability matters—Integrate.io maintains consistent Fortune 100 performance
Understanding the Core: ETL, ELT, & Reverse ETL Capabilities
The fundamental architecture of each platform reveals distinct strengths that determine fit for specific use cases.
Hevo Data: ELT-Focused with Streaming Roots
Hevo Data positions itself as a no-code data pipeline platform with a streaming-first architecture. The platform serves 2,000+ data teams primarily in the SMB to mid-market segment.
Hevo Data's capabilities include:
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ELT with auto-schema migration for schema drift handling
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Kafka-based real-time streaming
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Transformation options requiring SQL for advanced logic
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Discontinued Reverse ETL (Activate feature) for new user
Census: Reverse ETL Specialist
Census has been rebranded under Fivetran as “Fivetran Activations,” bringing reverse ETL (data activation) into Fivetran’s broader data movement platform.
Census’s (now Fivetran Activations) approach:
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Warehouse-defined models (often SQL) for precise control over what gets activated
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Broad destination coverage for operational tools
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No traditional ETL or ELT capabilities (reverse ETL only)
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No CDC offering (it’s an activation layer, not an ingestion/replication product)
Integrate.io: Comprehensive ETL, ELT, and Reverse ETL
Integrate.io stands apart by delivering unified capabilities that eliminate vendor sprawl. Founded in 2012, the platform has evolved to serve Fortune 500 companies including Samsung, Caterpillar, and 7-Eleven.
Integrate.io's unified capabilities:
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Full ETL with 220+ drag-and-drop transformations
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ELT for warehouse-centric architectures
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Native Reverse ETL without requiring separate tools
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60-second CDC for real-time operational needs
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API Management and generation
This comprehensive approach means one platform, one support contract, and one learning curve—eliminating the integration complexity of stitching together point solutions.
Data Sources and Destinations: Connectivity for Every Need
Connector breadth and depth determine whether a platform can support current and future integration requirements.
Integrate.io's connectivity advantages:
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150+ data sources and destinations covering databases, SaaS applications, and cloud platforms
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Advanced bidirectional Salesforce sync—more powerful than Data Loader, easier than MuleSoft
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Highly customizable connector for custom integrations
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Support for major warehouses: Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift, Azure Synapse, Databricks
Hevo Data's connector ecosystem:
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150+ connectors with strong coverage of common sources
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REST API connector for custom integrations
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Solid warehouse destination support
Census's destination focus:
For organizations requiring comprehensive data ingestion, Integrate.io's broader connector library and Universal REST API provide greater flexibility.
Low-Code/No-Code vs. Developer-Centric Approaches
The technical accessibility of each platform determines who can build and maintain pipelines—and how quickly teams can iterate.
Integrate.io's Hybrid Approach
Integrate.io was built for accessibility without sacrificing power. The platform enables both technical and non-technical users to build data pipelines through:
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220+ drag-and-drop transformations requiring no SQL or Python
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Visual pipeline builder for intuitive workflow design
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Python transformation components for advanced use cases
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SQL support for teams preferring code-first approaches
This hybrid model enables citizen integrators to handle routine tasks while data engineers tackle complex transformations—maximizing team productivity.
Hevo Data's No-Code Approach
Hevo Data markets itself as no-code accessible for basic pipelines. This simplicity serves many use cases:
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Built-in transformations for common scenarios
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SQL or Python available for advanced transformation logic
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Designed for accessibility
Census's SQL-Only Model
Census (now Fivetran Activations) is warehouse-model-driven (often SQL):
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Provides granular control for technical users
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Requires SQL expertise for pipeline modifications
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Focuses on developer experience
For organizations seeking to empower citizen integrators while maintaining technical depth, Integrate.io's balanced approach delivers broad accessibility.
Real-time Capabilities: CDC & API Management
Modern data architectures demand near-real-time data movement. The capabilities here vary across platforms.
Integrate.io's Real-time Edge
Integrate.io's CDC platform delivers industry-leading speed:
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60-second CDC replication across all plans—not gated to enterprise tiers
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Consistent replication regardless of data volumes
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Auto-schema mapping for clean column, table, and row updates
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Production-ready infrastructure with zero replication lag
Additionally, Integrate.io uniquely offers API Management capabilities—the ability to instantly generate secure REST APIs for over 20 native database connectors.
Hevo Data's Speed Specifications
Hevo Data's CDC capabilities include:
Census's Focus
Census (now Fivetran Activations) does not offer CDC. It focuses on reverse ETL (data activation) to sync warehouse data into operational tools. Activations is part of Fivetran’s broader data movement platform.
For organizations building real-time analytics or AI/ML initiatives requiring fresh data, Integrate.io's 60-second CDC provides a clear advantage.
Data Security and Compliance
Data protection isn't optional—it's foundational. The compliance posture of each platform directly impacts your organization's risk profile.
Integrate.io: Ultimate Data Security
Integrate.io provides comprehensive compliance across all tiers—not gated to enterprise plans:
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SOC 2 Type certified
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GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA compliant
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CISSP and Cybersecurity-certified team members
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All data encrypted in transit and at rest
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Field Level Encryption via Amazon KMS
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No data storage—acts purely as pass-through layer
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Fortune 100 approved
Additionally, Integrate.io offers hybrid deployment options—cloud plus on-premise agents—enabling compliance with strict data sovereignty requirements.
Hevo Data's Security Posture
Hevo Data provides standard security measures:
Census's Compliance Standards
Census offers compliance features:
For regulated industries requiring HIPAA compliance without enterprise pricing, Integrate.io's inclusive security model provides significant value.
Pricing and Scalability: Cost-Effectiveness for Growing Data Needs
Pricing models reveal long-term cost implications that initial quotes often obscure.
Integrate.io's Fixed-Fee Advantage
Integrate.io's pricing eliminates cost unpredictability entirely:
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$1,999/month flat rate with unlimited data volumes
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Unlimited pipelines and connectors included
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60-second pipeline frequency
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All connectors included
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No overage charges regardless of growth
This fixed-fee model delivers 34-71% savings compared to usage-based competitors at scale.
Hevo Data's Event-Based Pricing
Hevo Data's consumption model:
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Free tier: 1 million events/month
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Starter: $239/month annually for 5-50M events
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Professional: $679/month annually with higher volumes
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Costs scale based on event volumes
Census's Pricing Structure
Census is now Fivetran Activations, with pricing based on new data activated every month. Each new Activation comes with a 14-day free trial.
For predictable budgets and protection against surprise bills, Integrate.io's fixed-fee model provides clear financial advantages.
Support and Onboarding: Partnership for Success
The quality of support directly impacts time-to-value and ongoing operational success.
Integrate.io: Real People, Real Support
Integrate.io delivers industry-leading support:
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92% customer satisfaction score
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2-minute average first response time
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24/7 customer support availability
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Dedicated Solution Engineer throughout engagement
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30-day white-glove onboarding
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Contract buyout program for locked-in customers
Hevo Data's Support Structure
Hevo Data provides tiered support:
Census's Customer Service
Census receives positive support feedback in reviews with responsive customer service teams.
Data Observability & Quality
Maintaining trust in data requires continuous monitoring and quality assurance.
Integrate.io's Data Observability stands alone in offering:
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Free data observability monitoring—3 data alerts included forever
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Custom automated alerting based on business needs
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Real-time monitoring or scheduled checks
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Alert types: null values, row count, cardinality, min/max, freshness, and more
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No requirement to use other Integrate.io products
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SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA compliant
Hevo Data provides standard alerting for pipeline monitoring. Census includes data validation features for quality control.
Why Integrate.io Delivers Superior Value
For organizations seeking comprehensive data integration without vendor sprawl, Integrate.io provides compelling advantages:
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Unified platform efficiency: One solution replaces multiple point tools, reducing operational complexity
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Cost certainty: $1,999/month fixed-fee eliminates budget surprises
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Enterprise scalability: Fortune 100 approved with proven performance at scale
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Accessibility: 220+ transformations empower non-technical users
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Real-time speed: 60-second CDC outperforms competitors by significant margins
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Comprehensive compliance: SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA standard across all tiers
For data teams ready to consolidate their stack and accelerate time-to-insight, Integrate.io represents the comprehensive solution that grows with your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform is best for real-time data synchronization?
Integrate.io leads in real-time capabilities with 60-second CDC replication available across all plans. Hevo Data offers CDC but with 30-minute minimum latency. Census does not offer CDC. For organizations building real-time operational analytics, AI/ML applications, or requiring near-instant data freshness, Integrate.io's sub-60-second replication provides a clear advantage. The consistent performance regardless of data volume ensures reliability at enterprise scale.
Does Integrate.io offer a free tier or trial for its services?
Integrate.io provides a 14-day free trial with full platform access to evaluate all capabilities. The Data Observability Platform includes 3 free data alerts forever with no requirement to use other Integrate.io products. The core platform pricing starts at $1,999/month with unlimited data volumes, pipelines, and connectors—a fixed-fee model that eliminates the usage-based cost uncertainty found with competitors.
How do the security and compliance features compare across these three platforms?
Integrate.io provides the most comprehensive compliance posture with SOC 2, HIPAA GDPR, and CCPA compliance standard across all tiers—not gated to enterprise plans. The platform employs CISSP-certified security professionals, offers Field Level Encryption via Amazon KMS, and has been Fortune 100 approved. Critically, Integrate.io offers hybrid deployment options for regulated environments. Hevo Data includes HIPAA compliance on its Business Critical tier and operates cloud-only. Census provides standard compliance but also operates cloud-only.
Can Integrate.io handle both traditional ETL and modern ELT workloads?
Yes, Integrate.io supports both ETL and ELT architectures within a unified platform. The ETL capabilities include 220+ transformations accessible via drag-and-drop interface, while ELT workflows leverage warehouse-native processing. This flexibility allows organizations to choose the right approach for each use case—transforming data before loading for specific compliance requirements or loading first for warehouse-centric analytics. The ELT & CDC platform delivers consistent 60-second replication regardless of architecture choice.
