dbt is a data transformation tool that helps data teams work together more efficiently. It allows anyone who knows SQL to build data pipelines by providing a framework for writing, testing, and deploying code. This helps companies deliver reliable data products faster and cheaper by standardizing how data is processed and documented within their data warehouse. dbt integrates with popular data platforms like Snowflake, Databricks, and BigQuery.
Who is dbt best for
dbt is a popular choice for data teams who want to streamline their data transformation workflows using SQL. Users highlight the platform's ease of use, robust testing capabilities, and excellent documentation generation as major advantages. However, some users desire more comprehensive column-level lineage and improved model documentation features. dbt is well-suited for teams familiar with SQL and looking for a tool to improve collaboration and accelerate data pipeline development.
dbt is a good fit for companies of all sizes, but it particularly shines for medium to large businesses.
While dbt can be used across various industries, it is particularly valuable for businesses with data-driven decision-making processes.
dbt features
Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need
Supported
dbt fully supports performing data transformations using SQL queries.
Supported
dbt is well-suited to support smooth ETL processes by optimizing data transformation, integrating with version control, automating workflows, and ensuring data quality and governance.
Supported
Dbt integrates with popular data warehouse databases.
Supported
Dbt automatically tracks data lineage and transformations using a dependency graph.
Supported
Dbt allows defining data quality rules using SQL tests and assert functions.
Supported
Dbt offers data testing, monitoring, lineage, and CI/CD integration for data quality management.
Qualities
We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the
software
Value and Pricing Transparency
Strongly positive
+1
Customer Service
Neutral
-0.2
Ease of Use
Strongly positive
+0.93
Reliability and Performance
Strongly positive
+0.87
Ease of Implementation
Rather positive
+0.47
Scalability
Rather positive
+0.6
dbt reviews
We've summarised 156 dbt reviews (dbt G2 reviews) and
summarised the main points below.
Pros of dbt
The documentation it generates when all the models are designed. It clearly defines which intermediate and final layers are connected to each other.
The incremental model runs greatly helped me in optimizing large data models as I was dealing with billions of rows of data.
dbt is the best Transformation tool out there in the industry and I love dbt for its testing capabilities and modeling and semantic layer.
Ease of use and how easily you could maintain
Cons of dbt
It would be better if we have column level lineage available in dbt.
The documentation is not very extensive.
The scheduler will make it complete transformation tool for data engineers.
It should provide a tool to better enable model documentation.
dbt pricing
The commentary is based on 9 reviews from dbt G2 reviews.
While dbt offers a free version for individual developers, users mention the unclear pricing of the enterprise edition. However, they consistently emphasize that dbt's robust features and time-saving benefits make it a worthwhile investment for data teams of all sizes.
The fastest way to get started with dbt Cloud. This plan includes a 14-day free trial of the Teams plan, browser-based IDE, job scheduling, one project, logging & alerting, data documentation, source freshness reporting, continuous integration, native support for GitHub and GitLab, US hosting, multi-factor authorization for logins.
Team
$100/mo/seat
Pay-as-you-go pricing for emerging dbt Cloud teams. This plan includes all features in the Developer plan plus one project, five read-only seats, unlimited concurrent running jobs, API access, outbound webhooks, and dbt Semantic Layer, powered by MetricFlow.
Enterprise
Custom
Scale dbt Cloud to the changing needs of your business. This plan includes all the features in the Team plan plus unlimited projects, single sign-on (SSO), multiple deployment regions, service level agreements (SLAs), professional services, role-based ACLs, fine-grained Git permissions, audit logging, native support for GitHub, GitLab, and Azure DevOps, and advanced CI.
dbt alternatives
Prophecy
Better fit for Enterprise customers. It is a low-code platform that enables faster data pipeline building for various skill levels through a visual designer. Prophecy is growing faster.
Dataddo
It offers a no-code interface for easier use and prioritizes broader data integration use cases beyond transformations. It has received positive reviews for its customer support and user-friendliness. However, it has less momentum and might not be suitable for highly scalable operations.
Keboola
More suitable for smaller companies and has a more user-friendly interface. Keboola is growing faster and boasts superior customer service. However, it has a less transparent pricing model which is perceived negatively.
Azure Data Factory
Better for enterprise customers. A wider range of integrations with other products. Is growing faster than dbt.
Databricks Data Intelligence Platform
Better for larger enterprises and in Healthcare and IT. It has more momentum and is better for open-source ecosystems. Users report slower cluster startup times and a need for better documentation.
Monte Carlo
A much better fit for Enterprise customers. It is growing slower than dbt. Users report issues with confusing UI and alert fatigue. Pricing sentiment is negative.
dbt FAQ
What is dbt and what does dbt do?
What is dbt and what does dbt do?
dbt is a data transformation tool that utilizes SQL to build, test, and deploy data pipelines, enabling efficient collaboration among data teams. It seamlessly integrates with data platforms such as Snowflake, Databricks, and BigQuery, ensuring reliable data products are delivered faster and more cost-effectively.
How does dbt integrate with other tools?
How does dbt integrate with other tools?
dbt seamlessly integrates with popular data platforms such as Snowflake, Databricks, and BigQuery, enabling efficient data transformation within your existing data infrastructure.
What the main competitors of dbt?
What the main competitors of dbt?
Alternatives to dbt include data transformation tools like Prophecy, Dataddo, and Keboola, as well as cloud-based data platforms such as Azure Data Factory and Databricks. These competitors offer a range of features for data integration, ETL processes, and data pipeline management.
Is dbt legit?
Is dbt legit?
dbt is a legitimate and safe data transformation tool. Its popularity is evident in its strong website traffic growth and positive user reviews, which highlight its ease of use and testing capabilities. dbt is well-suited for data teams who rely heavily on SQL for data transformation.
How much does dbt cost?
How much does dbt cost?
Dbt offers a free Developer plan, a Team plan at $100 per seat/month, and an Enterprise plan with custom pricing. There's a 14-day free trial available for the Team plan.
Is dbt customer service good?
Is dbt customer service good?
Customer reviews on dbt's customer service are mixed. While some users describe the support as excellent and readily available, others express frustration with slow response times and unhelpful interactions, particularly during a Github outage.
Reviewed by
MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio
Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT
management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs
of any business and find solutions to its problems.
TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio
Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech
department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX,
HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.