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Dagster Developer Tools

Free (open-source) · Dagster+ from $10/mo

About Dagster

What is Dagster?

Dagster is a modern data orchestrator that treats data pipelines as software assets, not just DAGs. It helps data teams build, observe, and deliver reliable data workflows — from simple ETL to complex AI pipelines.

What problem does it solve?

Dagster solves the chaos of managing data pipelines by providing asset-based lineage, built-in testing, and full observability. Instead of debugging broken pipelines after the fact, teams catch issues early with automatic dependency tracking, type checks, and a unified UI that shows run history, logs, and error stack traces.

Who is it for?

Best for data engineers and platform teams building production-grade ETL/ELT pipelines, especially those migrating from Airflow. It is less suited for simple ad-hoc scripting without pipeline complexity. Use cases include scheduling dbt models, event-driven triggers via sensors, and managing data assets across S3, GCS, and Azure Blob storage.

Why choose Dagster?

Dagster stands out with its asset-first architecture — lineage is not bolted on but built into every asset. The open-source core is free, while Dagster+ adds cloud services, role-based access, and AI-powered operational insights for teams that need scalability.

Key features

  • Asset-based pipelines — define data assets, not just tasks, for clear lineage and dependencies
  • Lineage tracking — auto-generated dependency graph of all assets, end to end
  • Testing framework — unit tests, integration tests, and type checks before deployment
  • Scheduling & sensors — cron schedules and event-driven triggers (e.g. file drops)
  • dbt integration — run dbt models as Dagster assets with zero downtime
  • Cloud storage — read/write from S3, GCS, Azure Blob storage
  • UI dashboard — run history, logs, and error debugging in one view

Dagster Pricing

Dagster pricing: Free (open-source) · Dagster+ from $10/mo. Billing model: Freemium.

Open-Source (Free)

Core Dagster platform with asset orchestration, lineage, testing, and UI. Self-hosted, no credit limits.

Solo Plan ($10/mo*)

For individual builders. Includes 1 user, 1 code location, 1 deployment, 7,500 credits/month, and serverless compute at $0.01/min. 30-day free trial.

Starter Plan ($100/mo*)

For growing teams. Up to 3 users, 5 code locations, 1 deployment, catalog search, and serverless compute at $0.01/min. 30-day free trial.

Pro Plan (Contact Sales)

For enterprise teams. Unlimited code locations and deployments, cost tracking, personalized onboarding, uptime SLAs, and custom security questionnaires.

*Solo and Starter pricing updated May 1, 2026. Additional credit packs available pay-as-you-go.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Dagster free?
Yes, the core Dagster platform is open-source and free to use. Dagster+ paid plans start at $10/month for the Solo plan.
How much does Dagster cost?
Dagster+ Solo is $10/month (or $120/year), Starter is $100/month ($1,200/year), and Pro requires contacting sales for custom pricing.
What is the difference between Dagster and Airflow?
Dagster is asset-centric, with built-in lineage and testing, while Airflow is task/DAG-centric. Dagster is often preferred for teams needing end-to-end observability and easier debugging.
Who is Dagster best for?
Data engineers and platform teams building production-grade ETL/ELT pipelines, especially those using dbt or migrating from Airflow. It is less ideal for very simple, one-off scripts.
Does Dagster have a free trial?
Yes, all Dagster+ paid plans (Solo and Starter) include a 30-day free trial.
What are Dagster credits?
Credits measure usage in Dagster+. Each asset materialization or op execution counts as 1 credit. Solo includes 7,500 credits/month; Starter includes 30,000 credits/month.
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