9 best data migration tools in 2026

What are the best data migration tools?

The best data migration tools move your data safely and fast, and top picks include AWS DMS, Fivetran, Integrate.io, Matillion, and Hevo Data.

• These tools extract, clean, and load data into a new system.
• They cut manual work and lower the risk of data loss.
• The right pick depends on your budget, scale, and data sources.

Moving data can take much time and effort. But the right data migration tools make it far simpler. So this guide breaks down what these tools do and which ones to try.

A data migration tool is software that transfers data from one source to another. It keeps the data accurate as it moves from an old system to a new one.

These tools also help you manage and secure your data. For example, they extract, prepare, transform, clean, and load it for its new home.

In addition, they streamline your workflows with simple, user-friendly screens. Many also add features that make each step smoother.

9 best data migration tools in 2026

1. AWS Data Migration
2. Fivetran
3. Integrate.io
4. Matillion
5. Azure DocumentDB
6. Informix (IBM)
7. Hevo Data
8. IRI Nextform
9. Stitch

What is data migration?

Data migration is the process of moving data, folders, and directories from a source to a new storage place.

The process involves data extraction, loading into the new system, and checks to confirm accuracy. As a result, you avoid gaps and errors.

Data migration can happen locally or remotely. Local migration moves data within the same computer. Meanwhile, remote migration moves data between computers through cloud storage or a network.

Data migration has different types and functions. Here are some of them:

• Storage migration: Data moves from one physical storage place to another. Many firms do this for better speed, features, and platforms.
• Cloud migration: This method moves on-premise data or apps to a cloud setup. It is one of the fastest-growing options today.
• Application migration: Every app uses a different data model. So this type helps when a company switches vendors or software.
• Business process migration: Firms often do this during a merger, restructure, or acquisition.
• Database migration: A switch to a new database usually meets updated business needs.

Cloud moves in particular often go hand in hand with wider cloud infrastructure plans. So it helps to map both together.

10 key factors to consider in choosing a data migration tool

There are several key factors to weigh when you choose a data migration tool. They are as follows:

Security

Security is always the top concern with any new product or service. So make sure the tool meets your compliance and security needs.

Also check that sensitive data moves safely between sources and targets. For example, look for multi-factor authentication and strong encryption. Good data masking tools add another layer of cover.

Flexibility

To meet changing needs, pick a tool that can scale with you. Otherwise, you must upgrade often, which costs time and money.

Flexible tools also let you transfer from many sources and targets at once. As a result, you save time when you add new users and links.

Pricing

Data migration tools use a wide range of pricing models. These shift based on data volume, service level, and the number of sources.

So note the traits of the data you want to move before you buy. Many tools offer a free trial too. Use it to test a few options at zero cost.

Compatibility with legacy systems

Legacy systems use unique formats that do not always fit new targets. So you need a simple way to convert old formats into what new systems expect.

The best data migration tools offer plug-ins or modules for this job. Meanwhile, they keep the original files safe and secure.

Auto-detection of missing items

Auto-detection saves users much time with a large database. For example, it spots an error fast and stops the job before more harm. This pairs well with routine data quality checks.

Enhanced connectivity

Data migration tools should connect with data formats like XML, JSON, and EDI with ease. So your firm can link to business databases such as IBM DB2 or Teradata. Built-in connectors for platforms like Salesforce also help a lot.

Automated workflows

Large moves often involve complex steps and a lot of data. So a tool with automated workflows can boost your speed. As a result, it cuts manual labor and moves data faster.

Comprehensive documentation and training

A clear self-help manual saves time and effort. This matters most with complex features like scripting and application program interfaces (API).

Also note vendors that offer video guides, workshops, and support. The right level depends on how complex your project is.

Easy data mapping

Data must map from the source to the target with care. So choose a tool with a code-free, drag-and-drop screen. This lets both non-tech staff and data pros work with ease.

Self-service deployments

Many tools put you on a waitlist before your data moves. With self-service features, you and your team can set up tasks yourself.

This may not suit very complex moves. Still, it helps to find a vendor that offers the right access for your team.

9 best data migration tools in 2026

Here are the nine best data migration tools, with their key feature and pricing details:

AWS Database Migration Service

AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS) is a data replication and migration service. It moves your database and analytics workloads to AWS fast and with little downtime.

AWS DMS lets you set up a one-time move or ongoing replication. An ongoing task keeps your source and target databases in sync.

It can also merge many source databases into one target. So you skip extra drivers and changes to the source.

AWS DMS offers a free tier with limited monthly usage for one year. The cost then depends on the size of the data you move.

Fivetran

Fivetran is an automated data migration platform. You can use it to move data into, out of, and across cloud data platforms. It also automates the slowest parts of the ELT process.

Fivetran captures deletes as soon as it spots them. So users can still run analyses on data that no longer sits in the source.

Meanwhile, the platform hides sensitive data in your target without losing its value. Fivetran offers a 14-day free trial and a free plan for small volumes.

Integrate.io

Integrate.io is a zero-code data pipeline platform. You can use it for your whole data journey, not just for migration.

It makes ETL and ELT simpler with a drag-and-drop screen and many transforms. For example, its REST API connector pulls data from any REST API fast.

The platform also features over 120 integrations for a wide range of sources. Its service has three plans, and you can try two for free.

Matillion

Matillion is a productivity platform for data teams. It helps coders and non-coders move, transform, and orchestrate data pipelines faster.

Its friendly screen pulls information from all API-enabled systems. So you can store values or list them as variables for other steps.

The platform offers 30-day free access and 500 free credits. After the trial, you pay only for what you use.

Azure Cosmos DB

Azure Cosmos DB by Microsoft supports fast NoSQL and relational databases at any scale.

It features a globally distributed system. So resources split across regions and copy across many areas of the world.

The tool also offers five consistency levels for different needs. Pricing starts at 25 cents per gigabyte used each month, with a 12-month free trial.

IBM Informix

IBM Informix is a fast, embeddable database. It brings together SQL, NoSQL, JSON, time series, and spatial data.

Informix helps you power transactional workloads for real-time analytics. For example, it uses high availability data replication to support key systems.

The small cloud package costs US$1,310 per instance. It also asks for a minimum of 30 days of usage.

Hevo Data

Hevo Data is a zero-maintenance data pipeline platform. It lets clients build many workspaces under one domain.

Hevo pulls data from your sources and loads it into a database or warehouse. It also offers flexible replication to sync data between sources and targets. So you can copy whole databases, set tables, or single columns.

Hevo Data has three plans: free, starter, and business. The free plan includes unlimited sources and one million events per month.

IRI NextForm

IRI NextForm is data migration and reformatting software. It helps convert and reuse data from legacy and modern databases.

NextForm also supports right-sizing work and cuts data sync needs. As a result, it saves time and money over custom code.

Meanwhile, it pulls information from many sources into custom displays. The tool offers different pricing based on your operating system.

Stitch

Stitch is a developer-focused, cloud-first data migration platform. Talend acquired it and runs it as an independent unit.

Stitch helps you replicate data into cloud data warehouses. So you can reach analytics and make faster decisions.

It also has pre-built connectors to over 100 data sources. As a result, it gets you ready to query new data in minutes.

The importance of data migration in a business

Data migration moves your data safely to another app, system, or cloud. So it helps prevent loss from poor execution or bad hardware.

Moving data can be risky and costly. Still, it gives a company better apps, higher output, and lower storage costs.

Data migration is a must when a business needs to move its data. For example, it is key in these cases:

• Moving data to a cloud computing setup
• Replacing a legacy system with a tool that fits your needs
• Adopting new technologies

Many firms also pair these moves with data management outsourcing. Others lean on broader information technology outsourcing to run the project end to end.

Frequently asked questions

What are data migration tools?

Data migration tools are software that move data from one system to another. They extract, clean, transform, and load the data. As a result, the move stays accurate and safe.

Why do businesses use data migration tools?

Businesses use them to cut manual work and avoid data loss. For example, the tools automate long steps and check for errors. So teams can move large datasets with less risk.

What should I look for in a data migration tool?

Look at security, flexibility, pricing, and legacy support first. Also check connectivity, automation, and easy data mapping. The right mix depends on your data and your budget.

Are there free data migration tools?

Yes, many tools offer a free tier or trial. For example, AWS DMS, Fivetran, and Hevo Data all have free options. So you can test them before you commit.

What is the difference between cloud and storage migration?

Cloud migration moves data or apps to a cloud setup. Storage migration moves data between physical storage places. Both aim to boost speed, features, and access.

Key takeaways

• Data migration tools move your data fast, safely, and with fewer errors.
• Weigh security, flexibility, pricing, and legacy support before you buy.
• Top picks include AWS DMS, Fivetran, Integrate.io, Matillion, and Hevo Data.
• Many tools offer a free trial, so test a few first.
• Pair large moves with expert support to lower risk.