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View detailsdbt
The standard tool for transforming data in the warehouse with version-controlled SQL models and tests.
dbt is the standard tool for transforming data inside a modern data warehouse. Analysts write SQL models that clean, join, and aggregate raw data into tidy tables, and dbt runs them in the right order, tests them, and documents them — all in version control, so data work is reviewed and tested like software. It is the T in the modern ELT stack.
Key Features
- SQL models for transforming warehouse data
- Testing and documentation built in
- Version control for data work like software
- Free Developer plan on dbt Cloud
- Semantic layer for governed metrics
- Works with Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks, and more
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | $0 | Free; 1 developer seat, 1 project, 3,000 successful models built per month. |
| Starter | $100/user/mo | Up to 5 developer seats, 15,000 successful models built per month. |
| Enterprise | Custom | 100,000 models built per month, SSO, and advanced governance; priced by quote. |
Prices as listed in 2026 research. Always check the official site for the latest price — plans change. Free plan: Yes — it has a free plan.
Best for: SQL-first data teams that transform data inside their warehouse.
Popular with: Developers, Business Owners
Popular with: Developers, Business Owners
How it works
The open-source dbt Core is free and does the transformation work. dbt Cloud (now called the dbt platform) adds a browser IDE, a hosted scheduler, continuous integration, and a semantic layer, so teams can collaborate, schedule jobs, and expose governed metrics to BI tools. It integrates with Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks, and other warehouses.
dbt Cloud has a free Developer plan for one seat, and the Starter plan is $100 per user per month, with Enterprise plans by quote. dbt Core remains free open-source software. It is essential for SQL-first data teams, though it assumes comfort with SQL, Git, and the command line.
Pros and Cons
✓ Pros
- dbt Core is free open-source software
- Tests and documentation are built in
- Version control makes data work reviewable
- Free Developer plan for solo use
✗ Cons
- Starter plan is $100 per user per month
- Assumes SQL and Git skills
- Seat and usage costs add up for teams
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dbt free?
Yes — dbt has a free plan. Free Developer plan; Starter $100/user/mo
What is dbt best for?
SQL-first data teams that transform data inside their warehouse.
What kind of tool is dbt?
dbt is a Data & Analytics tool on VerlumoAI.
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View detailsLast reviewed: November 2026