Comparing Dell Boomi with Databox and Weld
Carolina Russ6 min read
What is Dell Boomi
Dell Boomi AtomSphere is a cloud-native iPaaS that provides ETL, API management, B2B/EDI integration, and workflow automation via a visual “Atom” runtime architecture. It supports 200+ connectors (SaaS, on-prem, databases) and allows users to build, deploy, and manage integration processes (called Atoms) in a drag-and-drop interface. Boomi’s AtomSphere runs on a lightweight runtime engine that can be deployed in the cloud or on-premise for hybrid scenarios.
Pros
- 200+ connectors for SaaS, on-prem, and big data sources.
- Cloud-native or on-prem Atom runtime allows hybrid deployments.
- Visual process designer with drag-and-drop mapping, enriched by shape-specific logic (e.g., function, decision, loop).
- Built-in error handling, version control, and CI/CD integration.
Cons
- Costly licensing structure (per-connection, per-Atom), which can escalate for high throughput or many connectors.
- Complex transformations sometimes still require scripting (JavaScript/Groovy), reducing low-code benefits for advanced scenarios.
- Learning curve: mastering Atoms, Molecules, and hybrid architecture requires time, particularly for non-technical users.
Dell Boomi Documentation:
What I like about Dell Boomi
Boomi’s AtomSphere makes deploying integration processes easy—Atommachines can run anywhere (cloud or on-prem), and the visual interface is intuitive for building mappings.
What I dislike about Dell Boomi
Licensing can be expensive, especially for high-volume data. Complex integrations can require coding despite the low-code promise.
What is Databox
Databox is a cloud-based data visualization and business intelligence platform that helps businesses of all sizes track, analyze, and share their key performance indicators (KPIs). It offers a wide range of features, including the ability to connect to multiple data sources, create custom dashboards, and share insights with others.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Powerful features
- Great customer support
- Comprehensive data visualization
- Real-time data updates
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited customization
- Lack of advanced features
- Limited drill-down capabilities
A reviewer on Capterra:
What I like about Databox
Databox is always looking for ways to improve its interface. It's smooth - data updates quickly and it's easy to use. The customer service is super responsive, and always willing to step in and help out with the Databoards (dashboards) I'm working on. I would say it is my favorite tool to use as an analyst - ever!
What I dislike about Databox
Still missing some more obscure, less popular, integrations.
What is Weld
Weld is a powerful ETL platform that seamlessly integrates ELT, data transformations, reverse ETL, and AI-assisted features into one user-friendly solution. With its intuitive interface, Weld makes it easy for anyone, regardless of technical expertise, to build and manage data workflows. Known for its premium quality connectors, all built in-house, Weld ensures the highest quality and reliability for its users. It is designed to handle large datasets with near real-time data synchronization, making it ideal for modern data teams that require robust and efficient data integration solutions. Weld also leverages AI to automate repetitive tasks, optimize workflows, and enhance data transformation capabilities, ensuring maximum efficiency and productivity. Users can combine data from a wide variety of sources, including marketing platforms, CRMs, e-commerce platforms like Shopify, APIs, databases, Excel, Google Sheets, and more, providing a single source of truth for all their data.
Pros
- Premium quality connectors and reliability
- User-friendly and easy to set up
- AI assistant
- Very competitive and easy-to-understand pricing model
- Reverse ETL option
- Lineage, orchestration, and workflow features
- Advanced transformation and SQL modeling capabilities
- Ability to handle large datasets and near real-time data sync
- Combines data from a wide range of sources for a single source of truth
Cons
- Requires some technical knowledge around data warehousing and SQL
- Limited features for advanced data teams
A reviewer on G2 said:
What I like about Weld
First and foremost, Weld is incredibly user-friendly. The graphical interface is intuitive, which makes it easy to build data workflows quickly and efficiently. Even with little experience in SQL and pipeline management, we found that Weld was straightforward and easy to use. What really impressed me, however, was Weld's flexibility. It was able to handle data from a wide variety of sources, including SQL databases, Google Sheets, and even APIs. The solution also allowed us to customize my data transformations in a way that best suited my needs. Whether I needed to clean data, join tables, or aggregate data, Weld had the necessary tools to accomplish the task. Weld's performance was also exceptional. I was able to run large-scale ETL jobs quickly and efficiently, with minimal downtime via a Snowflake instance and visualization via own-hosted Metabase. The solution's scalability meant that I could process more data without any issues. Another standout feature of Weld was its support. I never felt lost or unsure about how to use a particular feature, as the support team was always quick to respond to any questions or concerns that I had. Overall, I highly recommend Weld as an ETL solution. Its user-friendliness, flexibility, performance, and support make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to streamline their data integration processes. I will definitely be using Weld for all my ETL needs going forward.
What I dislike about Weld
Weld is still limited to a certain number of integrations - although the team is super interested to hear if you need custom integrations.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Ease of Use & Interface
Dell Boomi
Boomi’s Integration Builder uses a web-based canvas to create process flows. Connectors and maps are configured via dialogs. Error-handling, version control, and deployment controls are integrated. Some users find building very complex workflows cumbersome despite the visual design.
Databox
Databox is easy to use with a smooth interface and real-time data updates, making it a favorite among analysts for data visualization and reporting.
Pricing & Affordability
Dell Boomi
Boomi’s pricing is multi-faceted—permanent Atom licenses, per-connection pricing, and usage-based charges for transactions. SMBs may need to request custom quotes to stay within budget.
Databox
Databox is on the pricier side, which might deter smaller businesses or startups with limited budgets, despite its robust features and customer support.
Feature Set
Dell Boomi
Features: ETL/ELT processes, API management, EDI/B2B integration, workflow automation, data quality, and master data management. It also offers training, community forums, and professional services.
Databox
The platform offers powerful data visualization tools and comprehensive dashboards, but lacks advanced features and customization options, which could be limiting for some users.
Flexibility & Customization
Dell Boomi
Custom scripting is supported via Groovy or JavaScript for complex transforms. Atoms can be deployed virtually anywhere for hybrid use cases. However, you rely on Boomi for core engine updates; it’s not open-source.
Databox
Databox provides a range of data visualization tools, but customization is limited, particularly for more complex reporting and analysis needs.
Summary of Dell Boomi vs Databox vs Weld
| Weld | Dell Boomi | Databox | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connectors | 200+ | 200+ | 100+ |
| Price | $79 / No data volume limits | Subscription-based (per Atom/connection; starts ~$1000/month) | $47 / month - 3 sources, 5 users |
| Free tier | No | No | Yes |
| Location | EU | Austin, TX, USA | US |
| Extract data (ETL) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sync data to HubSpot, Salesforce, Klaviyo, Excel etc. (reverse ETL) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Transformations | Yes | Yes | No |
| AI Assistant | Yes | No | No |
| On-Premise | No | Yes | No |
| Orchestration | Yes | Yes | No |
| Lineage | Yes | Yes | No |
| Version control | Yes | Yes | No |
| Load data to and from Excel | Yes | Yes | No |
| Load data to and from Google Sheets | Yes | No | No |
| Two-Way Sync | Yes | Yes | No |
| dbt Core Integration | Yes | No | No |
| dbt Cloud Integration | Yes | No | No |
| OpenAPI / Developer API | Yes | Yes | No |
| G2 Rating | 4.8 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
Conclusion
You’re comparing Dell Boomi, Databox, Weld. Each of these tools has its own strengths:
- Dell Boomi: features: etl/elt processes, api management, edi/b2b integration, workflow automation, data quality, and master data management. it also offers training, community forums, and professional services. . boomi’s pricing is multi-faceted—permanent atom licenses, per-connection pricing, and usage-based charges for transactions. smbs may need to request custom quotes to stay within budget. .
- Databox: the platform offers powerful data visualization tools and comprehensive dashboards, but lacks advanced features and customization options, which could be limiting for some users.. databox is on the pricier side, which might deter smaller businesses or startups with limited budgets, despite its robust features and customer support..
- Weld: weld integrates elt, data transformations, and reverse etl all within one platform. it also provides advanced features such as data lineage, orchestration, workflow management, and an ai assistant, which helps in automating repetitive tasks and optimizing workflows.. weld offers a straightforward and competitive pricing model, starting at $99 for 2 million active rows, making it more affordable and predictable, especially for small to medium-sized enterprises..
