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# Apache Storm vs Google Cloud Dataflow Comparison - What are their main differences?

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Apache StormGoogle Cloud Dataflow[+ Add Product](#)

Reviews

**Apache Storm** [

3.7/5(12)

](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-storm/reviews#reviews)

**Google Cloud Dataflow** [

4.2/5(44)

](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-dataflow/reviews#reviews)

Pricing

**Apache Storm**
No pricing available

**Google Cloud Dataflow**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Apache Storm**
1 month

Based on 7 responses

**Google Cloud Dataflow**
Not enough reviews yet

Return on Investment

**Apache Storm**
10 months

Based on 6 responses

**Google Cloud Dataflow**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**Apache Storm**
Not enough reviews yet

**Google Cloud Dataflow**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Apache Storm**
Not enough reviews yet

**Google Cloud Dataflow**
Not enough reviews yet

Pros & Cons

**Apache Storm**
Not enough data

**Google Cloud Dataflow**
[
Analytics (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-dataflow/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1866910&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Ease of Use (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-dataflow/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1866521&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Cost Management (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-dataflow/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2034355&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Expensive (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-dataflow/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2034357&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Ratings

Meets Requirements

**Apache Storm**

7.7

7.78

**Google Cloud Dataflow**

9.0

9.024

Ease of Use

**Apache Storm**

6.0

6.08

**Google Cloud Dataflow**

8.1

8.124

Ease of Setup

**Apache Storm**

6.2

6.27

**Google Cloud Dataflow**

7.9

7.97

Ease of Admin

**Apache Storm**

7.2

7.26

**Google Cloud Dataflow**

8.0

8.05

Quality of Support

**Apache Storm**

7.1

7.18

**Google Cloud Dataflow**

8.3

8.321

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Apache Storm**

8.0

8.05

**Google Cloud Dataflow**

9.0

9.05

Product Direction (% positive)

**Apache Storm**

4.2

4.28

**Google Cloud Dataflow**

9.0

9.023

Features

Event Stream Processing[Hide 5 FeaturesShow 5 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

9.3

8

Data

Data Processing

Not enough data

9.8(won by default)

7

Data Sources

Not enough data

9.6(won by default)

8

Integration

Not enough data

9.3(won by default)

7

Real-Time Processing

Not enough data

9.6(won by default)

8

Analytics

Reporting & Analytics

Not enough data

8.3(won by default)

5

Big Data Processing and Distribution[Hide 10 FeaturesShow 10 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

8.2

15

Database

Real-Time Data Collection

Not enough data

8.3(won by default)

11

Data Distribution

Not enough data

8.9(won by default)

11

Data Lake

Not enough data

8.5(won by default)

10

Integrations

Hadoop Integration

Not enough data

6.9(won by default)

7

Spark Integration

Not enough data

6.9(won by default)

8

Platform

Machine Scaling

Not enough data

8.8(won by default)

11

Data Preparation

Not enough data

8.6(won by default)

12

Spark Integration

Not enough data

6.9(won by default)

8

Processing

Cloud Processing

Not enough data

8.9(won by default)

12

Workload Processing

Not enough data

9.2(won by default)

10

Show 1 feature category with incomplete data

Big Data[Hide 17 FeaturesShow 17 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Building Reports

Data Transformation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Modeling

Not enough data

Not enough data

WYSIWYG Report Design

Not enough data

Not enough data

Integration APIs

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Data

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Platform

Mobile User Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Customization 

Not enough data

Not enough data

User, Role, and Access Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Internationalization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Sandbox / Test Environments

Not enough data

Not enough data

Performance and Reliability

Not enough data

Not enough data

Breadth of Partner Applications

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mobile Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

Metadata Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![Apache Storm](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_b350900e1c1cde239f398145fc13d8f3/apache-storm.jpg "Apache Storm")](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-storm/reviews)

Apache Storm

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

50.0%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

16.7%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

33.3%

[![Google Cloud Dataflow](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0c51d2c2e5f85fe45126eb818f748267/google-cloud-dataflow.png "Google Cloud Dataflow")](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-dataflow/reviews)

Google Cloud Dataflow

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

33.3%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

33.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

33.3%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

50.0%

33.3%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

16.7%

33.3%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

33.3%

33.3%

Reviewers' Industry

[![Apache Storm](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_b350900e1c1cde239f398145fc13d8f3/apache-storm.jpg "Apache Storm")](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-storm/reviews)
Apache Storm

Hospital & Health Care

16.7%

Online Media

8.3%

Market Research

8.3%

Machinery

8.3%

Information Technology and Services

8.3%

Other

50.0%

[![Google Cloud Dataflow](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0c51d2c2e5f85fe45126eb818f748267/google-cloud-dataflow.png "Google Cloud Dataflow")](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-dataflow/reviews)
Google Cloud Dataflow

Computer Software

11.9%

Internet

7.1%

Entertainment

7.1%

Higher Education

4.8%

Hospital & Health Care

4.8%

Other

64.3%

FAQs

## Apache Storm vs Google Cloud Dataflow FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 15, 2026

### What is the difference between Google Cloud Dataflow vs Apache Storm?

Google Cloud Dataflow stands out for its higher reviewer satisfaction, easier setup, and stronger support compared to Apache Storm.

| [Google Cloud Dataflow](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-dataflow/reviews) | [Apache Storm](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-storm/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.2/5 (45 reviews) | 3.7/5 (12 reviews) |
| — | — |
| 7.9 | 6.2 |
| 8.3 | 7.1 |
| Ease of Use | — |

### How do the pricing models of Google Cloud Dataflow and Apache Storm compare?

Google Cloud Dataflow is rated higher for value by reviewers, with a stronger Price/Cost satisfaction score than Apache Storm.

- **Google Cloud Dataflow:** In recent reviews, several reviewers mention that while Dataflow is powerful and easy to use, it is considered expensive and requires careful cost management.
- **Apache Storm:** Reviewers highlight that Apache Storm is free and open source, but note that its performance and complexity can lead to higher indirect costs in time and resources.

### What are the best alternatives to Google Cloud Dataflow and Apache Storm?

The top three alternatives to Google Cloud Dataflow and Apache Storm are Databricks, Apache Kafka, and BigQuery.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Google Cloud Dataflow](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-dataflow/reviews) | 4.2/5 (45 reviews) | — | In recent reviews, reviewers note it is expensive but easy to use | Ease of Use |
| [Apache Storm](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-storm/reviews) | 3.7/5 (12 reviews) | — | Reviewers highlight it is free and open source | — |
| [Databricks](https://www.g2.com/products/databricks/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1366 reviews) | Enterprise | — | — |
| [Apache Kafka](https://www.g2.com/products/apache-kafka/reviews) | 4.5/5 (132 reviews) | Enterprise | — | — |
| [BigQuery](https://www.g2.com/products/google-cloud-bigquery/reviews) | 4.5/5 (1224 reviews) | Enterprise | — | — |

### Which Big Data Processing and Distribution features should I prioritize when comparing Google Cloud Dataflow and Apache Storm?

Buyers should prioritize Ease of Use, Ease of Setup, Quality of Support, Meets Requirements, and Ease of Admin when comparing Google Cloud Dataflow and Apache Storm.

- **Ease of Use:** Google Cloud Dataflow scores 8.1, Apache Storm scores 6.0.
- **Ease of Setup:** Google Cloud Dataflow scores 7.9, Apache Storm scores 6.2.
- **Quality of Support:** Google Cloud Dataflow scores 8.3, Apache Storm scores 7.1.
- **Meets Requirements:** Google Cloud Dataflow scores 9.0, Apache Storm scores 7.7.
- **Ease of Admin:** Google Cloud Dataflow scores 8.0, Apache Storm scores 7.2.

### What are the pros and cons of Google Cloud Dataflow vs Apache Storm?

Google Cloud Dataflow's headline strength is ease of use, while Apache Storm's is its open-source flexibility.

- **Google Cloud Dataflow strengths:** Reviewers highlight ease of use, easy management, real-time analytics, and strong integration with Google Cloud services.
- **Google Cloud Dataflow trade-offs:** Reviewers note high cost, complex setup for new users, and limited documentation as trade-offs.
- **Apache Storm strengths:** Reviewers cite its open-source nature, flexibility to use with any programming language, and suitability for real-time processing.
- **Apache Storm trade-offs:** Reviewers mention performance challenges, complex thread tuning, difficult setup, and limited documentation and community support.

### Is Google Cloud Dataflow or Apache Storm better for small businesses?

Google Cloud Dataflow is a better fit for small businesses based on reviewer sentiment and ease of use.

- **Google Cloud Dataflow:** Reviewers consistently mention that Dataflow is easy to use and manage, making it accessible for small teams despite its higher cost.
- **Apache Storm:** Reviewers note that while it is free and open source, its complexity and setup challenges make it less suitable for small businesses without dedicated technical resources.

### Which Big Data Processing and Distribution platform has better integrations?

Google Cloud Dataflow is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing its ability to connect with multiple data sources and sinks.

- **Google Cloud Dataflow:** In recent reviews, reviewers mention integrations with Cloud Pub/Sub, Kafka, and Cloud Spanner.
- **Apache Storm:** No recent reviewer-cited integrations are named.

### How do Google Cloud Dataflow and Apache Storm compare on customer support?

Google Cloud Dataflow outperforms Apache Storm on Quality of Support by a margin of 1.2 points (8.3 vs 7.1).

- **Google Cloud Dataflow:** Reviewers describe support as responsive and helpful, with several noting positive experiences and high satisfaction.
- **Apache Storm:** Reviewers report that support is less formal and documentation is limited, with some expressing challenges in finding help.

### Which is easier to implement, Google Cloud Dataflow or Apache Storm?

Google Cloud Dataflow is easier to implement than Apache Storm, with a 1.7-point advantage in Ease of Setup (7.9 vs 6.2).

- **Google Cloud Dataflow:** Reviewers highlight straightforward setup, especially for those familiar with Google Cloud, but note a learning curve for new users and limited documentation.
- **Apache Storm:** Reviewers consistently mention a complicated and time-consuming setup process, with challenges in configuration and limited documentation.

Alternatives

**Apache Storm Alternatives**

 ![Google Cloud BigQuery](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/875b8a68eca98ce3458f26e9dd34cdf9/google-cloud-bigquery.svg "Google Cloud BigQuery")

[
BigQuery
](/products/google-cloud-bigquery/reviews)

 ![Microsoft SQL Server](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/a8a99a96fda235658139f710592f8a53/microsoft-sql-server.svg "Microsoft SQL Server")

[
MS SQL
](/products/microsoft-sql-server/reviews)

 ![Databricks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/135d1c9e39e19ef56dc8d0bf90fce20f/databricks.svg "Databricks")

[
Databricks
](/products/databricks/reviews)

 ![Snowflake](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1544409170/snowflake.svg "Snowflake")

[
Snowflake
](/products/snowflake/reviews)

**Google Cloud Dataflow Alternatives**

 ![Databricks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/135d1c9e39e19ef56dc8d0bf90fce20f/databricks.svg "Databricks")

[
Databricks
](/products/databricks/reviews)

 ![Apache Kafka](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_809aa88d3571ee805a47d8fb156ba412/apache-kafka.jpg "Apache Kafka")

[
Apache Kafka
](/products/apache-kafka/reviews)

 ![Amazon Kinesis Data Streams](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/5383be31b099738701f86724a8b5cf9a/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams.svg "Amazon Kinesis Data Streams")

[
Amazon Kinesis Data Streams
](/products/aws-amazon-kinesis-data-streams/reviews)

 ![Snowflake](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1544409170/snowflake.svg "Snowflake")

[
Snowflake
](/products/snowflake/reviews)

## Apache Storm vs Google Cloud Dataflow

When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found Google Cloud Dataflow easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with Google Cloud Dataflow overall.

- Reviewers felt that Google Cloud Dataflow meets the needs of their business better than Apache Storm.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Google Cloud Dataflow is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Google Cloud Dataflow over Apache Storm.