Dromo vs Flatfile
Choosing the right data file importer can make a big difference to your customer experience and bottom line. This page compares two of the top-rated competitors - Dromo and Flatfile - to help you choose the product that's right for you.Ready to try Dromo for yourself?
Find your plan1
Overview
While there are many options on the market, Dromo and Flatfile are consistently rated among the top platforms for data file importing. Both companies provide a robust solution that can scale with your growth. However, the companies were built in fundamentally different ways and with different philosophies, impacting their product vision and pricing models. If you are looking for an alternative to Flatfile, this page will help you understand the differences between Dromo and Flatfile, so you can choose the right software for your business.
2
What is Dromo?
Dromo's software helps organizations import data files; deliver a delightful self-service data onboarding experience to customers and collaborators; and automate their data workflows.
Dromo can be embedded directly into your app or website or triggered programmatically via our Headless API.
Dromo is an engineering-driven and employee-owned company. Dromo is backed and run by a team of over 40 diverse employees and investors with expertise building exceptional companies like Discord, Vercel, Shopify, Palantir, Meta, and Salesforce.
3
What is Flatfile?
Flatfile describes itself as "the easiest, fastest, and safest way for developers to build the ideal data file import experience". Flatfile's first product was an embeddable importer ("Portal"). It later launched a collaborative, hosted platform ("Concierge"). Now it markets a single product ("Flatfile Data Exchange Platform").
A majority investor-owned company, Flatfile has raised over $100m in venture capital and used it to hire the largest direct sales force in the category. The CEO's public statements suggest that they are burning $25 million a year and expected to double revenue every year.1
1 "While we had two years of runway left…we raised an opportunistic [$50m] Series B… [and now] we have four years of runway." https://flatfile.com/blog/flatfile-raises-usd50-million-series-b-to-streamline-data-exchange/
4
How does Dromo's pricing work?
Dromo's pricing is flexible, accessible, and honest. All new customers are enrolled in the free plan by default when they sign up, which they can do without talking to sales or making an upfront commitment.
We encourage new customers to experiment on the free plan, then graduate to a usage-based plan that bills monthly (plans start at $50 per month, and you can cancel anytime). Dromo's usage-based plans bill only by the number of files you import each month.
Once you're confident in Dromo, we recommend an unlimited plan at a flat annual rate, with guaranteed pricing for at least three years, so you don't have to manage variable costs as you scale or your usage fluctuates. We also sell premium add-ons to the Dromo Pro plan on a pay-per-feature basis.
5
How does Flatfile's pricing work?
Flatfile allows new customers to sign up for free, but they must pay per-usage charges for imports in excess of the free plan's monthly allowance.
Flatfile's paid plan starts at $9,588 per year, plus usage fees.2 Flatfile bills for the Flatfile Data Exchange Platform based on a combination of two types of usage each month: the number of files you import and your total Processed Data Values (PDVs, akin to cells in a spreadsheet). You must track and manage both values each month to stay in control of your bill.
You can pay lower usage fees by paying a higher rate upfront. To get the best usage rates listed on Flatfile's website, you would need to pay an additional $504,000 per year ($24,000 for 5,000 files/month and $480,000 for 100B PDV/month, respectively). Flatfile does not advertise an unlimited plan.
2 Flatfile advertises monthly billing as an "available option" but does not list the price. A common industry practice is to charge 15-25% more for monthly billing, unless it is specified on the website.
6
How does Dromo work?
First, you define your desired data file structure (a "schema") using our JavaScript SDK or no-code Schema Studio. Next, you customize the import process with features like validations, transformations, help text, and custom styling. You may either pick from out-of-the-box validations (e.g., required or unique fields) or supply your own logic as simple JavaScript functions ("hooks").
You may then run the importer on a Dromo-hosted page (for a complete no-code solution); embed it into your own app or site; or trigger it via the Headless API. When you embed Dromo, all hooks run in the web browser, so it is possible to not share any user data with Dromo (as long as you are using Private Mode).
You can pass the results to services like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, Slack, and hundreds of other out-of-the-box integrations via Zapier. You can also write your own server-side integrations using webhooks and the Dromo API.
7
How does Flatfile work?
First, a developer must set up a Space using the Flatfile npm package and define one or more Workbooks. A Workbook contains a schema, written in Flatfile's proprietary Blueprint language, and a list of event-triggered actions.
Users can be invited to upload files into a Space or an automatic upload can be triggered using a headless file feed. Flatfile's user interface aids users in cleaning and submitting their data. Upon completion, actions for handling the cleaned file can be triggered.
Flatfile does not publicly specify whether the Flatfile Data Exchange Platform allows you to complete an import without needing to parse, process, or persist the data file on its server.
1
Overview
While there are many options on the market, Dromo and Flatfile are consistently rated among the top platforms for data file importing. Both companies provide a robust solution that can scale with your growth. However, the companies were built in fundamentally different ways and with different philosophies, impacting their product vision and pricing models. If you are looking for an alternative to Flatfile, this page will help you understand the differences between Dromo and Flatfile, so you can choose the right software for your business.
2
What is Dromo?
Dromo's software helps organizations import data files; deliver a delightful self-service data onboarding experience to customers and collaborators; and automate their data workflows.
Dromo can be embedded directly into your app or website or triggered programmatically via our Headless API.
Dromo is an engineering-driven and employee-owned company. Dromo is backed and run by a team of over 40 diverse employees and investors with expertise building exceptional companies like Discord, Vercel, Shopify, Palantir, Meta, and Salesforce.
3
What is Flatfile?
Flatfile describes itself as "the easiest, fastest, and safest way for developers to build the ideal data file import experience". Flatfile's first product was an embeddable importer ("Portal"). It later launched a collaborative, hosted platform ("Concierge"). Now it markets a single product ("Flatfile Data Exchange Platform").
A majority investor-owned company, Flatfile has raised over $100m in venture capital and used it to hire the largest direct sales force in the category. The CEO's public statements suggest that they are burning $25 million a year and expected to double revenue every year.1
1 "While we had two years of runway left…we raised an opportunistic [$50m] Series B… [and now] we have four years of runway." https://flatfile.com/blog/flatfile-raises-usd50-million-series-b-to-streamline-data-exchange/
4
How does Dromo's pricing work?
Dromo's pricing is flexible, accessible, and honest. All new customers are enrolled in the free plan by default when they sign up, which they can do without talking to sales or making an upfront commitment.
We encourage new customers to experiment on the free plan, then graduate to a usage-based plan that bills monthly (plans start at $50 per month, and you can cancel anytime). Dromo's usage-based plans bill only by the number of files you import each month.
Once you're confident in Dromo, we recommend an unlimited plan at a flat annual rate, with guaranteed pricing for at least three years, so you don't have to manage variable costs as you scale or your usage fluctuates. We also sell premium add-ons to the Dromo Pro plan on a pay-per-feature basis.
5
How does Flatfile's pricing work?
Flatfile allows new customers to sign up for free, but they must pay per-usage charges for imports in excess of the free plan's monthly allowance.
Flatfile's paid plan starts at $9,588 per year, plus usage fees.2 Flatfile bills for the Flatfile Data Exchange Platform based on a combination of two types of usage each month: the number of files you import and your total Processed Data Values (PDVs, akin to cells in a spreadsheet). You must track and manage both values each month to stay in control of your bill.
You can pay lower usage fees by paying a higher rate upfront. To get the best usage rates listed on Flatfile's website, you would need to pay an additional $504,000 per year ($24,000 for 5,000 files/month and $480,000 for 100B PDV/month, respectively). Flatfile does not advertise an unlimited plan.
2 Flatfile advertises monthly billing as an "available option" but does not list the price. A common industry practice is to charge 15-25% more for monthly billing, unless it is specified on the website.
6
How does Dromo work?
First, you define your desired data file structure (a "schema") using our JavaScript SDK or no-code Schema Studio. Next, you customize the import process with features like validations, transformations, help text, and custom styling. You may either pick from out-of-the-box validations (e.g., required or unique fields) or supply your own logic as simple JavaScript functions ("hooks").
You may then run the importer on a Dromo-hosted page (for a complete no-code solution); embed it into your own app or site; or trigger it via the Headless API. When you embed Dromo, all hooks run in the web browser, so it is possible to not share any user data with Dromo (as long as you are using Private Mode).
You can pass the results to services like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, Slack, and hundreds of other out-of-the-box integrations via Zapier. You can also write your own server-side integrations using webhooks and the Dromo API.
7
How does Flatfile work?
First, a developer must set up a Space using the Flatfile npm package and define one or more Workbooks. A Workbook contains a schema, written in Flatfile's proprietary Blueprint language, and a list of event-triggered actions.
Users can be invited to upload files into a Space or an automatic upload can be triggered using a headless file feed. Flatfile's user interface aids users in cleaning and submitting their data. Upon completion, actions for handling the cleaned file can be triggered.
Flatfile does not publicly specify whether the Flatfile Data Exchange Platform allows you to complete an import without needing to parse, process, or persist the data file on its server.
How does Dromo
compare with Flatfile
| Dromo Pro | Flatfile | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Start free | ||
| Base monthly fee starts at | $399 | $799 |
| Usage allowance (monthly) | 250 imports Unlimited PDV |
50 imports 10M PDV |
| Additional usage fees start at | $2 /import | $2 /import + $2.50 /10M PDV |
| Unlimited plan available | ||
| Features | ||
| Run automatically via headless API | ||
| No-code studio | ||
| White label | All plans | Professional and enterprise only |
| 3rd party integrations | 100+, including Google, Microsoft, Dropbox and Slack | Not specified |
| Private mode (provider cannot access data files) |
Enabled by default when embedding Dromo Pro | Not specified |
| Richly formatted Excel error report | ||
Competitive data on this page was collected as of July 17th, 2023 and is subject to change
or update. Dromo does not make any representations as to the completeness or accuracy of the
information on this page.
Flexible plans to meet your requirements
Sign up for the Starter plan for free, or get the full power of Dromo with the Professional plan.
What to consider when choosing
a data file importer?
What features do I need?
Reflect on your business objectives and daily operations to determine what specific features you require in a data file importer. For instance, are you looking for seamless integration with third party systems, no-code setup, or automation capabilities via an API? Choose a product that aligns with your needs today, and has the features to accommodate your growth in the future.
Is the pricing transparent?
Transparent pricing is essential to building trust and can help you budget more effectively. Look for clear, upfront pricing details about what is included. Be on the lookout for hidden fees, such as upcharges for white labeling or monthly billing. Ask for multi-year pricing guarantees.,For more detailed information about how pricing works at premium data import providers, check out this in-depth comparison of pricing models in the industry.
Is the product white label?
The ability to remove the provider's logo and customize the importer with your organization's brand identity is crucial for many businesses. Ask upfront to ensure the software can deliver the level of customization you desire. Beware that some providers will only provide white labeling at an additional cost.
Does the provider have access to my users' data files?
Safety and privacy is a top priority when handling data from end users. Robust security measures and SOC 2 certification are table stakes for organizations entrusted with your data. If it is important that the provider never have access to your data files in the first place, look for self-hosted options or a privacy architecture (such as a self-contained importer embedded in a web browser) that gives you the option not to process or store files on the provider's servers.
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FAQ
Dromo vs Flatfile FAQ
- On pricing:
- Both offer a way to get started for free without talking to sales.
- Dromo's paid plans tend to be significantly more affordable and flexible.
- Dromo offers an unlimited plan to limit the costs customers pay as they scale. Flatfile does not offer an unlimited plan, and the base cost can scale to over $500,000 a year, according to its public pricing model.
- Flatfile's per-usage billing model meters both the number of imports each month as well as the number of cells processed, whereas Dromo only meters the number of imports.
On features:- Both products can be run with Javascript SDKs and feature a workbook-like UI, AI-enabled automations, custom validations via hooks, a headless API, and webhooks for backend processing.
- Dromo provides a no-code Schema Studio so that a developer does not have to be involved in configuring and deploying an importer. Flatfile requires a developer to configure it.
- Flatfile requires users to be on its Professional plan in order to white label their importer, whereas Dromo provides white labeling by default.
- Dromo includes 100s of out-of-the-box integrations with third-party software, whereas Flatfile does not.
- Both providers are SOC 2 certified. Dromo also offers low-friction privacy configurations in which your data files never transit Dromo's servers or networks, whereas Flatfile does not.
- Dromo allows users to download a richly formatted Excel error report of any in-progress import, whereas Flatfile allows users to download only an unformatted CSV of the entire file.
- Dromo offers premium features on a flexible pay-per-feature basis, while Flatfile bundles them together.
- Yes, many customers choose Dromo over Flatfile when they first buy a data file importer, or migrate to Dromo in the future.One such customer reported that the migration took less than an hour, immediately saved them a significant amount of money, and improved the quality of the user experience. Read their case study.Enterprise references are available on request.