MLflow
mlflow.org
Open-source platform for managing the machine learning lifecycle.
Quick Information
- Category:
- Coding
- Pricing:
- Freemium
- Platforms:
- Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
- Free Plan:
- Yes
- API Available:
- Yes
- Last Verified:
- September 2026
What Is MLflow?
MLflow is an open-source platform for managing the machine learning lifecycle, remaining Apache 2.0 licensed with an unchanged cost structure (fully free, self-hosted) as of April 2026. The main cost drivers for a self-hosted MLflow deployment are storage for artifacts and runs, and compute for the tracking server and model serving — the software itself carries no license fee.
For teams wanting a managed option rather than self-hosting, MLflow is available as part of Databricks' interactive workloads, billed under Databricks' standard DBU (Databricks Unit) consumption model across Premium and Enterprise tiers (a free MLflow on Databricks Free Edition is available for those just getting started). A significant related platform change: Databricks retired its Standard tier — new Standard workspace creation was blocked after April 1, 2026, with remaining Standard workspaces automatically upgraded to Premium by October 2026.
It's aimed at ML teams wanting a genuinely free, open-source lifecycle management platform they can self-host, or a managed alternative through Databricks for teams wanting infrastructure handled for them, with the Databricks Standard tier retirement being an important recent platform change for existing Databricks-based MLflow users to be aware of. See our Developer Tools directory for related ML tools like LangSmith.
What Can You Use MLflow For?
ML experiment tracking
Tracks machine learning experiments, runs, and metrics.
Model lifecycle management
Manages the full lifecycle of ML models from development to deployment.
Managed MLflow via Databricks
Runs MLflow as a managed service within the Databricks platform.
MLflow Features
- Experiment tracking — Tracks ML experiments, parameters, and metrics.
- Model registry — Manages model versions and lifecycle stages.
- Databricks integration — Runs as a managed service within Databricks, billed via the DBU consumption model.
Who Is MLflow For?
- ML teams — Tracks experiments and manages model lifecycle using a free, open-source platform.
- Databricks users — Runs managed MLflow within Databricks, billed under the standard DBU model.
MLflow Pros & Limitations
What We Like
- Genuinely free, open-source, Apache 2.0-licensed core with unchanged cost structure
- Self-hosting means no license fee — costs are limited to your own storage and compute
- Free MLflow on Databricks Free Edition provides an accessible managed starting point
Limitations
- Self-hosting requires managing your own storage and compute infrastructure costs
- Databricks Standard tier retirement (blocked new creation after April 1, 2026) affects existing Standard-tier users
- Managed Databricks pricing follows the DBU consumption model, which requires understanding usage-based billing
MLflow Pricing
| Plan | Price | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Open source (self-hosted) | Free | Full ML lifecycle management, pay only for your own infrastructure |
| Databricks Free Edition | Free | Managed MLflow starting point |
| Databricks Premium/Enterprise | DBU consumption-based | Managed MLflow within Databricks workspace |
Pricing was last verified September 2026. Check the official website for the latest pricing.
AI Listing Jungle Ranking
- Global Rank:
- #640
- Overall Score:
- 21.6/100
- Monthly Users:
- –
- Rank Change:
- ▲ 5
This ranking reflects AI Listing Jungle's own independent scoring methodology and is not an endorsement by MLflow or its company. How Our Rankings Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MLflow free?
Yes, the open-source core is Apache 2.0-licensed and free to self-host.
What are the main costs of self-hosting MLflow?
Storage for artifacts and runs, plus compute for the tracking server and model serving.
What happened to Databricks Standard tier?
New Standard workspace creation was blocked after April 1, 2026, with remaining workspaces upgraded to Premium by October 2026.
Is there a free managed option?
Yes, MLflow on Databricks Free Edition is available for those getting started.
Our Take
MLflow's genuinely free, unchanged Apache 2.0 licensing makes self-hosting a real no-license-fee option, with costs limited to your own infrastructure.
Databricks-based MLflow users should note the Standard tier retirement, since remaining Standard workspaces will be automatically upgraded to Premium by October 2026.
MLflow Alternatives
MLflow Comparisons
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