Reviewed by Aditya Kumar · Last reviewed 2026-03-24
Architectural difference: Fabric Dataflows = Power Query–style, Fabric-native, OneLake. ADF Dataflows = Spark-based, ADF-native, Azure-focused. When: Fabric for Fabric-centric, Power Query users. ADF when already in ADF, need Azure integration....
Architectural difference: Fabric Dataflows = Power Query–style, Fabric-native, OneLake. ADF Dataflows = Spark-based, ADF-native, Azure-focused. When: Fabric for Fabric-centric, Power Query users. ADF when already in ADF, need Azure integration. Best practice: Choose by platform and user skill (low-code vs Spark).
Red Flag: Recommending one without understanding use case. Pro-Move: 'We use Fabric Dataflows for analysts; ADF for hybrid—different teams, different tools.'
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