Metabase vs Microsoft Power BI
Metabase
metabase.comMicrosoft Power BI
powerbi.microsoft.comSide by side
| Figure | Metabase | Microsoft Power BI |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $6/mo | $14/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 6 | 6 |
| Spec score · Business Intelligence Tools | 8.9 (#11) | 9.3 (#1) |
| Deployment | hybrid | hybrid |
| Embedded analytics | Metabase supports embedded dashboards, visualizations, self-serve reporting, and customizable SDK components. | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Natural-language AI | AI features let users ask questions in plain English and explore results. | Users can describe reports or ask data questions in natural language, with Copilot generating visuals and reports. |
| Natural-language queries | Yes | Yes |
| Refresh frequency | real-time | hourly |
| Row-level security | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduled reports | Yes | Yes |
| Paid from | 6 | 14 |
| Support channels | Paid plans include support from technical experts by email, with higher-tier support options. | Support includes service status, technical support, documentation, training, and community help. |
Plans
Metabase
- Open SourceFree
- Starter$6 a month
- Pro$12 a month
- EnterprisePrice not published
- Starter annual$1,080 a year
- Pro annual$6,210 a year
Microsoft Power BI
- Free accountFree
- Power BI Pro$14 a month
- Power BI Premium Per User$24 a month
- Power BI EmbeddedPriced on request
- Fabric Capacity Pay-As-You-GoPriced on request
- Fabric Capacity ReservationPriced on request
In their own words
Microsoft Power BI
Microsoft Power BI is a business intelligence tool for exploring data and creating interactive reports and dashboards. A free account supports reports and dashboards for personal use, and Power BI Desktop is a free download for data exploration and report authoring. Sharing reports requires upgrading to Pro or Premium. Native mobile apps are available for Windows, iOS, and Android, while Power BI also integrates with Microsoft 365, Azure, Purview, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform. Users can ask questions about data in natural language, with Copilot generating visuals and reports. Insights can be shared through Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and other apps, and developers can embed interactive reports in their own applications. Power BI includes scheduled reports, hourly refresh frequency, row-level security, and embedded analytics. Pro costs $14 a month when paid yearly; Premium Per User costs $24 a month when paid yearly. Power BI Embedded is listed at as little as $1 per hour for analytics. The free account does not require a credit card, and regional pricing can vary by currency, country, and other regional factors.