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Microsoft Power BI vs Metabase

Microsoft Power BI: Microsoft's business intelligence tool with Copilot to build reports and answer data questions. Metabase: Open-source business intelligence tool for asking data questions and building dashboards. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.

Quick verdict

Microsoft Power BI

Best for: Organisations already using Microsoft tools.

Stands out for: Free desktop app; Great with Microsoft 365.

Metabase

Best for: Startups that want free, self-hosted dashboards.

Stands out for: Free open-source edition; Easy for beginners.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Microsoft Power BI, Metabase
Microsoft Power BI
Visit powerbi.microsoft.com (opens in a new tab)
Metabase
Visit metabase.com (opens in a new tab)
What it isMicrosoft's business intelligence tool with Copilot to build reports and answer data questions.Open-source business intelligence tool for asking data questions and building dashboards.
Pricing
Free + Paid
Open source
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Data & AnalyticsAI Data & Analytics
Editor rank#2 in category#7 in category
Made byMicrosoftMetabase
Best forOrganisations already using Microsoft tools.Startups that want free, self-hosted dashboards.
Key features
  • Interactive reports and dashboards
  • Copilot for report building and Q&A
  • Strong Excel and Microsoft 365 links
  • Data modelling tools
  • Visual question builder
  • SQL editor with AI help
  • Dashboards and alerts
  • Self-host or cloud
Pros
  • Free desktop app
  • Great with Microsoft 365
  • Free open-source edition
  • Easy for beginners
Cons
  • Desktop builder is Windows only
  • Self-hosting needs some technical setup
Use it to
  • Turn Excel data into a live dashboard
  • Ask Copilot why sales dropped
  • Share reports with your team
  • Build a dashboard from your app's database
  • Set an alert when a metric changes
  • Let non-technical staff explore data
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Windows
API

Microsoft Power BI vs Metabase: questions

Is Microsoft Power BI better than Metabase?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Microsoft Power BI slightly higher overall in AI Data & Analytics, but Metabase can be the better fit: Startups that want free, self-hosted dashboards.

Which is free, Microsoft Power BI or Metabase?

Both can be used without paying: Microsoft Power BI is free + paid and Metabase is open source. Paid plans add more usage or features.

Can I use Microsoft Power BI and Metabase together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example turn Excel data into a live dashboard with Microsoft Power BI, and build a dashboard from your app's database with Metabase.

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