Microsoft Power BI vs Rows
Microsoft Power BI: Microsoft's business intelligence tool with Copilot to build reports and answer data questions. Rows: Modern spreadsheet with built-in data integrations and an AI analyst for summaries and charts. 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.
Rows
Best for: Small teams who want spreadsheet analysis with AI help.
Stands out for: Familiar spreadsheet feel; Free plan.
Side-by-side comparison
| Visit powerbi.microsoft.com (opens in a new tab) | Visit rows.com (opens in a new tab) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Microsoft's business intelligence tool with Copilot to build reports and answer data questions. | Modern spreadsheet with built-in data integrations and an AI analyst for summaries and charts. |
| Pricing | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Category | AI Data & Analytics | AI Data & Analytics |
| Editor rank | #2 in category | #9 in category |
| Made by | Microsoft | Rows |
| Best for | Organisations already using Microsoft tools. | Small teams who want spreadsheet analysis with AI help. |
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Microsoft Power BI vs Rows: questions
Is Microsoft Power BI better than Rows?
Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Microsoft Power BI slightly higher overall in AI Data & Analytics, but Rows can be the better fit: Small teams who want spreadsheet analysis with AI help.
Which is free, Microsoft Power BI or Rows?
Both can be used without paying: Microsoft Power BI is free + paid and Rows is free + paid. Paid plans add more usage or features.
Can I use Microsoft Power BI and Rows together?
Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example turn Excel data into a live dashboard with Microsoft Power BI, and pull analytics data into a sheet with Rows.