Best Metabase Alternatives and Competitors in 2025

Metabase is a popular open-source business intelligence (BI) tool that makes it easy to explore data, build dashboards, and answer ad hoc questions. Known for its simple interface, SQL editor, and drag-and-drop query builder, Metabase is widely used by startups and growing teams for quick reporting and internal dashboards. It also supports self-hosted and managed deployments.

However, as data teams scale, many start looking for Metabase alternatives that offer more flexibility, modeling capabilities, stronger embeds, or better enterprise features. Whether you’re embedding dashboards into SaaS apps, building governed data models, or managing BI across teams, modern platforms now offer deeper functionality and smoother cloud-native experiences.

This article highlights the top Metabase alternatives in 2025 for SQL analytics, BI dashboards, and data team collaboration.

What is Metabase?

Metabase is an open-source BI platform that allows users to build dashboards and run queries against SQL databases and warehouses. It features a visual query builder, SQL editor, report scheduling, and dashboard embedding. It’s great for early-stage teams and data-driven startups, but lacks features like semantic modeling, version control, and advanced user permissions — which some growing teams need.

Why Look for Metabase Alternatives?

1. Limited Modeling Layer: Metabase does not support a reusable metrics layer or semantic modeling like dbt or LookML-based platforms.

2. Embedding Limitations: Basic iframe embed works, but teams needing secure, white-labeled embedding may want more control.

3. No Git Versioning or CI/CD: You can’t version dashboards, queries, or models in Git or automate deployments.

4. Not Ideal for Large Teams: RBAC and usage tracking are limited in the open-source version; better controls exist in enterprise tools.

5. More Flexible Cloud BI Exists: Platforms like Holistics, Looker, and Mode offer deeper integrations with dbt, data catalogs, or governance features.

Top Metabase Alternatives (Comparison Table)

#	Tool	Open Source	Best For	Deployment
#1	Apache Superset	Yes	SQL-native, self-hosted dashboards	Self-hosted
#2	Holistics	No	SQL modeling and embedded BI	Cloud
#3	Mode	No	SQL + Python + data storytelling	Cloud
#4	Redash	Yes	Lightweight SQL dashboards	Self-hosted
#5	Looker	No	Governed metrics and modeling	Cloud (GCP)
#6	Tableau	No	Advanced visuals and analytics	Cloud / Desktop
#7	Power BI	No	Microsoft BI with strong modeling	Cloud / Desktop
#8	Glean.io	No	Modern, AI-powered dashboards	Cloud
#9	Google Looker Studio	No	Free reporting and dashboarding	Cloud
#10	GoodData	No	Embedded BI + metrics layer	Cloud / Hybrid

10 Best Metabase Alternatives and Competitors

#1. Apache Superset

Superset is an open-source BI platform that supports SQL-based dashboards with robust charting and filtering. It’s a top Metabase alternative for developers and data engineers.

Features:

• Chart builder and SQL Lab editor
• RBAC, OAuth, and embedding support
• Connects to most SQL-compatible sources
• Better for technical teams
• Open-source under Apache License

#2. Holistics

Holistics is a modern BI platform with strong support for SQL modeling, version control, and self-service analytics. It replaces Metabase for teams using dbt or needing Git-driven workflows.

Features:

• Semantic layer and reusable logic
• Git + dbt integration
• Embedded analytics with RBAC
• Schedule reports and alerts
• Ideal for data teams and SaaS platforms

#3. Mode

Mode is a collaborative analytics platform with SQL, Python, and dashboarding in one tool. It’s ideal for replacing Metabase in fast-moving teams that work across code and visuals.

Features:

• SQL editor with result caching
• Python and R notebooks
• Live filters and dashboard sharing
• Embed charts into tools and apps
• Built-in collaboration features

#4. Redash

Redash is a lightweight SQL dashboard tool that supports quick queries, visualizations, and scheduling. It’s a fast Metabase alternative for simple dashboards and engineers.

Features:

• SQL editor with visualization support
• Self-hosted via Docker
• Query scheduling and alerts
• Embed charts and dashboards
• Good for dev-centric teams

#5. Looker

Looker (by Google) offers governed BI with semantic modeling and centralized metric definitions. It replaces Metabase for enterprises needing robust governance and embedding.

Features:

• LookML-based modeling layer
• Role-based access and versioning
• API and embed SDK for SaaS use
• Part of Google Cloud ecosystem
• Best for enterprise-wide BI

#6. Tableau

Tableau is a visual analytics platform for creating rich dashboards and data storytelling. It replaces Metabase for teams needing interactive filtering, drill-downs, and design control.

Features:

• Drag-and-drop dashboarding
• Embed reports with access control
• Deep integration with databases and Excel
• Strong community and learning tools
• Desktop and cloud options

#7. Power BI

Power BI is Microsoft’s BI tool with strong modeling, integrations, and Excel-friendly design. It replaces Metabase for teams in Microsoft environments or using Azure/Synapse.

Features:

• Power Query and DAX modeling
• Embed dashboards in Teams or apps
• Support for RLS and audit logging
• Desktop authoring + cloud sharing
• Low cost and high accessibility

#8. Glean.io

Glean.io is a modern BI tool with a clean UI and AI-powered features for dashboarding and analytics. It’s a rising alternative to Metabase for newer teams and startups.

Features:

• Natural language queries
• Modern design + filters and input forms
• SQL editor with version control
• Embeddable dashboards
• Fast setup and friendly UX

#9. Google Looker Studio

Looker Studio (formerly Data Studio) is a free dashboard tool from Google that works well with Sheets, BigQuery, and GA4. It replaces Metabase for marketers and quick reporting.

Features:

• Free for all Google users
• Connects to 100+ data sources
• Interactive filters and pages
• Embed dashboards in web apps
• No code needed

#10. GoodData

GoodData is a metrics-focused BI platform with embedding support, semantic layers, and multi-tenant access. It replaces Metabase in SaaS companies scaling BI into their product.

Features:

• Metrics-as-code semantic layer
• React SDK + REST APIs
• Multi-tenant and role-based access
• Embed dashboards into products
• Strong governance features

Conclusion

Metabase is a great BI tool for small teams and startups — but in 2025, many platforms now offer more advanced modeling, collaboration, and embedding options. Whether you’re building client dashboards, collaborating across teams, or scaling BI to thousands of users, modern alternatives offer more control, speed, and governance.

Choose Superset or Redash for open-source. Use Holistics, Looker, or GoodData for enterprise modeling and embedded use. Try Glean.io or Mode for fast-moving teams. Your best Metabase alternative depends on your size, cloud stack, and reporting needs.

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