Redash is a popular open-source business intelligence tool that enables teams to run SQL queries, create visual dashboards, and share insights quickly. It supports connections to most SQL databases, allows users to write raw SQL, and lets teams collaborate through saved queries and dashboards. Redash became well-known for its simplicity and flexibility — especially among developers and data analysts.
However, many teams are looking for Redash alternatives that offer better visualization, modern UI, stronger embedding support, cloud-native deployment, and deeper integrations with tools like dbt, Git, and modern data warehouses. Whether you’re self-hosting or looking for a managed solution, several tools now outperform Redash in features, scalability, and user experience.
This article covers the best Redash alternatives and competitors for SQL-based analytics, team dashboards, and data collaboration in 2025.
What is Redash?
Redash is an open-source data visualization and SQL query tool built for data analysts and developers. It lets users connect to databases, run SQL queries, visualize results, and build dashboards. While it’s simple and powerful, Redash’s development has slowed since its acquisition by Databricks, and many modern teams are switching to tools with better cloud support, UI design, and collaborative features.
Why Look for Redash Alternatives?
1. Slowed Development: Redash is no longer actively developed as an independent open-source project since its acquisition.
2. Outdated UI: While functional, Redash’s interface is less polished compared to newer BI platforms.
3. Limited Visualization Options: Redash has basic charts but lacks interactive dashboard components and custom visuals.
4. No Built-in Modeling Layer: Tools like Looker or Holistics support metric layers and reusable SQL — Redash does not.
5. Better Alternatives Now Exist: Tools like Metabase, Mode, Superset, and Holistics offer similar querying power with more flexibility, embedding, and governance features.
Top Redash Alternatives (Comparison Table)
# | Tool | Open Source | Best For | Deployment |
---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Apache Superset | Yes | Advanced SQL BI for dev teams | Self-hosted |
#2 | Mode | No | SQL + Python + team reporting | Cloud |
#3 | Holistics | No | SQL modeling + embedded BI | Cloud |
#4 | Tableau | No | Enterprise dashboards and visuals | Cloud / Desktop / Server |
#5 | Looker | No | Governed metrics + embedded BI | Cloud (GCP) |
#6 | Google Looker Studio | No | Free BI for Google Cloud and Sheets | Cloud |
#7 | Power BI | No | Microsoft-based SQL reporting | Cloud / Desktop |
#8 | Lightdash | Yes | dbt-native SQL dashboards | Cloud / Self-hosted |
#9 | Glean.io | No | Modern, AI-powered query builder | Cloud |
Top 9 Alternatives to Redash
#1. Apache Superset
Superset is a powerful, open-source SQL-native BI platform designed for technical teams. It replaces Redash for organizations needing open control, custom dashboards, and scalable performance.
Features:
- SQL Lab for queries and joins
- Custom charts and filters
- Role-based dashboard access
- OAuth and RBAC support
- Open-source and customizable
#2. Mode
Mode is a cloud analytics platform that combines SQL, Python notebooks, and visualization tools in one place. It’s great for replacing Redash with more collaboration and flexibility in reporting.
Features:
- SQL + Python + R notebooks
- Team reporting and version control
- Interactive dashboards
- Embed charts into external portals
- Data storytelling tools
#3. Holistics
Holistics is a modern BI tool for data teams that want reusable SQL logic, data modeling, and easy dashboard sharing. It’s a more scalable, dbt-friendly Redash alternative for SaaS and product teams.
Features:
- SQL modeling and metrics layer
- Data versioning and Git integration
- Embed dashboards into apps
- Schedule reports and alerts
- Works with dbt, Snowflake, BigQuery
#4. Tableau
Tableau is a top-tier BI tool known for visual storytelling, dashboard design, and enterprise analytics. It replaces Redash for teams needing pixel-perfect dashboards and complex visuals.
Features:
- Drag-and-drop dashboard builder
- Live and extract-based queries
- Embedded analytics with REST API
- Cloud, server, or desktop deployment
- Supports all major SQL sources
#5. Looker
Looker (by Google Cloud) offers a governed, model-driven approach to BI. It’s a good Redash alternative for enterprises needing scalable, centralized reporting with consistent metrics.
Features:
- LookML modeling layer
- Embedded analytics via SDK/API
- Row-level security and audit logging
- Alerts, dashboards, and custom visualizations
- GCP-native with BigQuery support
#6. Google Looker Studio
Looker Studio (formerly Google Data Studio) is a free dashboarding tool ideal for Google Cloud users and marketers. It’s a simple alternative to Redash for lighter reporting needs.
Features:
- Connects to Google Sheets, BigQuery, GA4
- Drag-and-drop chart builder
- Embed dashboards and auto-refresh
- Filter controls and multi-page reports
- Free with a Google account
#8. Power BI
Power BI is Microsoft’s BI platform for dashboards, modeling, and SQL analytics. It replaces Redash for teams in Microsoft environments or needing integration with Excel and Azure.
Features:
- DAX modeling + Power Query
- Drag-and-drop + SQL report builder
- Embed dashboards in apps or portals
- Row-level security and audit logs
- Desktop, service, and mobile versions
#8. Lightdash
Lightdash is a dbt-native BI platform that lets you turn your dbt models into interactive dashboards. It’s a modern Redash alternative for analytics engineers and dbt-centric teams.
Features:
- Built directly on top of dbt
- Live query on data warehouse
- Git version control support
- Self-service dashboarding
- Open-source and cloud versions
#9. Glean.io
Glean.io is a modern, AI-powered data workspace that helps users explore data and build dashboards using a clean UI and natural language search. It’s a rising Redash alternative for fast-growing data teams.
Features:
- Natural language query support
- SQL editor with modern UI
- AI-assisted chart suggestions
- Embed and share dashboards easily
- Built-in warehouse support
Conclusion
Redash offered a clean, SQL-friendly interface — but in 2025, modern teams need more. Whether you’re looking for better dashboards, open-source control, embedded analytics, or dbt integration, tools like Metabase, Mode, and Holistics offer everything Redash did — and more.
Choose Superset or Lightdash if you want open control. Go with Looker, Tableau, or Holistics for scalable reporting. Or use Mode and Glean.io for faster collaboration. No matter your stack, there’s a Redash alternative that fits your team’s needs.
FAQs
What are the best Redash alternatives in 2025?
The best Redash alternatives in 2025 are:
- Metabase
- Apache Superset
- Mode
- Holistics
- Tableau
- Looker
- Google Looker Studio
- Power BI
- Lightdash
- Glean.io
Is Redash still supported in 2025?
Redash is still used but no longer actively developed as an open-source project after its acquisition by Databricks.
What’s the best Redash replacement for SQL teams?
Mode, Holistics, and Lightdash are excellent for SQL-based workflows, reporting, and modeling.
Can I embed dashboards with Redash alternatives?
Yes — Metabase, Holistics, Looker, Tableau, and Superset all support embedding via iframe or APIs.