Best Data Analysis Software for 2024

Overall Reviewer Score

4.3/5

Pricing

4.2/5

General features and interface

4.3/5

Core features

5/5

Advanced features

4.5/5

Integration and compatibility

4.7/5

UX

3.6/5

Pros

Powerful data visualization capabilities
Highly interactive, shareable dashboards
Extensive support for data source integrations
Strong community and customer support

Cons

High cost, especially for larger teams
Limited advanced analytics features compared to competitors

Why I picked Tableau

Tableau is always the leader of the pack when it comes to visualization. It offers a user-friendly interface and powerful integration options. Its drag-and-drop functionality simplifies the creation of complex charts and dashboards, making data accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. Tableau’s strong community support and frequent updates ensure it remains at the forefront of innovation in data visualization.

Compared to competitors like Qlik Sense and Looker, Tableau offers superior customization and interactivity. While strong in augmented intelligence, Qlik Sense lacks the intuitive interface of Tableau. Looker, integrated with Google Cloud, excels in real-time analytics but often falls short in ease of use and dashboard customization.

Pricing-wise, Tableau is more expensive than some alternatives. However, its extensive feature set provides a competitive edge. Compared to other options like Looker, Tableau is a more balanced option in terms of cost and capabilities.

Tableau is a leading visual analytics platform designed to transform the way organizations use data to solve problems. Founded in 2003 from a Stanford project, Tableau has grown into a powerhouse in data visualization and business intelligence, known for its intuitive interface and powerful analytics capabilities. Acquired by Salesforce in 2019, Tableau integrates seamlessly with Salesforce’s suite, enhancing its capabilities with AI-driven analytics and robust data integration features.

Tableau excels at turning raw data into interactive, shareable dashboards, making it a top choice for businesses across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. It supports a wide range of data sources and offers features like real-time data updates, natural language queries, and advanced data visualization options.

Ideal for medium to large enterprises seeking robust data visualization, Tableau’s strengths lie in its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and extensive customization options. However, it comes with a higher price tag and a learning curve for advanced features. Recent updates include enhanced AI capabilities and improved data prep tools, reinforcing Tableau’s position as a leader in the analytics space.

Interactive dashboards: Create interactive visualizations that allow users to explore data from various perspectives.

Data source integration: Connects to numerous data sources, including SQL databases, cloud services, and spreadsheets.

Real-time analytics: Provides real-time insights by updating dashboards as new data comes in.

Collaboration tools: Share dashboards and visualizations and allow web editing and authoring to work efficiently with team members and stakeholders.

Annual Pricing

Tableau Viewer: $12 per user/month.

Tableau Explorer: $35 per user/month.

Tableau Creator: $70 per user/month.

Monthly Pricing

Tableau Viewer: $15 per user/month.

Tableau Explorer: $42 per user/month.

Tableau Creator: $84 per user/month.

Microsoft Power BI: Best for team collaboration

Overall Reviewer Score

4.3/5

Pricing

4.4/5

General features and interface

4.5/5

Core features

4.6/5

Advanced features

4.6/5

Integration and compatibility

4/5

UX

3.8/5

Pros

Cost-effective with a free version available
Seamless integration with Microsoft Office and Azure
AI-powered analytics and natural language queries
Many data connectivity options

Cons

Interface can be complex for beginners
Data limits in the free version
Can be slow with very large datasets
Limited customization options in reports

Why I picked Microsoft Power BI

Microsoft Power BI excels in team collaboration, making it an outstanding choice for organizations leveraging the Microsoft ecosystem. Its seamless integration with Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and other Office products facilitates efficient data sharing and collaboration across teams. Users can embed interactive reports and dashboards directly into Teams channels and chats, enabling real-time collaboration and discussion around data insights.

Power BI’s licensing is more cost-effective compared to competitors like Tableau. For instance, Power BI Pro is priced at $10 per user per month, offering extensive features such as data modeling, report sharing, and real-time data updates. In comparison, Tableau’s licensing costs are significantly higher, making Power BI a budget-friendly alternative without compromising functionality.

A standout feature is Power BI’s capability to integrate with a wide array of data sources. Reviews highlight the ease of use and strong support for large datasets. According to a TrustRadius review, “Power BI allows connecting to various data sources including databases, Excel files, and online services,” simplifying data extraction and analysis processes.

Microsoft Power BI, launched in 2013, is a robust business analytics tool designed to transform raw data into actionable insights via interactive visualizations and real-time dashboards. It integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft ecosystem, including Excel, Azure, and Dynamics 365, making it particularly powerful for enterprises leveraging existing Microsoft infrastructure.

Power BI excels in data connectivity, supporting a broad range of data sources both on-premises and in the cloud. Its intuitive interface allows users of all technical levels to create detailed reports and dashboards easily. Features like natural language queries and AI-powered insights enhance accessibility and analytical capabilities.

Best suited for businesses of all sizes, Power BI combines self-service and enterprise-level analytics. Its affordability and integration with Microsoft products offer a cost-effective solution compared to competitors like Tableau and Qlik Sense.

Recent updates include advanced AI functionalities, new data protection features via Microsoft Purview, and improved report-sharing capabilities through Power BI Embedded.

Real-time dashboards: Create and share real-time dashboards and reports.

AI-powered insights: Use AI and machine learning to gain deeper insights from your data.

Data integration: Integrates seamlessly with various Microsoft products, including Excel and Azure.

Natural language queries: Allows users to query data using natural language.

Annual Pricing

Power BI Pro: $10 per user/month.

Power BI Premium: $20 per user/month.

Monthly Pricing

Power BI Pro: $12.49 per user/month.

Power BI Premium: $25 per user/month.

SAS: Best for advanced statistical analysis and predictive modeling

Overall Reviewer Score

4.2/5

Pricing

3.5/5

General features and interface

4.3/5

Core features

4.6/5

Advanced features

5/5

Integration and compatibility

4.7/5

UX

3.5/5

Pros

Exceptional statistical analysis and predictive analytics capabilities
Comprehensive suite of business intelligence tools
High-quality customer support and extensive training resources
Regular updates with new modules

Cons

High cost, particularly for small businesses
Steep learning curve for beginners
Outdated user interface
Limited integration with non-SAS tools

Why I picked SAS

SAS stands tall as the premier data analytics software for predictive modeling, offering a robust and comprehensive suite of tools meticulously designed to excel in this critical domain. Renowned for its advanced statistical analysis capabilities, SAS Viya seamlessly integrates with a diverse array of data sources and supports a wide spectrum of predictive modeling techniques, ranging from regression and decision trees to sophisticated neural networks.

When compared to industry stalwarts like Microsoft Power BI and Qlik Sense, SAS’s unparalleled depth in predictive analytics sets it apart from the competition. While Power BI excels in data visualization and Qlik Sense in augmented intelligence, SAS’s true strength lies in its unrivaled ability to tackle complex, large-scale data analytics projects with precision and finesse. A TrustRadius review aptly highlights the software’s user-friendly interface and extensive options for simulations and model comparisons, solidifying its status as the preferred choice among data scientists tasked with undertaking detailed, reproducible analyses.

Recent updates have further elevated SAS’s machine learning capabilities and seamless integration with Python, reinforcing its position as an undisputed leader in the realm of predictive analytics.

SAS’s comprehensive feature set is further bolstered by its inclusion of cutting-edge capabilities such as automated machine learning, which streamlines the modeling process and enhances productivity to unprecedented levels. Moreover, SAS’s predictive modeling tools are designed to address real-world challenges, such as forecasting and risk management, providing precise and actionable insights that empower organizations to make informed decisions with confidence.

SAS, short for Statistical Analysis System, stands as a pioneering force in the world of statistical software. Developed by SAS Institute, this comprehensive suite has evolved into a powerhouse, renowned for its unparalleled capabilities in data management, advanced analytics, multivariate analysis, business intelligence, and predictive analytics.

Tracing its roots back to the 1960s, SAS has been at the forefront of innovation, constantly expanding its offerings to cater to the ever-evolving needs of various industries, including healthcare, finance, and government sectors. What sets SAS apart is its ability to tackle complex data analysis tasks with unparalleled finesse, making it the preferred choice for large enterprises that require sophisticated data mining and predictive modeling capabilities.

At the core of SAS’s prowess lies its support for advanced statistical methods and powerful business intelligence tools. These cutting-edge features empower organizations to extract actionable insights from their data, enabling them to make informed, data-driven decisions with unwavering confidence. With SAS, businesses can unlock the true potential of their information assets, gaining a competitive edge in an increasingly data-driven landscape.

However, SAS’s strengths come with a caveat – it has often been criticized for its high cost and steep learning curve, which can pose challenges for smaller organizations and individual users. Yet, SAS Institute remains committed to ensuring its users have access to the latest analytical techniques and tools, offering extensive customer support and continuous updates to address evolving market demands.

In recent years, SAS has introduced enhancements to SAS Viya, its cloud-enabled platform. This cutting-edge solution integrates advanced AI and machine learning capabilities, significantly improving the speed and productivity of data analysis processes.

Advanced analytics: Offers powerful tools for statistical analysis and predictive modeling.

Data management: Provides robust data management capabilities for handling large datasets.

Business intelligence: Comprehensive suite for business intelligence, including data visualization and reporting.

Training resources: Extensive training and support resources for users, including SAS Academy for Data Science, SAS Books, and short courses.

Contact SAS for a custom quote.

Qlik Sense: Best for augmented intelligence

Overall Reviewer Score

4.3/5

Pricing

4.4/5

General features and interface

4.5/5

Core features

4.6/5

Advanced features

4.4/5

Integration and compatibility

4/5

UX

3.8/5

Pros

Associative data model for easy data exploration
Advanced AI and machine learning capabilities
Strong mobile support for data analytics on the go
Interactive and customizable dashboards

Cons

High cost for premium features
Requires significant training to master
Can be resource-intensive
Limited community support compared to competitors

Why I picked Qlik Sense

Qlik Sense excels in augmented intelligence by combining AI-driven analytics with intuitive data exploration capabilities. Its Associative Engine allows users to freely explore data relationships, providing deeper insights than traditional query-based tools. This feature makes it particularly useful for discovering hidden trends and correlations.

Compared to competitors like Microsoft Power BI and Tableau, Qlik Sense offers a distinct advantage in its AI and machine learning integration. While Power BI integrates well with the Microsoft ecosystem and Tableau excels in data visualization, Qlik Sense’s augmented analytics stand out for its ability to suggest insights, automate tasks, and provide natural language interaction. For instance, its Insight Advisor uses AI to generate insights and offer data visualizations automatically, which enhances user productivity and decision-making accuracy.

User reviews echo the sentiment that Qlik Sense is adept at handling large data volumes quickly, allowing for fast data loading and real-time analysis. The platform’s responsive design for web access and dedicated mobile application also ensure that insights are accessible on-the-go.

Qlik Sense is a modern analytics platform designed to empower users at all skill levels with AI-powered insights and intuitive data exploration. Introduced by Qlik, Qlik Sense leverages its unique associative analytics engine to provide unmatched data exploration capabilities. This engine allows users to make selections freely, refine context, and uncover insights at the speed of thought, going beyond traditional query-based analytics.

Qlik Sense excels in augmented analytics, integrating AI and machine learning to offer automated insight generation, natural language interaction, and predictive analytics. This makes it ideal for organizations looking to enhance their data-driven decision-making processes with advanced yet user-friendly tools.

Best suited for medium to large enterprises across various industries, Qlik Sense supports a wide range of analytic use cases, including self-service visualizations, embedded analytics, and mobile analytics. However, it can be expensive and has a steep learning curve for advanced features.

Associative data model: Allows users to explore data relationships dynamically.

AI and machine learning: Integrates advanced AI and machine learning tools for deeper insights.

Mobile analytics: Supports robust mobile analytics for data on the go.

Customizable dashboards: Create highly interactive and customizable dashboards.

Annual Pricing:

Qlik Sense Business: $30 per user/month.

Qlik Sense Enterprise: Contact Qlik for a custom quote.

Looker: Best for real-time data analytics

Overall Reviewer Score

4.2/5

Pricing

4.4/5

General features and interface

4.5/5

Core features

4.6/5

Advanced features

4.4/5

Integration and compatibility

4/5

UX

3.8/5

Pros

Real-time data modeling and integration with Google Cloud
Intuitive and visually appealing dashboards
Excellent data integration capabilities with SQL
Strong collaboration features with Slack and Google services

Cons

Expensive pricing model
Limited offline capabilities
Requires technical expertise for setup and management
Smaller community compared to older tools

Why I picked Looker

Looker excels in real-time data analytics and integrates seamlessly with Google Cloud, making it ideal for businesses seeking robust, real-time data processing capabilities compared to other options on this list. Its intuitive dashboards and strong collaboration features enhance team productivity.

Looker, now part of Google Cloud, is a cloud-based business intelligence platform designed to facilitate real-time data analytics and decision-making. Google acquired Looker in 2019. Looker provides a comprehensive suite for data exploration, analytics, and visualization, leveraging its powerful LookML (Looker Modeling Language) to define data relationships and streamline complex queries.

Looker excels at providing real-time data insights through its in-database architecture, which allows users to analyze data directly where it resides, reducing latency and improving performance. This real-time capability makes it ideal for businesses that require up-to-the-minute data to drive their decision-making processes.

Best suited for medium to large enterprises, Looker supports a wide range of data sources and integrates seamlessly with various SQL databases and data warehouses, including BigQuery, Redshift, and Snowflake. The platform’s flexibility and robust API enable extensive customization and integration with existing workflows.

While Looker is highly regarded for its real-time analytics and ease of use, it can be expensive, with additional costs for certain connectors and premium features. Recent updates have focused on enhancing user collaboration, improving data security, and expanding its integration capabilities, ensuring Looker remains a leading choice for organizations seeking advanced, real-time data analytics solutions.

Real-time data modeling: Provides real-time data modeling capabilities.

Google Cloud integration: Seamless integration with Google Cloud for enhanced data processing.

Intuitive dashboards: Create visually appealing and intuitive dashboards.

Collaboration tools: Strong collaboration features with Slack and Google services.

Platform pricing:

Looker offers three editions—Standard, Enterprise, and Embed. The Standard edition costs $5,000 per month with a pay-as-you-go model. Enterprise and Embed editions require you to call sales for an annual commitment.

User licensing:

Looker offers three types of user licenses—Viewer ($30/user/month), Standard ($60/user/month), and Developer ($125/user/month). These fees are consistent across all editions.

Sisense: Best for large-scale data analytics

Overall Reviewer Score

4.1/5

Pricing

3.5/5

General features and interface

4.3/5

Core features

5/5

Advanced features

4.5/5

Integration and compatibility

4/5

UX

3.8/5

Pros

Embedded analytics for integrating with other applications
Advanced machine learning and AI-driven insights
Scalable data preparation and warehousing capabilities
User-friendly for both technical and non-technical users

Cons

Lack of pricing transparency
Requires significant resources for optimal performance

Why I picked Sisense

Sisense leverages its innovative in-chip technology and customization capabilities to deliver a high level of performance that’s hard to match. Unlike many of its competitors, Sisense processes data within the chip itself, enabling faster and more efficient data querying and visualization. This unique approach significantly enhances performance, proving invaluable for enterprises grappling with vast and complex datasets.

When compared to industry giants such as Microsoft Power BI and Qlik Sense, Sisense offers a distinct advantage in terms of processing speed and scalability. While Power BI seamlessly integrates with the Microsoft ecosystem and Qlik Sense excels in augmented intelligence, Sisense’s in-chip processing prowess allows for real-time analysis without the need for extensive IT resources, empowering organizations to make data-driven decisions with unparalleled agility.

User reviews consistently underscore Sisense’s remarkable ability to handle large data volumes with exceptional swiftness. According to SelectHub, a staggering 77% of users lauded its data querying capabilities, while an impressive 75% highlighted its powerful data visualization tools. Furthermore, Sisense’s flexible deployment options (on-premises, cloud, or hybrid) and API support solidify its value for large enterprises seeking to harness the full potential of their data assets.

Sisense’s cost may be prohibitive for smaller businesses, but its performance, extensive customization options, and unparalleled speed in data processing make it the top choice for large-scale data analysis.

Sisense is a leading business intelligence (BI) and data analytics platform known for its ability to handle large-scale data analytics efficiently. Founded in 2004, Sisense has evolved into a comprehensive solution for data integration, visualization, and analytics. The platform is designed to help organizations mash up data from various sources and transform it into actionable insights through user-friendly dashboards and visualizations.

Sisense’s unique technologies, such as In-Chip and Single Stack, enable users to analyze large and complex data sets without requiring extensive IT resources. These technologies allow for faster processing and querying of large volumes of data, making Sisense an ideal choice for enterprises that need robust and scalable data analytics solutions.

The platform supports a wide range of data sources and provides powerful tools for data blending, visualization, and reporting. Sisense’s Elasticube technology allows users to merge disparate data sources into a single, unified view, enhancing the accuracy and comprehensiveness of analytics.

Sisense has continuously refined its offerings with recent updates that include enhanced AI and machine learning capabilities, improved mobile accessibility, and advanced security features. However, it is worth noting that some users have expressed concerns regarding the platform’s cost, which may be prohibitive for certain organizations, and the potential bugs when handling extremely large data sets.

Embedded analytics: Offers robust embedded analytics for integration with other applications.

Machine learning: Advanced machine learning capabilities for deeper data insights.

Scalable data preparation: Scalable data preparation and warehousing capabilities.

User-friendly interface: Intuitive interface for both technical and non-technical users.

Free trial available

Starting at $25,000/year

Contact Sisense for a custom quote based on your business needs.