Metabase vs QlikView: A Comparative Analysis
Introduction
Choosing the right business intelligence tool is crucial for effective data analysis and decision-making. Metabase and QlikView are two popular options that offer different strengths and user experiences.
Metabase is known for its user-friendly interface, allowing users to quickly create queries and dashboards without deep technical knowledge. QlikView, on the other hand, provides powerful data manipulation and discovery capabilities for more complex analysis.
In this comparison, we'll delve into the features, ease of use, and customization options of both platforms. Additionally, we'll explore how Sourcetable offers a contemporary alternative with a spreadsheet-like interface that seamlessly syncs with your data for business intelligence tasks.
What is Metabase?
Metabase is an open-source analytics tool designed with a user-friendly UX, making it accessible to a broad audience. The platform facilitates direct querying from various data sources, currently supporting connectivity to over 20 types, without the need for extracts. Metabase's flexible deployment options, which include docker, cater to different organizational needs.
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Metabase is an open-source analytics tool designed with a user-friendly UX, making it accessible to a broad audience. The platform facilitates direct querying from various data sources, currently supporting connectivity to over 20 types, without the need for extracts. Metabase's flexible deployment options, which include docker, cater to different organizational needs.
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Plans and Compliance
Metabase offers a range of plans from a free open-source tier to a hosted option. There is a pay-as-you-go Pro plan and an Enterprise plan for larger organizations, both providing advanced features like single sign-on, permissions, auditing, and embedded analytics. Metabase is GDPR compliant, ensuring user data protection and privacy.
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Adoption and Trust
With a deployment base over 50,000 companies, Metabase has earned trust across a wide range of industries for its robust analytics and business intelligence capabilities.
What is QlikView?
QlikView is a guided analytics solution designed for developing and delivering guided analytics applications and dashboards. It is equipped with an associative engine that allows for the dynamic generation of new data views. This technology compresses data and stores it in memory, enabling rapid data exploration and interaction by multiple users simultaneously. QlikView facilitates direct connections to data sources and provides an associative experience throughout the analysis process, without confining users to predefined drill paths or static dashboards.
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QlikView is a guided analytics solution designed for developing and delivering guided analytics applications and dashboards. It is equipped with an associative engine that allows for the dynamic generation of new data views. This technology compresses data and stores it in memory, enabling rapid data exploration and interaction by multiple users simultaneously. QlikView facilitates direct connections to data sources and provides an associative experience throughout the analysis process, without confining users to predefined drill paths or static dashboards.
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Core Features
- Guided analytics application development
- Dynamic associative engine
- In-memory data compression
- Concurrent data exploration for multiple users
- Direct data source connectivity
- Unrestricted analytical paths
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Metabase Features Overview
Scalability and Self-Service Analytics |
Metabase supports organizational growth and self-service analytics through its scalable features on paid plans, enabling internal and embedded analytics solutions. |
Security and Authentication Options |
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Enhanced Permissions Management |
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Customization and Embedding |
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Dashboard Management |
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Caching and Performance |
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Data Portability |
Ability to export Metabase application data for deployment in new instances, facilitating migration and backup processes. |
Key Features of QlikView
Associative Engine |
The associative engine is the cornerstone of QlikView's uniqueness, enabling users to uncover data insights and relationships across various sources. |
Intuitive Visual Discovery |
Intuitive visual discovery allows users to easily interpret data, fostering an environment for quick and informed decision-making. |
Augmented Intelligence |
Qlik Cloud Analytics and Qlik Sense enhance human intuition with AI-powered insights, promoting a shift to active analytics. |
Deployment Options |
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Advantages of Using Metabase Pro for Business Intelligence Tasks
Enhanced Data Access Controls
Metabase Pro's advanced permission features, such as row-level and column-level permissions, ensure precise control over data access. This granularity is ideal for maintaining data security and governance.
Customizable Embedding and White-Labeling
With Metabase Pro, businesses can embed charts and dashboards directly into their applications, offering a seamless user experience. White-labeling capabilities allow for full customization of the look and feel, aligning with brand identity.
Dedicated Success Team Support
The world-class success team at Metabase Pro offers technical support, assists with onboarding and offboarding processes, and ensures that users maximize the platform's benefits.
Advanced Analytics and Alerting
Usage analytics within Metabase Pro provide insights into how data is being utilized. Additionally, the platform allows users to set up subscriptions and alerts, keeping teams informed of critical metrics and trends.
Efficient Content Management
Metabase Pro improves performance by caching slow and unused content. It also simplifies maintenance through exporting configurations as YAML files and syncing multiple environments, which is essential for managing complex BI tasks.
Role-Based Permissions and Impersonation
Role-based permissions on databases, enhanced by connection impersonation, enable tailored data access. This ensures that users interact with data pertinent to their roles, streamlining data analytics workflows.
Disadvantages of Using Metabase for Business Intelligence
Complex Queries and Data Linking
Metabase presents challenges in linking data for complex queries, making it less suitable for advanced analytics.
Concurrent Usage and Performance
Performance issues arise when multiple team members use Metabase simultaneously, leading to slower response times.
Versioning and Data Governance
The lack of code versioning and limited data governance capabilities in Metabase can pose risks for data integrity and auditability.
Updatability and Dashboard Creation
Difficulties in updating the software and constraints in dashboard creation render Metabase less flexible for dynamic reporting needs.
Database Integration and Scalability
Metabase struggles with joining different databases and does not perform well under large loads, limiting scalability.
Latency and Customization
Significant delays and limited chart customization options in Metabase hinder the creation of tailored and efficient reports.
Rendering and SSO Support
Slow data rendering and the absence of Azure SSO integration in the free edition could restrict accessibility and user management.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metabase
How can I use the trend widget in Metabase?
You can use the trend widget in Metabase to filter data by date.
What should I do if I get a 550 5.7.60 SMTP error in Metabase?
If you encounter a 550 5.7.60 SMTP error, it is likely related to the SMTP setup in Metabase.
Can Metabase be used to display comments on Postgres tables?
Yes, Metabase can be used to display comments on Postgres tables.
Does Metabase allow editing of data in Snowflake and Athena?
No, Metabase does not allow editing of data in Snowflake and Athena.
What type of license does Metabase use?
Metabase uses the AGPL license.
Use Cases for Metabase
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Company-wide transparency in customer care
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Insights for every team from their data
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Self-service analytics for customers
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Data-driven decision-making
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Embedding analytics in SaaS platforms
Advantages of Using Qlikview for Business Intelligence
Efficient Data Analysis
Qlikview's dynamic dashboards enhance quick data interpretation, leveraging in-memory technology for swift analytics. Good data compression and visualization capabilities streamline reporting.
Collaborative Decision-Making
Facilitating teamwork, Qlikview allows multiple users to collaborate on data-driven decisions, making it a valuable tool for collective analysis.
Implementation and Usability
With its simple setup process, Qlikview reduces implementation time, making it an accessible BI tool for diverse businesses. Its self-service nature empowers users to manage BI tasks efficiently.
Data Security and Performance
Qlikview provides robust data security, ensuring information integrity. High-speed performance and the QIX Engine contribute to a seamless user experience.
Cost-Effectiveness
As a cost-effective solution, Qlikview delivers high-value BI capabilities, making it a prudent choice for organizations looking to optimize their investments in data analytics.
Disadvantages of Using Qlikview for Business Intelligence
Real-Time Data Analysis
Qlikview may not perform efficiently in scenarios requiring real-time data analysis.
Technical Expertise
Application development within Qlikview necessitates a high level of technical expertise, possibly creating a barrier for some users.
Integration Challenges
Embedding Qlikview with other software solutions may result in compatibility issues.
Customer Support
There are indications of Qlikview providing suboptimal customer support.
Interface and Tools
The tools and interfaces of Qlikview might be perceived as outdated when compared to newer market offerings.
Cost Implications
For small or medium-sized businesses, the cost of Qlikview may be prohibitive.
User Satisfaction
Poor ratings in surveys may reflect a general user dissatisfaction with Qlikview.
Frequently Asked Questions About Qlikview
How much more memory does QlikView use when running a script compared to working in the layout?
QlikView uses 3-4 times as much memory when running a script as when working in the layout.
Can QlikView handle large datasets and what are the memory requirements?
QlikView can handle a few million rows of typical transaction data on a PC with 512MB of RAM and up to one billion rows of transaction data on large servers.
Can QlikView join fields with different names?
Yes, QlikView can join fields with different names using an alias or AS statement.
How can QlikView be shared with others?
QlikView can be shared with others using QlikView Server or QlikView Publisher.
Can QlikView restrict user access to documents?
Yes, QlikView can limit who can use a document using section access.
Use Cases for Qlikview
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Improving efficiency, customer service, and sales
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Simplifying analytics with a company-wide portal
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Boosting operational success
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Lowering costs and reducing effort to convert loan prospects
Why Sourcetable is the Superior Choice for Business Intelligence
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Streamlined Data Integration
Sourcetable stands out for its ability to consolidate data from diverse sources into a single, spreadsheet-like interface. Unlike Metabase, which requires connections to multiple data sources, Sourcetable simplifies the process by syncing data seamlessly across services.
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User-Friendly Interface
The spreadsheet-like interface of Sourcetable offers a familiar environment for many users, making it more accessible than the visual query builders of Metabase. This ease of use accelerates adoption and reduces the learning curve for non-technical users.
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Efficient Reporting and Analytics
Sourcetable excels in simplifying the creation of reports and analytics. It leverages the approachability of spreadsheets, streamlining the reporting process more effectively than Metabase's dashboard and reporting tools.
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Unified Business Intelligence Solution
As a comprehensive business intelligence tool, Sourcetable provides a centralized platform for data analysis and reporting, distinguishing itself from Metabase's segmented analytics and exploration tools.
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Metabase vs. QlikView Similarities
Business Intelligence Tools
Both Metabase and QlikView are recognized as business intelligence tools, enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions.
Self-Service Analytics
They both offer self-service analytics capabilities, allowing non-technical users to explore data without deep technical knowledge.
Data Exploration and Dashboards
Metabase and QlikView enable users to create dashboards and reports for visual data exploration and analysis.
Connectivity with Data Sources
Each tool can connect to a variety of data sources, including databases and data warehouses, facilitating a comprehensive view of business metrics.
User-Friendly Interface
Both platforms prioritize a user-friendly interface to simplify the user experience when interacting with complex data sets.
Accessibility
Metabase and QlikView are designed to be accessible to all users within an organization, promoting widespread data literacy.
Compliance and Security
These tools are compliant with industry standards and offer security features to ensure data protection and privacy.
Embedded Analytics
Metabase and QlikView both provide the functionality to embed analytics into other applications, extending their utility beyond standalone usage.
Metabase vs QlikView
User Interface
Metabase features a user-friendly interface designed for non-technical users, enabling them to explore data and create dashboards without SQL knowledge. Metabase's visual query builder simplifies data querying. In contrast, QlikView offers a highly customizable interface that may require a steeper learning curve and is generally suited for users with more technical expertise.
Deployment Options
Metabase offers a quick setup, with deployment possible in 3 minutes and accessible via Metabase Cloud or as an open-source option. QlikView, however, typically requires a more involved installation and setup process, focusing on on-premises deployment, although cloud options are available.
Data Source Connectivity
Both Metabase and QlikView can connect to multiple data sources. Metabase supports over 20 data sources, including production databases and data warehouses, without requiring data extracts. QlikView provides extensive data connectivity options but often involves a more complex data integration process.
Pricing Structure
Metabase offers a free open-source tier and a pay-as-you-go Pro plan, making it accessible for companies of all sizes. QlikView does not have a free version and is generally considered to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, which may impact accessibility for smaller businesses.
Customization and Embedding
Metabase supports embedding of dashboards and analytics into other applications with iframes or JWT-signed embeds, and it allows whitelabeling with no code. QlikView also supports embedded analytics but typically requires more customization and technical knowledge to integrate seamlessly.
Compliance and Security
Metabase is SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliant, offering enterprise-grade security and compliance features. QlikView also provides robust security measures but the specifics of compliance may vary based on the deployment model and configuration.
Analytics and Self-Service
Metabase is recognized for its self-service analytics capabilities, allowing users to create and share dashboards rapidly. QlikView, on the other hand, offers powerful analytics but is often utilized in scenarios requiring more complex data manipulation and analysis performed by users with a higher level of technical skill.
Comparison of Metabase, QlikView, and Sourcetable
Metabase vs. QlikView
Metabase is a self-service analytics and business intelligence tool that offers a user-friendly UX and integrated tooling. It supports direct connection to over 20 data sources, including production databases and data warehouses, without requiring extracts. Metabase's open-source tier makes it accessible to all, while it also offers a paid Pro plan. It supports advanced SQL capabilities and integrates with SSO. Unique to Metabase is its sandboxing feature, including row-level sandboxes, caching, and compliance with SOC 2 Type II and GDPR. Additionally, it allows for embedding into customer-facing applications and supports whitelabeling and embedding without code.
In contrast, QlikView is a business intelligence tool known for its associative data modeling and in-memory data processing. It is not open-source and typically requires a license for use. QlikView also has strong data visualization capabilities and supports robust data integration. However, it may not be as accessible as Metabase due to its cost and the need for more technical expertise to fully leverage its features.
Metabase vs. Sourcetable
Metabase's strengths lie in its ease of use for non-technical users, with a user-friendly interface and self-service analytics approach. It provides flexibility in data exploration and dashboard creation. Metabase's ability to connect with a wide array of data sources and its SQL support cater to both technical and non-technical users. Security features like sandboxing and compliance with industry standards make it suitable for enterprises concerned with data governance.
Sourcetable, while also a business intelligence tool, focuses on combining multiple data sources into a single spreadsheet-like interface. It emphasizes collaboration and ease of use, facilitating the sharing and manipulation of data in a familiar spreadsheet format. Sourcetable may not offer the same level of detailed analytics, SQL support, and embedding capabilities that Metabase does, but it streamlines data interaction for users seeking simplicity and an all-in-one workspace.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sourcetable
What is Sourcetable and who typically uses it?
Sourcetable is a spreadsheet application that allows users to access data from most 3rd party applications, query data, and build live models. It is typically used by growth teams and business operations teams.
How does Sourcetable help replace other tools?
Sourcetable replaces workflows that are typically done in Excel, Google Sheets, and Business Intelligence tools by allowing users to centralize, analyze, and model data that updates over time without requiring any coding.
How much does Sourcetable cost and is there a free trial?
Sourcetable costs $50 per month for the starter plan and $250 per month for the pro plan. All plans have a 14-day free trial period.
How often does Sourcetable update data integrations?
Data integrations update every 15 minutes on the regular plan and every 5 minutes on the pro plan.
Can I start creating reports quickly with Sourcetable?
Yes, users can start creating reports with Sourcetable within minutes.
Metabase Pricing
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Starter Plan
The Metabase Starter plan is priced at $85 per month, accommodating 5 users. Additional users can be added at $5 per month. Annual billing offers a 10% discount, reducing the yearly cost to $918.
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Pro Plan
Metabase's Pro plan costs $500 per month, including 10 users, with the option to add more users at a rate of $10 per month. Opting for annual billing provides a 10% discount, bringing the annual cost to $5400.
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Enterprise Plan
The Enterprise plan has custom pricing starting from $15,000 per year per user, reflecting the tailored services provided to enterprise-level customers.
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Open Source Plan
Metabase also offers an Open Source plan that is free of charge, suitable for users seeking no-cost access to basic features.
Qlikview Pricing Plans
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Standard Plan
Qlikview's standard plan is designed for a minimum of 20 full users. It provides 25 GB/year of data capacity for analysis and supports integrating hundreds of data sources. The plan features interactive data visualizations, dashboards, augmented analytics with AI, and collaboration tools. It also includes round-the-clock customer support.
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Premium Plan
The premium plan builds on the standard plan by doubling the data capacity to 50 GB/year. It adds functionalities like automated report compilation, predictive analytics with machine learning, and no-code automation triggers. Advanced features such as additional data sources and enterprise-grade data governance are also included.
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Enterprise Plan
Qlikview's enterprise plan is the most extensive, offering 500 GB/year of data analysis. It encompasses all premium features alongside a personalized customer success plan. This plan is tailored for large-scale business needs, providing extensive data capacity and sophisticated analytics tools.
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Capacity Alerts
Qlikview notifies users as they approach their data capacity limit, allowing for timely plan adjustments or data management.
- Standard Plan: Minimum 20 users, 25 GB data/year, full feature suite
- Premium Plan: 50 GB data/year, advanced analytics, and automation
- Enterprise Plan: 500 GB data/year, personalized success plan
User Reviews of Metabase
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General Sentiment
Metabase receives high praise for its ease of use, with most reviewers giving it a 5.0 rating in this category. Users also rate Metabase highly for customer service, features, and value for money, all receiving a 5.0 rating from reviewers.
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User Experience
Reviewers commend Metabase for its user-friendly interface and its utility in self-service analytics. It is noted to be particularly accessible for non-technical users, enabling them to use the tool with minimum tech knowledge.
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Functionality
Metabase's ability to create reports, custom dashboards, and track KPIs is recognized by users. It is also appreciated for its alerting feature that notifies users when queries return results.
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Performance Issues
Some users experience significant delay and latency when working with more data. Reports of Metabase becoming buggy and slow in rendering data, as well as crashing under larger loads, are noted by reviewers.
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Technical Aspects
Metabase's open-source nature and self-hosted free version are highlighted by users. However, the tool's difficulty to contribute to due to it being written in CoffeeScript, and the non-trivial configuration required to run in open source mode, are seen as drawbacks.
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Limitations
Users point out that Metabase does not support joins between different databases and can be slow when many users are accessing it simultaneously. Additionally, some reviewers report issues with loading or downloading reports.
User Reviews and Ratings of QlikView
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Overall Impressions
QlikView holds an overall rating of 4.3, reflecting its strong position as a business intelligence tool. Users have recognized its functionality with a high rating of 4.5, which is supported by its ability to create complex reports by combining multiple data sources.
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Usability
The ease-of-use and customer support aspects of QlikView both have a solid score of 4 out of 5. Despite its intuitive interface and in-memory processing that facilitates fast data handling, users find QlikView's UI somewhat clunky and less friendly with certain data sources.
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Value for Money
While users rate QlikView's value for money at 4, indicating good overall satisfaction, some users find the software expensive. However, for many, the tool provides a ton of value, especially for students and those implementing automated report distribution and creation.
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Functionality and Limitations
- QlikView is versatile in data visualization but does not have best-in-class visualization capabilities.
- Its in-memory processing leads to fast performance, but heavy data volume can slow response times.
- Real-time data sync experiences slight delays, and exporting a list of all currently licensed users is not possible.
- While QlikView is powerful for BI and dashboarding, it is noted to be less optimal for detailed reporting and lacks capabilities like R integration and write-back to the database.
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Comparative Performance
Compared to other tools in the market, users feel QlikView is not as good as Qlik Sense, Tableau, or PowerBI, indicating room for improvement in certain areas.
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Support and Community
QlikView has a wide user group over the internet and offers a support forum, which suggests a robust community for user interaction and support.
Conclusion
In the comparison between Metabase and Qlikview, each platform has distinct advantages for business intelligence needs. Metabase offers an easy-to-use interface suitable for users without technical expertise, while Qlikview provides a more robust set of tools for data analysis, catering to users with advanced BI requirements.
However, for those seeking a more straightforward experience, Sourcetable might be the preferred solution. It simplifies the BI process by syncing data in real-time from various services into a spreadsheet interface, making it accessible and familiar to a wide range of users.
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