Comparing Data Visualization Tools: A Comprehensive Review

The data visualization sector has become extensively competitive with the emergence of new market players every day. Under such circumstances, marketers often get confused about which tool to employ for better results.   

Data analytics and visualization have remarkably changed how companies assess and communicate complex datasets. The process has made data distribution easier and more understandable.   

Let us dive deep into the process while comparing data visualization tools apple-to-apple that can assist in choosing the best software for business. We shall compare Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, and Qlik Sense here.  

Comparing Data Visualization Tools: Power BI vs. Tableau vs. Qlik Sense  

Power BI:  

Microsoft initially launched Power BI in 2011; however, the company made the tool publicly available in July 2015. Marketers largely utilize this software for its superior data visualization and reporting abilities. Moreover, the tool can connect up to 100 data sources at a time to provide real-time insights attractively. 

Pricing:

Power BI has multiple pricing models that start from a free trial and go beyond $8,409.60 monthly for F64 SKU. While comparing data visualization tools, it is crucial to mention that the Power BI Pro plan charges $10 per month for a single user. Meanwhile, its premium version starts from $20 per month for individual usage.   

Power BI Pros and Cons:  

Pros:   

• It is easier to use. People with a basic knowledge of Excel can use Power BI comfortably.   
• It has a mobile app that engages a larger public   
• The tool enables users to customize visuals at their convenience.   
• Power BI has an affordable pricing structure compared to other tools in the market.    
• The tool integrates multiple sources for better data visualization.   

Cons:  

• Its desktop version does not support Mac systems.   
• Its free version cannot initiate large amounts of data.  
• The tool requires high CPU usage, that can cause latency in a device.    

Tableau:  

The tool laid its early stones in 2003 and is one of the most preferred data visualization tools among marketers. While comparing data visualization tools, it is essential to mention that users largely utilize Tableau for its highly interactive charts and other data representation methods.   

Pricing:

Tableau has a free trial for 14 days, after which individuals can subscribe to its plans at their convenience and budget. Alongside that, the tool has Viewer, Explorer, and Creator plans, which charge $12, $35, and $70/ per month for individual users, respectively.   

Tableau Pros and Cons: 

Pros:   

• It is an easy-to-use and fast tool.   
• Tableau has storytelling abilities with its charts and graphs.  
• The tool has an association with Slack that allows people to collaborate on data visualization.   
• It integrates a responsive dashboard that is a huge benefit for marketers.   

Cons:   

• It is costlier than other available software when comparing data visualization tools.   
• Its learning curve may not seem convenient for many of the users.   
• Tableau does not offer an automatic data update option.   
• The tool does not have customizable screen resolution abilities.   

Qlik Sense:  

The tech firm Qlik launched its data visualization frontrunner, Qlik Sense, in 2014. Most marketers employ this tool due to its AI integration that allows faster and more effective resolution to queries. Artificial intelligence enables the software to read large amounts of data in no time and process it quicker to provide visual insights. Interactive visualization is an added quality of Qlik Sense.   

Pricing:

While comparing data visualization tools, it is important to mention that Qlik Sense has a standard subscription model worth $20/ month for ten users, and it offers premium services for $2700. Additionally, the tool has a free trial of 30 days.   

Qlik Sense Pros and Cons: 

Pros:    

• It has an easy-to-operate interface with drag-and-drop options.  
• The tool is compatible with multiple systems.  
• It has faster processing and quicker result-providing abilities.  

Cons:    

• It encounters latency while handling big datasets.  
• The tool does not allow downloading all the insights it represents in its interface.   
• Qlik Sense can be expensive for larger groups of people.     

Wrapping up on Comparing Data Visualization Tools:  

Data visualization has become a necessity for companies of all sizes in recent times. Following the heightened requirement, contemporary times have witnessed the emergence of several tools of data visualization. Reports state that the global market size of such tools and software reached $5.9 billion in 2021 and is about to surpass $10.2 billion by 2026.   

Amidst such a growing and competitive industry, choosing the appropriate tool can be problematic for marketers. Above is a thorough analysis of comparing data visualization tools that can guide companies in adopting the best tools. Read our blogs to learn about the top-performing tools in the tech and marketing sector.

Also Read:

Features and Functionality: What to Look for in Data Visualization Tools

Choosing the Right Data Visualization Tool for Your Business: Key Considerations

Best Data Visualization Tools for Beginners In 2024