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Spreadsheets · head to head

Apache Superset vs SAP BusinessObjects

Apache Superset logo

Apache Superset

Spreadsheets

Modern data exploration and visualization platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SAP BusinessObjects logo

SAP BusinessObjects

Business Intelligence

Enterprise business intelligence suite

From
$400/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Apache Superset has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Apache Superset no commercial pricing; open-source project; SAP BusinessObjects sAP BusinessObjects Private Cloud Edition is listed on UK G-Cloud 14 as a Cloud software service by SAP (UK) Limited titled 'SAP Business Objects Private Cloud Edition', alongside a reseller listing from NTT DATA Business Solutions; the G-Cloud search results describe it as subscription-based but show no per-user or per-month figure in the listing summary
  • They diverge on capability: Apache Superset covers 40+ Visualizations, SAP BusinessObjects covers Crystal Reports.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apache Superset and SAP BusinessObjects actually diverge.

Attributes where Apache Superset and SAP BusinessObjects differ
AttributeApache SupersetSAP BusinessObjects
Starting priceFree$400/month
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Self-hosted, DockerWeb, Desktop, Mobile
CategorySpreadsheetsBusiness Intelligence
Founded19991972

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apache Superset

  • 40+ Visualizations
  • SQL IDE
  • Semantic Layer
  • Caching
  • Security
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • Presto

Only in SAP BusinessObjects

  • Crystal Reports
  • Web Intelligence
  • Lumira
  • Analysis for Office
  • Live Office
  • SAP HANA
  • SAP ERP
  • Oracle

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apache Superset

  • Self-service analyticsnot SAP BusinessObjects
  • Data explorationnot SAP BusinessObjects
  • Ad-hoc reportingnot SAP BusinessObjects
  • Collaborative analysisnot SAP BusinessObjects
  • Embedded analyticsnot SAP BusinessObjects

SAP BusinessObjects

  • Enterprise reportingnot Apache Superset
  • Executive dashboardsnot Apache Superset
  • Regulatory compliancenot Apache Superset
  • Strategic planningnot Apache Superset
  • Operational analyticsnot Apache Superset

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apache Superset

  • No commercial pricing; open-source project
  • Commercial hosting available via Preset.io (separate vendor)

SAP BusinessObjects

  • SAP BusinessObjects Private Cloud Edition is listed on UK G-Cloud 14 as a Cloud software service by SAP (UK) Limited titled 'SAP Business Objects Private Cloud Edition', alongside a reseller listing from NTT DATA Business Solutions; the G-Cloud search results describe it as subscription-based but show no per-user or per-month figure in the listing summary

Pricing, plan by plan

Apache Superset

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full Features
    • Self-hosted
    • Community Support

SAP BusinessObjects

$400/month
  • Standard$400/month
    • Core BI Tools
    • Web Intelligence
    • Crystal Reports
  • EnterpriseFree
    • Full Suite
    • Advanced Features
    • Premium Support

Which should you pick?

Choose Apache Superset if

  • You need 40+ visualizations.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Self-hosted, Docker.
  • You also want sql ide.
Apache Superset review

Choose SAP BusinessObjects if

  • You need crystal reports.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
  • You also want web intelligence.
SAP BusinessObjects review

Questions people ask

Is Apache Superset or SAP BusinessObjects better?
Neither clearly leads. Apache Superset starts at Free and SAP BusinessObjects at $400/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apache Superset or SAP BusinessObjects?
Apache Superset has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Apache Superset and $400/month for SAP BusinessObjects.
Does Apache Superset or SAP BusinessObjects run on more platforms?
Apache Superset runs on Web, Self-hosted, Docker. SAP BusinessObjects runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
Can I use Apache Superset for free?
Yes. Apache Superset has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SAP BusinessObjects starts at $400/month.
What is Apache Superset best used for?
Apache Superset is most often used for self-service analytics, data exploration, ad-hoc reporting, collaborative analysis. Of those, self-service analytics and data exploration are not what SAP BusinessObjects is typically brought in for.
What can Apache Superset do that SAP BusinessObjects cannot?
Apache Superset covers 40+ Visualizations, SQL IDE, Semantic Layer, Caching. SAP BusinessObjects covers Crystal Reports, Web Intelligence, Lumira, Analysis for Office. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apache Superset: What does Apache Superset cost?

Apache Superset is open-source software available free under the Apache 2.0 license. There are no licensing costs, subscription fees, or per-seat charges for using Superset itself.

Source
Apache Superset: Is there a paid version of Apache Superset?

Apache Superset itself is free and open-source. Preset.io offers commercial Superset hosting with premium support, but this is a separate vendor service, not an official paid tier of Superset.

Source
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