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Metabase vs Apache Superset

Metabase logo

Metabase

Software

Fast analytics with the friendly UX

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Apache Superset logo

Apache Superset

Software

Modern data exploration and visualization platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Metabase row and column level permissions and SSO available only in Pro tier and above; Apache Superset distributed under Apache License 2.0 with no official vendor-hosted SaaS; deploying it requires self-managed infrastructure since the Apache Software Foundation does not sell a managed offering.
  • They diverge on capability: Metabase covers No-code Query Builder, Apache Superset covers 40+ Visualizations.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Metabase and Apache Superset actually diverge.

Attributes where Metabase and Apache Superset differ
AttributeMetabaseApache Superset
Pricing modelUnknownopen-source
PlatformsWeb, Self-hosted cloudWeb, Self-hosted, Docker
Founded20141999

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Metabase

  • No-code Query Builder
  • SQL Editor
  • Interactive Dashboards
  • Alerts
  • Embedding
  • MongoDB
  • BigQuery
  • Redshift

Only in Apache Superset

  • 40+ Visualizations
  • SQL IDE
  • Semantic Layer
  • Caching
  • Security
  • Presto
  • Druid
  • ClickHouse

Both cover

  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • Snowflake
  • Web support
  • Self-hosted support

What people use each for

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

Metabase

  • Business intelligence and data exploration for non-technical usersnot Apache Superset
  • Embedded analytics for SaaS applicationsnot Apache Superset
  • Self-service reporting and dashboard creationnot Apache Superset
  • Integration with 40+ data sources including cloud warehousesnot Apache Superset

Apache Superset

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

Where each one falls short

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

Metabase

  • Row and column level permissions and SSO available only in Pro tier and above
  • Advanced analytics features like multi-tenant embedded analytics require Pro tier or higher
  • AI-powered features incur additional usage-based costs: $3.75 per 1M tokens
  • Self-hosted deployment on Free/Open Source tier requires infrastructure management

Apache Superset

  • Distributed under Apache License 2.0 with no official vendor-hosted SaaS; deploying it requires self-managed infrastructure since the Apache Software Foundation does not sell a managed offering.

Pricing, plan by plan

Metabase

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Metabase review.

Apache Superset

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Metabase if

  • You need no-code query builder.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Self-hosted cloud.
  • You also want sql editor.
Metabase review

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

Questions people ask

Is Metabase or Apache Superset better?
Neither clearly leads. Metabase starts at Free and Apache Superset at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Metabase or Apache Superset?
Metabase starts at Free and Apache Superset at Free.
Does Metabase or Apache Superset run on more platforms?
Metabase runs on Web, Self-hosted cloud. Apache Superset runs on Web, Self-hosted, Docker.
Can I use Metabase for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Metabase best used for?
Metabase is most often used for business intelligence and data exploration for non-technical users, embedded analytics for saas applications, self-service reporting and dashboard creation, integration with 40+ data sources including cloud warehouses. Of those, business intelligence and data exploration for non-technical users and embedded analytics for saas applications are not what Apache Superset is typically brought in for.
What can Metabase do that Apache Superset cannot?
Metabase covers No-code Query Builder, SQL Editor, Interactive Dashboards, Alerts. Apache Superset covers 40+ Visualizations, SQL IDE, Semantic Layer, Caching. Both handle PostgreSQL, MySQL, Snowflake, Web support.
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