Softwr

Spreadsheet & Data · head to head

Metabase vs PostHog

Metabase logo

Metabase

Spreadsheet & Data

Fast analytics with the friendly UX

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PostHog logo

PostHog

Technology

The single platform to analyze, test, observe, and deploy new features

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; PostHog the free tier covers 1M events, 5K web session recordings and 2.5K mobile recordings per month before usage-based billing starts
  • They diverge on capability: Metabase covers No-code Query Builder, PostHog covers Product analytics.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Metabase and PostHog actually diverge.

Attributes where Metabase and PostHog differ
AttributeMetabasePostHog
Pricing modelUnknownusage-based
PlatformsWeb, Self-hosted cloudWeb, Ios, Android, Api
CategorySpreadsheet & DataTechnology
Founded20142020

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Metabase

  • No-code Query Builder
  • SQL Editor
  • Interactive Dashboards
  • Alerts
  • Embedding
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • MongoDB

Only in PostHog

  • Product analytics
  • Session recording
  • Feature flags
  • A/B testing
  • Heatmaps
  • SQL access
  • Data warehouse
  • Apps platform

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 PostHog
  • Embedded analytics for SaaS applicationsnot PostHog
  • Self-service reporting and dashboard creationnot PostHog
  • Integration with 40+ data sources including cloud warehousesnot PostHog

PostHog

  • Product analyticsnot Metabase
  • Feature experimentationnot Metabase
  • User behavior trackingnot Metabase
  • A/B testingnot Metabase
  • Debug production issuesnot 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

PostHog

  • The free tier covers 1M events, 5K web session recordings and 2.5K mobile recordings per month before usage-based billing starts
  • Accounts without a card on file are limited to 1 project; adding one raises it to 6
  • Data retention is 1 year until a card is added, which extends it to 7 years
  • Support is community-only until the account is on a paid plan
  • Error tracking is capped at 100K exceptions and surveys at 1500 responses per month on the free tier

Pricing, plan by plan

Metabase

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Metabase review.

PostHog

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1M events/month
    • 5K sessions/month
    • Unlimited users
  • Paid$undefined/month
    • $0.00031/event
    • $0.005/session
    • Advanced permissions
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • SAML SSO
    • Advanced security
    • Dedicated 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 PostHog if

  • You need product analytics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Api.
  • You also want session recording.
PostHog review

Questions people ask

Is Metabase or PostHog better?
Neither clearly leads. Metabase starts at Free and PostHog at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Metabase or PostHog?
Metabase starts at Free and PostHog at Free.
Does Metabase or PostHog run on more platforms?
Metabase runs on Web, Self-hosted cloud. PostHog runs on Web, Ios, Android, Api.
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 PostHog is typically brought in for.
What can Metabase do that PostHog cannot?
Metabase covers No-code Query Builder, SQL Editor, Interactive Dashboards, Alerts. PostHog covers Product analytics, Session recording, Feature flags, A/B testing.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Metabase

More on PostHog

Keep looking

Other head to heads