Tableau vs. Power BI – A Comparative Analysis
Business intelligence tools are increasingly becoming a part of big enterprises for their many benefits. They are integral to the success of an organization striving to make an impact with good data analytics and informed decision-making. Since the inception of visualization tools, there has been an ongoing debate about Tableau vs. Power BI. Both are among the top choices for business intelligence tools and decisions in the market.
While Tableau is an incredible data visualization tool that reports and visualizes large volumes of data, Microsoft Power BI is another fascinating software that specializes in interactive data visualization. Both deliver business intelligent decisions based on their data prowess and capabilities. If you are looking to make an informed decision regarding your company or a business-critical task, then you have come to the right place.
1. Cost
When we talk about the cost-effectiveness of this software, Tableau is costlier than Power BI, specifically for large organizations. To amplify the robustness of Tableau, data warehouse installation is necessary, which adds more to the cost. Whereas, if a company wants an affordable solution, then Power BI is the right choice. The professional version of Power BI also costs lesser than the professional version of Tableau. Startups and small businesses start off with Power BI and later upgrade to Tableau.
2. Data Visualization
Tableau is the preferred option for data visualization features. It has twenty-four different visualization options along with live querying capabilities. On the other hand, Power BI emphasizes more on predictive modeling and reporting. It also has real-time access to data, drag-and-drop builders, and numerous other functions to facilitate users and upload data.
3. Deployment
When it comes to Tableau vs. Power BI, Tableau has better, more flexible, and easier deployment options. Power BI is only meant for SaaS frameworks, but Tableau has both on-premises and cloud options. This is a big constraint for Power BI because if the business policy is not in favor of the SaaS model, then Power is completely useless or out of the picture. It may be more expensive in deployment in licensing than Power BI, but it is undoubtedly the clear winner in deployment.
4. Data Handling Capabilities
Tableau is the clear winner in handling bulk data, and it ranks better than other business intelligence tools. Power BI is a bit slower in handling bulk data, but the speed can be improved with add-ons and other functions, including direct connections.
5. Functionality
Data availability and discovery is the most important function that users seek while using business intelligence tools. Tableau is the best answer for users seeking this functionality as compared to Power BI. The depth and capability of data recovery are better, improved, and more sophisticated in Tableau.
6. User Interface
Tableau comes with a slick, enticing, and customizable user interface which lets you create visually pleasing dashboards easily. Power BI has an intuitive user interface that is comparatively easier to learn and simple in nature. Most businesses prefer Power BI over Tableau.
Based on the comparative pros and cons of Power BI and Tableau, which one would you pick?