Comparison · Business intelligence tools
Apache Superset vs Data Studio: which is better in 2026?
Apache Superset84.0#5 in best business intelligence tools
Data Studio85.5#4 in best business intelligence toolsData Studio ranks higher in our list of business intelligence tools (#4 against #5, score 85.5 against 84.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 84.0Editorial score85.5
- 2Platforms1
- YesFree to useYes
- YesOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Apache Superset if you want
Self-hosted analytics for data teams.
Apache-licensed and built on SQL databases, with self-hosting as the only route. It needs a data team to install and maintain it, which Metabase does not require when it is hosted.
Choose Data Studio if you want
Free dashboards on Google and other connected data.
Free to use and simple to start, with built-in connectors and embedding. It has no desktop app and relies on the connectors for data quality, which limits deeper modelling.
The main differences
- Apache Superset is open source; Data Studio is not.
Side by side
| Apache Superset | Data Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 84.0 | 85.5 |
| Rank in list | #5 of 7 | #4 of 7 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree open source under the Apache License 2.0 | FreeFree to use, per Google's product overview page |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | WebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hosted | WebWeb |
| Made by | The Apache Software Foundation | |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Browser only |
| Data sources | SQL databases | Built-in and partner connectors |
| Desktop app | No | No |
| Best for | Self-hosted analytics for data teams | Free dashboards on Google and other connected data |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Apache Superset vs Data Studio
- Is Data Studio better than Apache Superset?
- Data Studio ranks higher in our list of business intelligence tools (#4 against #5, score 85.5 against 84.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Apache Superset is best for: self-hosted analytics for data teams. Data Studio is best for: free dashboards on Google and other connected data.
- Which is cheaper, Apache Superset or Data Studio?
- Apache Superset: Free open source under the Apache License 2.0. Data Studio: Free to use, per Google's product overview page.
- Do Apache Superset and Data Studio run on the same platforms?
- Apache Superset supports Web, Self-hosted. Data Studio supports Web.