Comparison · Dashboard and data visualization tools
Data Studio vs Metabase: which is better in 2026?
Metabase ranks higher in our list of dashboard and data visualization tools (#3 against #4, score 89.5 against 87.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
Choose Data Studio if you want
Free dashboards from Google and other connected sources.
Free, browser-based dashboards with built-in connectors and easy embedding. Report building happens only in the web editor, and connector quality depends on each source.
Choose Metabase if you want
Self-service questions and dashboards on a database.
Open source dashboards with a query builder and SQL editor, free to self-host. Permissions, SSO and caching need paid plans, and it is built for questions more than design-heavy reports.
The main differences
- Metabase is open source; Data Studio is not.
Side by side
 Data Studio |  Metabase | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 87.5 | 89.5 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 9 | #3 of 9 |
| Price | FreeFree to use, per Google's product overview page | Free plan, paid upgradesOpen source edition free; Starter $100 a month, Pro $575 a month |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WebWeb | WebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hosted |
| Made by | Not stated | |
| Data sources | Built-in and partner connectors | Databases and CSV uploads |
| Desktop app | No | No |
| Self-hosting option | No | Yes |
| Best for | Free dashboards from Google and other connected sources | Self-service questions and dashboards on a database |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Limits |
|
|
| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Data Studio vs Metabase
- Is Metabase better than Data Studio?
- Metabase ranks higher in our list of dashboard and data visualization tools (#3 against #4, score 89.5 against 87.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Data Studio is best for: free dashboards from Google and other connected sources. Metabase is best for: self-service questions and dashboards on a database.
- Which is cheaper, Data Studio or Metabase?
- Data Studio: Free to use, per Google's product overview page. Metabase: Open source edition free; Starter $100 a month, Pro $575 a month.
- Do Data Studio and Metabase run on the same platforms?
- Data Studio supports Web. Metabase supports Web, Self-hosted.