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Comparison · Dashboard and data visualization tools

Data Studio vs Power BI: which is better in 2026?

Data StudiovsPower BI

Power BI ranks higher in our list of dashboard and data visualization tools (#1 against #4, score 92.0 against 87.5).

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 Power BI if you want

Microsoft-based teams building shared business reports.

The broadest report builder here, with a free Desktop app and a browser service for sharing. Report design is limited to Windows, and sharing needs a paid Pro or Premium license.

The main differences

  • Only Power BI runs on Windows.
  • Data Studio is free; Power BI is free plan, paid upgrades.

Side by side

Data StudioPower BI
Score87.592.0
Rank in list#4 of 9#1 of 9
PriceFreeFree to use, per Google's product overview pageFree plan, paid upgradesFree account; Pro is $14 per user a month, paid yearly
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWebWebWindowsWebWindows, Web
Made byGoogleMicrosoft
Data sourcesBuilt-in and partner connectorsExcel and many other sources
Desktop appNoYes
Self-hosting optionNoNo
Best forFree dashboards from Google and other connected sourcesMicrosoft-based teams building shared business reports
Strengths
  • Free to use in a web browser
  • Built-in and partner connectors for many data sources
  • Reports can be embedded on web pages
  • Desktop app for designing reports, plus a browser service for sharing
  • Connects to Excel files and many other sources
  • Free account to start building reports
Limits
  • Report building happens in a web editor only
  • Connector quality depends on each data source
  • Report design happens in the Windows-only Desktop app
  • Sharing reports needs a paid Pro or Premium license
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Data Studio vs Power BI

Is Power BI better than Data Studio?
Power BI ranks higher in our list of dashboard and data visualization tools (#1 against #4, score 92.0 against 87.5). Data Studio is best for: free dashboards from Google and other connected sources. Power BI is best for: microsoft-based teams building shared business reports.
Which is cheaper, Data Studio or Power BI?
Data Studio: Free to use, per Google's product overview page. Power BI: Free account; Pro is $14 per user a month, paid yearly.
Do Data Studio and Power BI run on the same platforms?
Data Studio supports Web. Power BI supports Windows, Web.