Comparison · Open data portals and dataset libraries
Our World in Data vs World Bank Open Data: which is better in 2026?
Our World in Data ranks higher in our list of open data portals and dataset libraries (#1 against #2, score 90.5 against 89.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
Choose Our World in Data if you want
Sourced charts on global topics for readers and writers.
Charts and data on many global topics, openly licensed under CC BY and written for general readers. It is a curated selection rather than every official dataset, and it asks readers for donations.
Choose World Bank Open Data if you want
Cross-country development indicators.
Free access to the World Development Indicators and other global data, with most datasets under CC BY 4.0. Some datasets carry other licenses, so each label needs checking before reuse.
Side by side
 Our World in Data | World Bank Open Data | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 90.5 | 89.0 |
| Rank in list | #1 of 7 | #2 of 7 |
| Price | FreeFree to use; charts and data under CC BY | FreeFree access; most datasets under CC BY 4.0 |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebWeb | WebWeb |
| Made by | Global Change Data Lab | The World Bank |
| Coverage | Global, 126 topics | Global economies |
| Default license | CC BY | CC BY 4.0 for most datasets |
| Community uploads | No | No |
| Best for | Sourced charts on global topics for readers and writers | Cross-country development indicators |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Limits |
|
|
| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Our World in Data vs World Bank Open Data
- Is Our World in Data better than World Bank Open Data?
- Our World in Data ranks higher in our list of open data portals and dataset libraries (#1 against #2, score 90.5 against 89.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Our World in Data is best for: sourced charts on global topics for readers and writers. World Bank Open Data is best for: cross-country development indicators.
- Which is cheaper, Our World in Data or World Bank Open Data?
- Our World in Data: Free to use; charts and data under CC BY. World Bank Open Data: Free access; most datasets under CC BY 4.0.
- Do Our World in Data and World Bank Open Data run on the same platforms?
- Our World in Data supports Web. World Bank Open Data supports Web.