We Tried 5 ThoughtSpot Competitors For Embedded Analytics: Here's What We Found

Are you thinking about using ThoughtSpot for embedded analytics but aren’t sure if it’s the right choice?

I totally understand this, and Yes, it’s tough to decide when there are so many other alternatives or better embedded analytics tools. That’s why I decided to test 5 ThoughtSpot competitors to see what they offer and if they might work better for you.

In this post, I’ll share what I learned about each tool and how it compares to ThoughtSpot. I'll also tell you which ones might be perfect for your business and why.

Here’s what you’ll get:

• A simple comparison of the features each tool offers.

• What makes some tools better for certain industries?

• Will compare the pricing to keep your costs in check.

By the end, you’ll know which tool fits your needs and goals. Don’t worry because I’ve made it easy to understand so you can make the best choice without all the confusion.

Why Consider Alternatives to ThoughtSpot

Sometimes, even a powerful tool like ThoughtSpot might not fit every business need perfectly. Here are some of the five key limitations of ThoughtSpot and why you might want to consider alternatives.

Limitation #1: Need a Bit of Learning

ThoughtSpot can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to analytics tools.

• You often need technical skills to properly set up queries or configure data connections.

• Even though it’s AI-powered, some features require analytical know-how to use effectively.
  For example, crafting detailed queries can pull incorrect parameters if you don’t know how to structure them.

Limitation #2: Limited Customization Options

ThoughtSpot doesn’t offer much flexibility when it comes to customizing dashboards.

• Want to use your brand’s colors or tweak visualizations? You’re out of luck.

• Customizing tables or charts often involves complex backend adjustments, making it harder for non-technical users.

Limitation #3: Poor UI/UX Design

The user interface can feel clunky and unintuitive.

• Adding a simple column or changing database connections can be a lengthy process.

• Many users report that visualizations lack interactivity, like zooming in on charts for detailed insights.

Limitation #4: High Pricing for Smaller Businesses

ThoughtSpot’s pricing might not suit startups or mid-sized businesses.

• The cost scales quickly and some features are locked behind higher pricing tiers.

• For smaller teams, this can make the tool feel like a heavy investment without a proportionate return.

Limitation #5: Limited Integration Capabilities

If your business relies on diverse tools, ThoughtSpot might not integrate seamlessly with all of them.

• It supports only a limited number of third-party applications.

• This makes it hard to unify data workflows or extend its functionality with other tools.

How Competitors Solve These Challenges

Here’s why some ThoughtSpot competitors might work better for you:

• They offer simpler interfaces that are easier to navigate and require less training.

• Dashboards and visuals are highly customizable, letting you create tailored experiences.

• Competitors often provide interactive charts and visualizations, making data exploration smoother.

• Many tools are more budget-friendly, with pricing tiers that fit small teams and startups.

• Alternatives are built to scale, handling growing datasets without a hitch.

By considering these alternatives, you can find a tool that aligns perfectly with your goals and removes the roadblocks you might face with ThoughtSpot.

Best ThoughtSpot Competitors for Embedded Analytics

Here are the best hand-picked ThroughSpot Alternatives that you need to consider:

1. Upsolve.ai

2. Looker

3. Tableau

4. Sisense

5. Sigma

1. Upsolve.ai – Best for Easy AI-Powered Embedded Analytics

Upsolve.ai is a powerful platform designed to make embedded analytics simple and accessible. It uses AI to create dashboards and reports effortlessly, making it ideal for companies that want to offer analytics directly to their customers.

Whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise, Upsolve.ai helps you provide user-friendly, actionable data insights without compromising on learning before using it.

Key Features of Upsolve.ai

1. Easy Dashboard Creation

With Upsolve.ai, you don’t need technical skills to create dashboards. The platform lets you:

• Use a point-and-click interface to build dashboards in minutes.

• Simply ask a question, and the AI generates the right chart or visualization.

• Save time by using pre-built templates for common use cases.

2. Seamless Data Integration

Connecting your data is a breeze with Upsolve.ai. It supports:

• Popular databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Snowflake.

• Plug-and-play connectors, so you don’t need custom coding.

• APIs to link your unique data sources if you have something more specific.

3. Self-Service Customization for Users

Your customers can personalize their dashboards without needing help from your team. They can:

• Adjust charts, filters, and layouts to fit their needs.

• Add or remove data points to explore deeper insights.

• Save their custom views for future use.

4. Interactive and Guided Insights

• Customers can drill down into specific details and see trends over time.

• AI recommendations guide them to the next steps based on their data.

• Interactive dashboards allow users to explore their data intuitively.

5. Fast and Reliable Performance

• Dashboards load quickly, even with large datasets.

• The system is designed to handle high usage, making it perfect for scaling businesses.

Pros and Cons of Upsolve.ai

✅ Pros:

• User-friendly design that’s great for beginners.

• AI-powered dashboards that save time and effort.

• Quick setup so you can launch in just one day!

❌ Cons:

• Advanced users may feel they need more customization options.

• Enterprise-level features are unnecessary for smaller teams.

Pricing

Upsolve.ai offers flexible pricing based on your needs:

• Launch Plan: $300 per month. Ideal for small startups with up to 3 dashboards and 50 users.

• Growth Plan: Starting at $1,000 per month. Perfect for scaling businesses, offering more dashboards, tenants, and features like React component embedding.

• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for large organizations. Includes unlimited dashboards, users, and features like on-premise deployment and 24/7 support.

All plans come with a free 30-day trial to test before committing.

2. Looker – Best for Data Exploration and Customization

Looker is a top competitor for embedded analytics, offering powerful data exploration tools that allow you to dig deep into your business insights. It’s a great option if you’re looking for customization and advanced reporting features without being overly complex to use.

Whether you’re managing a startup or a large enterprise, Looker helps you deliver customized analytics to your users while keeping things flexible and scalable.

Key Features of Looker

1. Advanced Data Exploration
Looker lets you explore data like never before. With its built-in query tools, you can:

• Access insights in real-time without needing technical knowledge.

• Use LookML (Looker’s modeling language) to define your data relationships.

• Create custom reports to answer specific business questions.

2. Powerful Dashboards
Dashboards in Looker are interactive and customizable, letting you:

• Drag and drop widgets to create personalized layouts.

• Drill down into specific metrics or datasets for detailed insights.

• Set up alerts and notifications for important data changes.

3. Seamless Integrations
Looker connects easily with multiple data sources, such as:

• Cloud databases like BigQuery, Snowflake, and Redshift.

• CRM platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot.

• APIs to integrate with your existing tools.

4. Embedded Analytics
If you need to provide analytics to your customers, Looker makes it simple by:

• Embedding dashboards directly into your product or website.

• Allowing white-labeling for branding your analytics solution.

• Ensuring high performance with scalable architecture.

Pros and Cons of Looker

✅ Pros:

• Advanced tools for data exploration and customization.

• Interactive dashboards that are great for in-depth analysis.

• Scalable solution for businesses of all sizes.

❌ Cons:

• Learning LookML can be challenging for non-technical users.

• Pricing can feel steep for small teams or startups.

Pricing

Looker doesn’t list its pricing publicly, as it offers custom plans based on your organization’s needs. Generally, pricing depends on:

• The number of users accessing the platform.

• Features and integrations required.

• Deployment options (cloud or on-premise).

To get an exact quote, you’ll need to contact Looker directly, but it’s typically known to go for mid-sized and large enterprises.

3. Tableau – Best for Interactive Visualizations

Tableau is a well-known name in the analytics world, famous for its ability to turn raw data into stunning visualizations. It’s an excellent choice for creating interactive dashboards and sharing insights in a way that everyone can understand.

Whether you’re running a small team or a large organization, Tableau’s flexibility and user-friendly design make it a go-to option for data storytelling.

Key Features of Tableau

1. Drag-and-Drop Visualization
Creating visuals is a breeze with Tableau. You can:

• Drag and drop data fields to instantly create charts.

• Use pre-built templates to save time.

• Create interactive dashboards for better insights.

2. Real-Time Data Updates
With Tableau, you don’t need to worry about outdated reports. It lets you:

• Sync data from multiple sources in real-time.

• Set up live connections with cloud databases.

• Automatically refresh dashboards to display the latest metrics.

3. Flexible Deployment Options
Tableau gives you the flexibility to choose how you want to use it:

• Deploy on the cloud or on-premise based on your needs.

• Access dashboards through mobile, desktop, or web apps.

• Scale easily as your business grows.

4. Collaboration and Sharing
Collaborating with your team is simple. You can:

• Share dashboards securely with just a link.

• Allow viewers to interact with dashboards without editing rights.

• Embed visuals into presentations or web pages.

Pros and Cons of Tableau

✅ Pros:

• Beautiful, interactive visuals that make data easy to understand.

• Flexible deployment options for different business needs.

• Scales well for large datasets and teams.

❌ Cons:

• Higher cost compared to some competitors.

• It can feel overwhelming for beginners with no analytics experience.

Pricing

Tableau offers several pricing tiers:

Creator: $75 per user/month (full access to features).

• Explorer: $42 per user/month (limited to certain tools).

• Viewer: $15 per user/month (view-only access).

Tableau also provides custom plans for enterprises with advanced needs.

4. Sisense – Best for Complex Data and Scalability

Sisense is a mind-blowing platform that excels at handling large datasets and complex analytics needs. It’s perfect for businesses looking for a scalable solution that combines data preparation, visualization, and embedded analytics into one powerful tool.

Either managing internal analytics or offering customer-facing dashboards, Sisense gives you the flexibility and performance to grow your business.

Key Features of Sisense

1. End-to-End Analytics Solution
Sisense covers everything from data preparation to visualization. You can:

• Clean, transform, and combine data from multiple sources using its Elastic Data Hub.

• Create and embed dashboards directly into your apps or websites.

• Use AI-powered insights to simplify complex data.

2. Scalable Architecture
Designed for growing businesses, Sisense ensures:

• High performance even with massive datasets.

• Scalability to handle increasing data volumes and users.

• Flexible deployment options, including on-premise, cloud, or hybrid setups.

3. Data Source Integrations
Sisense connects with a wide range of data sources, such as:

• Cloud databases like Amazon Redshift and Google BigQuery.

• On-premise systems like SQL Server.

• APIs to bring in custom data sources.

4. Custom Alerts and Automation
Sisense lets you set up custom alerts to stay on top of key metrics. You can:

• Receive email or Slack notifications for data changes.

• Automate report sharing to keep stakeholders informed.

• Build workflows to trigger actions based on data updates.

Pros and Cons of Sisense

✅ Pros:

• Handles complex and large datasets with ease.

• Highly customizable for embedded analytics and branding.

• Scalable for businesses of all sizes.

❌ Cons:

• The steeper learning curve for non-technical users.

• Higher upfront costs for smaller businesses.

Pricing

Sisense offers custom pricing tailored to your business size and needs. Key factors influencing the cost include:

• Number of users or data sources.

• Deployment method (cloud or on-premise).

• Extra features like advanced embedding and AI tools.

You’ll need to contact Sisense directly for a quote, but it’s generally favored by mid-sized and large enterprises.

5. Sigma – Best for Spreadsheet-Like Data Analysis

Sigma combines the familiarity of spreadsheets with the power of cloud-based analytics, making it an excellent choice for teams that love Excel but need something more extraordinary.

With Sigma, you can analyze data collaboratively and in real time without learning complex programming languages.

Sigma is a great option if your team is comfortable with spreadsheets and wants to transition to advanced analytics seamlessly.

Key Features of Sigma

1. Spreadsheet-Style Interface
Sigma’s interface feels like Excel but offers more power. You can:

• Build tables and reports using familiar spreadsheet-like tools.

• Drag and drop data to explore metrics in real time.

• Apply formulas just like you would in a regular spreadsheet.

2. Real-Time Collaboration
Work together with your team effortlessly. Sigma allows you to:

• Collaborate on reports in real time with shared workspaces.

• Add comments and suggestions directly on dashboards.

• Track changes and revisions to keep everything organized.

3. Direct Cloud Data Access
Sigma connects directly to cloud data warehouses, such as:

• Snowflake, Google BigQuery, and Redshift.

• No need to extract or move data—analyze it where it lives.

• Query data without complex coding or ETL processes.

4. Embedded Analytics
For customer-facing analytics, Sigma lets you:

• Embed interactive dashboards into your product.

• Customize dashboards to match your brand’s style.

• Allow your customers to explore data without needing your team’s help.

5. Advanced Security
Sigma ensures data security with features like:

• Role-based access controls to manage permissions.

• SOC2 compliance for enterprise-level security.

• Encryption to protect your data in transit and at rest.

Pros and Cons of Sigma

✅ Pros:

• Intuitive spreadsheet-like interface that’s easy to learn.

• Real-time collaboration for team-based analytics.

• Direct integration with leading cloud data warehouses.

❌ Cons:

• Limited offline capabilities for users who prefer desktop tools.

• Fewer advanced visualization options compared to Tableau or Looker.

Pricing

Sigma offers pricing plans tailored to different business needs, but you’ll need to contact their sales team for specific details. Costs typically depend on:

• The number of users and roles (viewers vs. creators).

• Features like embedding and real-time collaboration.

• Cloud data warehouse usage.

Sigma is best suited for teams looking to bridge the gap between spreadsheets and modern analytics tools.

Each tool offers unique strengths, making them great alternatives to ThoughtSpot, depending on your specific needs.

Comparison Table: ThoughtSpot vs Competitors

If you’re comparing ThoughtSpot with its competitors, you probably want to know which tool fits your needs the best. The truth is that each tool has its strengths, but not every one of them will be perfect for your specific use case.

Here’s a comparison table between ThoughtSpot Competitors to help you quickly see a comparison of key metrics like features, pricing, scalability, and ease of use. This table will make it easier for you to pick the right tool without getting lost in all the technical jargon.

How to Choose the Right ThoughtSpot Competitor

So, how do you pick the best ThoughtSpot competitor out of the top, hand-picked embedded analytics tool options?

Here are some of the steps I’ve suggested to ask yourself before choosing an alternative. This will help you figure out exactly what your business needs and pick the best tool for you.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Business Needs

Before getting started about the features of each tool, ask yourself a few questions:

• What problem are you trying to solve with embedded analytics?

• Do you need something that’s easy for your team or customers to use?

• Are you working with large datasets or smaller ones?

This step helps you understand your priorities. For instance, if your team isn’t very technical, you’ll want a tool that’s simple to use, like Upsolve.ai.

Step 2: Compare Features

Different tools offer different strengths. Here’s what to focus on:

• Ease of Use: Does the tool require technical skills, or is it user-friendly for non-experts?

• Customization: Can you customize dashboards and visuals to match your brand?

• Data Integration: Does it connect seamlessly with your existing databases or systems?

• Scalability: Will the tool grow with your business as your data needs expand?

Step 3: Consider Pricing

Pricing is a crucial factor, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Here’s how to think about it:

• Look for tools that offer flexible pricing plans. For example, Upsolve.ai starts at $300/month, which is great for startups.

• Avoid paying for features you don’t need—custom pricing might be better for larger organizations with specific requirements.

• Check for free trials or demos so you can test the tool before committing.

Step 4: Test the Tool

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to test them:

• Sign up for a free trial or request a demo from the provider.

• Try creating a dashboard or report to see how easy it is to use.

• Involve your team or customers in testing to get their feedback.

Step 5: Look at Support and Resources

Great tools come with great support. Check for:

• A responsive customer support team.

• Online tutorials, documentation, or community forums for help.

• Scalability of support for enterprise needs if you’re planning to grow.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing

Here’s a quick table to guide your decision-making process:

By following these steps and considering these factors, you’ll be able to confidently choose a ThoughtSpot competitor that’s just right for your business. Take your time, evaluate your options, and pick the one that ticks all your boxes!

Conclusion

So, we've looked at 5 top competitors to ThoughtSpot for embedded analytics. Let's quickly sum them up to help you decide which one might best fit you.

Key Takeaways:

• Upsolve.ai: Great if you want easy-to-use, AI-powered dashboards without needing technical skills.

• Looker: Good for advanced data exploration but might need some learning to use effectively.

• Tableau: Excellent for creating beautiful visuals, but it can be a bit expensive.

• Sisense: Ideal for handling big data and offers lots of customization options.

• Sigma: Perfect for teams working in the cloud who prefer a simple, spreadsheet-like interface.

What Should You Do Next?

Think about what matters most to you:

• Upsolve.ai might be the best choice if you need something simple and user-friendly.

• If you require advanced features and are willing to learn, Looker or Sisense could be suitable.

• If stunning visuals are your priority, Tableau might be the way to go.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the best tool for you depends on your specific needs, your team's skills, and your budget. Take some time to try out these options, as many of them offer free trials.

Choosing the right ThoughtSpot competitor will make your data easier to understand and help your business grow.