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5 Best AI Business Intelligence Tools To Try in 2025
Dec 20, 2024
Ka Ling Wu
Co-Founder & CEO, Upsolve AI
Have you noticed how AI is everywhere now?
It’s changing how businesses work, especially when it comes to analyzing data.
If you’re a founder, CTO, business analyst, or product manager, you’ve probably wondered how to keep up with all this data while staying ahead of the competition.
That’s where AI Business Intelligence tools step in. These tools don’t just crunch numbers; they find patterns, predict trends, and automate insights—all while saving you time and effort.
But here’s the thing. Not all tools are created equal. Some are perfect for small businesses, while others are designed for enterprises.
That’s why I’ve compiled this list of the 5 Best AI Business Intelligence Tools to Try in 2025.
In this blog, I’ll cover:
What AI Business Intelligence is and Why it’s a game-changer,
A detailed look at a couple of tools,
Pricing, key features, and what makes each tool stand out,
And a quick comparison table so you can choose the right tool faster.
If you skip this, you might miss the opportunity to simplify your data workflows and stay competitive.
Let’s dive in and find the perfect tool for your business.
What Is AI Business Intelligence?
AI Business Intelligence (AI BI) combines traditional business intelligence with artificial intelligence to help you analyze data, find patterns, and generate insights automatically.
Here’s how it works:
Traditional BI tools present data in reports, charts, and graphs.
AI BI takes it further by understanding the data and providing actionable insights.
Instead of just showing sales numbers, for example, AI BI can explain why sales increased or predict future trends.
With AI BI, you don’t just look at data—you get answers. It simplifies decision-making by automating complex analysis.
How AI Enhances Traditional Business Intelligence
Traditional BI tools focus on looking at historical data. AI BI adds a predictive layer, making it easier to act on data.
Here’s how it enhances the process:
Real-Time Insights: AI BI processes data in real time. For example, if sales in one region drop suddenly, you’ll know immediately and can adjust your strategy.
Predictions for the Future: Let’s say you manage an online store. Traditional BI might show you which products sold well last month. AI BI predicts which products are likely to sell next month so you can stock up in advance.
Natural Language Queries: You don’t need to be a data expert to use AI BI. You can ask questions like, “What were our top-performing products last year?” The tool gives you an instant, clear answer.
Time-Saving Automation: Instead of spending hours preparing reports, AI BI tools generate them instantly. This frees up your time to focus on strategy.
With AI Business Intelligence, you move beyond just understanding what happened in the past. You gain the ability to predict what’s coming next and take immediate action.
5 Best AI Business Intelligence Tools To Try in 2025?
Here’s a list of the top tools:
Upsolve AI
Tableau With Einstein Discovery
Microsoft Power BI
ThoughtSpot
Qlik Sense
Before we get into the details, here’s a quick reference table to help you understand the main differences between each.
Comparison Table: Upsolve AI, Tableau, Power BI, Thoughtspot, and Qlik Sense
Let’s get into it.
Upsolve AI
Upsolve AI is an AI business intelligence tool that focuses on customer-facing analytics. It allows you to build dashboards and embed them into your application so your users can access insights directly.
For instance, if you run a SaaS platform, your customers might want to see how their data is performing.
Upsolve AI enables you to deliver these insights with minimal effort. Instead of spending months building analytics features, you can set everything up in just one day.
Key Features of Upsolve AI
Here’s what makes Upsolve AI a strong choice:
Quick Deployment: You can create and deploy dashboards in a single day.. For example, A startup can integrate analytics for their product users immediately after launching.
AI-Powered Insights: The tool uses AI to identify trends, patterns, and risks, helping your users understand their data better.
Drag-and-Drop Interface: No technical expertise is needed. You can create dashboards using a simple drag-and-drop builder.
Embedded Analytics: Upsolve AI makes it easy to embed dashboards into your application using React or Vue components. Your users can view analytics without leaving your platform.
Usage Analytics: Monitor how users interact with the dashboards. This helps you improve their experience and understand what’s working.
Upsolve AI Pricing Breakdown
Zero to One (Launch Plan) - $300/month
$300/month
Designed for early-stage startups needing quick dashboard integration.
Includes:
3 embedded dashboard templates.
Support for up to 50 tenants.
iFrame component embedding for easy setup.
CSV downloads.
Access to Slack Community support.
Comes with a free 30-day trial to explore all features.
One to N (Growth Plan) - Starting at $1000/month
Starting at $1000/month
Ideal for businesses looking to scale and customize their dashboards.
Features include:
3+ embedded dashboard templates and styling customization.
50+ tenants, offering scalability for expanding teams.
Options for both iFrame and React component embedding.
Embedded BI capabilities with end-user personal workspaces.
CSV and PDF download options.
Dedicated support and onboarding assistance.
One to ∞ (Enterprise Plan)
Custom Pricing
Suited for large enterprises with extensive data needs and high scalability.
Key offerings:
Unlimited embedded dashboard templates and tenants.
Full customization with both iFrame and React components.
Advanced embedded BI with AI-powered end-user analytics.
CSV and PDF downloads, on-premise deployment, and SAML SSO.
24/7 dedicated support and tailored onboarding.
Pros And Cons Of Using Upsolve AI
Pros
Quick Setup: Users reported that dashboards can be deployed in just one day, saving time and reducing development effort.
Customer-Focused Analytics: Users said Upsolve AI helps their customers get actionable insights directly from the platform, improving engagement and retention.
Ease of Use: Many users highlighted the drag-and-drop interface, which allows teams without technical expertise to build professional dashboards easily.
Seamless Embedding: Users said embedding dashboards into their applications was straightforward with Upsolve AI's React and Vue components.
Improved Customer Insights: Users reported gaining a better understanding of their customers’ behavior through usage analytics, helping them improve their product offerings.
Scalable for Growth: Users said the pricing plans and features allowed their businesses to scale as their needs grew, making Upsolve AI a long-term solution.
Cons
Limited Internal Analytics: Users said Upsolve AI focuses heavily on customer-facing analytics, which might not fully support internal business analytics needs.
Customization Constraints: Some users reported that while Upsolve AI offers customization, it may not meet the needs of businesses requiring highly tailored visualizations or advanced features.
✔️ So, Upsolve AI offers quick deployment, seamless integration, and an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, making it ideal for quickly and efficiently creating customer-facing dashboards.
❌ However, it does have some limitations, such as a stronger focus on external analytics rather than internal reporting and less flexibility for advanced customization.
Despite these challenges, it’s a solid choice for businesses prioritizing external data insights and scalable customer-facing analytics solutions.
Tableau
Tableau, now part of Salesforce, is a well-known AI business Intelligence tool for creating interactive dashboards and data visualizations.
With Einstein Discovery, Tableau adds machine learning capabilities to deliver predictions and recommendations directly within your workflows.
Key Features of Tableau with Einstein Discovery
Here are the key features that make Tableau with Einstein Discovery stand out:
Drag-and-Drop Interface: You can create dashboards and reports quickly, even without technical skills. Simply drag and drop elements to build visuals.
Real-Time Data Updates: Tableau connects to multiple data sources, ensuring your dashboards always display the most recent information.
Predictive Analytics with Einstein Discovery: You can embed predictive models into Tableau to forecast outcomes or suggest the best action for specific scenarios.
Transparent and Ethical AI: Einstein Discovery includes features that reduce bias and explain predictions, so you can confidently make decisions.
Collaboration and Sharing: Tableau makes sharing dashboards with team members or clients easy, enabling better collaboration and decision-making.
Tableau Pricing Plans Breakdown
Tableau Creator
Designed for users who create and manage data visualizations and dashboards.
Includes Tableau Desktop, Tableau Prep Builder, and a Creator license for Tableau Cloud or Tableau Server.
$70 per user per month, billed annually.
Tableau Explorer
Suited for users who explore and analyze data without the need for full content creation capabilities.
Includes Access to Tableau Cloud or Tableau Server with capabilities to interact with and modify existing dashboards.
$42 per user per month, billed annually.
Tableau Viewer
Intended for users who primarily view and interact with dashboards and visualizations.
Includes access to published content with interactive features.
$15 per user per month, billed annually.
Enterprise Plans
For organizations requiring advanced features, Tableau offers Enterprise editions:
Enterprise Creator
Provides all features from the Tableau Creator plan plus advanced data management.
$115 per user per month, billed annually.
Enterprise Explorer
Expands on the Tableau Explorer plan with enhanced management tools.
$70 per user per month, billed annually.
Enterprise Viewer
Similar to Tableau Viewer but with added enterprise-level features.
$35 per user per month, billed annually.
Tableau +
Ideal for large enterprises seeking maximum analytics depth, customized reporting, and powerful, organization-wide data management.
Includes all standard Tableau features and adds cutting-edge AI insights, customizable data alerts, AI-powered analytics, and exclusive Tableau Pulse capabilities.
Contact sales for pricing.
Pros And Cons Of Using Tableau
Pros
Easy Data Visualization: Users praised Tableau for its drag-and-drop interface, making it simple to create stunning visualizations and interactive dashboards without needing technical expertise.
Data Integration Flexibility: Many users appreciated Tableau's ability to seamlessly connect with various data sources, such as Excel, databases, and cloud platforms, enabling comprehensive data analysis.
User-Friendly Experience: Users reported that Tableau’s intuitive design helps non-technical team members quickly adapt and utilize its features effectively, even with minimal training.
Real-Time Insights: Tableau’s integration with live data sources provides users with up-to-date information, allowing them to make timely and informed decisions.
Cons
High Cost: Users mentioned that Tableau's pricing can be a barrier, especially for small businesses or startups. The licensing fees add up quickly when scaling across teams.
Performance Issues: Users reported that Tableau struggles with large datasets, leading to slower performance and lag, which can hinder efficiency during analysis.
Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While the basic interface is user-friendly, many users found the advanced functionalities require significant training and expertise to use effectively.
✔️ Tableau makes data visualization simple with its drag-and-drop interface, seamless data integration, and real-time insights, making it a user-friendly tool for creating interactive dashboards.
❌ However, it comes with challenges like high costs, performance issues with large datasets, and a steep learning curve for advanced features.
Microsoft Power BI With AI Builder
Microsoft Power BI is a business intelligence tool designed to transform raw data into meaningful insights through interactive dashboards and reports.
When paired with AI Builder, it goes beyond visualization, enabling you to integrate AI-driven capabilities directly into your analytics workflows.
Whether you’re identifying trends, making predictions, or automating repetitive processes, Power BI with AI Builder simplifies AI business intelligence for all users, even those without technical expertise.
Key Features of Power BI with AI Builder
AI-Powered Insights: AI Builder in Power BI allows you to use prebuilt models or create custom AI models for tasks like sentiment analysis, prediction, and object detection.
Seamless Data Integration: Power BI connects effortlessly to multiple data sources, such as Excel, cloud platforms, and SQL databases.
Interactive Dashboards: Using its drag-and-drop interface, Power BI makes it easy for you to create dynamic, interactive dashboards.
Real-Time Updates: With live connections to your data sources, Power BI ensures that your reports and dashboards always display the latest information.
Embedded Analytics: Power BI Embedded enables you to integrate reports directly into your applications, offering your customers a seamless experience.
No-Code AI: AI Builder provides a no-code interface to create AI models, making it accessible even for non-technical team members. You can easily automate tasks like document processing or image recognition without writing a single line of code.
Microsoft Power BI Pricing Breakdown
1. Power BI Free
Create and share simple reports.
Great for individual users exploring data.
Free
2. Power BI Pro
Share reports across your team.
Access to collaboration features.
$10 per user/month
3. Power BI Premium (Per User)
Adds enterprise-grade features like large data models and AI-enhanced insights.
Ideal for businesses managing complex data.
$20 per user/month
4. Power BI Premium (Capacity-Based)
Allows sharing without requiring individual licenses for every user.
Ideal for organizations with large teams.
Based on capacity, contact sales for pricing.
Pros And Cons Of Using Microsoft Power BI
Pros
Seamless Integration: Users appreciated how Power BI works effortlessly with other Microsoft tools like Excel and Azure.
Interactive Dashboards: Users love the interactivity of Power BI dashboards. They mentioned how simple it is to apply filters, dive into specific details, and get instant insights without technical barriers.
User-Friendly Interface: Users said Power BI’s drag-and-drop functionality makes creating visuals easy—even for those without a technical background..
Data Connectivity: Users appreciated the ability to connect Power BI with multiple data sources, including SQL Server, SharePoint, and cloud platforms.
Cons
Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Users said while the basic interface is easy to use, mastering advanced functionalities like DAX and Power Query requires significant effort and structured training.
Performance Issues with Large Data: Users appreciated the tool's capabilities but mentioned that Power BI can struggle with large datasets. They said working with high volumes of data sometimes causes delays and slower query execution.
Cloud Dependency: Users love the collaboration options but pointed out that Power BI relies heavily on cloud services for sharing and managing reports, which may not suit every organization’s infrastructure
✔️ Power BI stands out for its seamless integration with Microsoft tools like Excel and Azure, interactive dashboards, user-friendly drag-and-drop functionality, and the ability to connect with multiple data sources.
❌ However, users mentioned a steep learning curve for advanced features like DAX and Power Query. Performance issues with large datasets and heavy reliance on cloud services for sharing reports can be inconvenient for some organizations.
ThoughtSpot
ThoughtSpot is an AI-powered business intelligence tool that helps you analyze data and gain insights using natural language search.
With its AI-driven features, ThoughtSpot makes it easy to query data, uncover patterns, and make informed decisions—even if you’re not a data expert.
Key Features of ThoughtSpot
Natural Language Search: Ask any question in plain English, like “What were my top sales regions last quarter?” and get instant insights.
Real-Time Data Querying: Connect directly to your cloud data platforms and access live data updates without delays.
Scalable Data Handling: Handle billions of rows of data effortlessly, making it ideal for enterprises with large datasets.
Interactive Liveboards: Create live, interactive dashboards to visualize data and drill down into specifics without predefined drill paths.
Embedded Analytics: Embed ThoughtSpot’s analytics into your applications, offering users seamless, real-time insights.
AI-Driven Insights: Use ThoughtSpot’s AI features like SpotIQ to identify anomalies, detect trends, and uncover hidden patterns automatically.
ThoughtSpot Pricing Breakdown
Thoughtspot offers 3 major pricing packages:
Essentials
Pro
Enterprise
Here’s a breakdown:
Essentials Plan - $1,250/month
This plan is perfect for small companies wanting to share AI-powered insights across their teams.
It includes:
Up to 25 million rows of data.
20 users with 5 permission groups for secure access control.
Features like natural language search and automated insights.
Basic support through in-app and community channels.
Essential security controls, including data encryption.
Pro Plan - Custom Pricing
Tailored for growing businesses looking to scale their analytics and data handling.
Features include:
Support for up to 500 million rows of data.
Unlimited users and 25 permission groups.
Advanced security controls with Pro-level support available 24/7.
Automated insights and AI-powered search capabilities.
Standard support options with additional layers of security.
Enterprise Plan - Custom Pricing
Suited for large enterprises with high data needs and advanced security requirements.
Key offerings:
Unlimited data and permission groups, supporting multi-tenant setups.
Advanced security features, including enterprise-grade encryption.
Comprehensive support with dedicated 24/7 assistance.
Full access to ThoughtSpot’s API for in-depth customization and integration.
Ideal for complex deployments and high scalability, including on-premise or cloud-hosted options.
Pros and Cons of ThoughtSpot
Pros
User-Friendly Search Feature: Users appreciated the ability to ask data questions using natural language.
Speedy Data Retrieval: Users said ThoughtSpot’s speed in fetching data was unmatched. It’s especially useful when you need answers fast without waiting for complex processes.
Self-Service Analytics: ThoughtSpot empowers users to explore and analyze data on their own. Users found this particularly helpful in reducing dependency on IT teams for basic queries.
Direct Connection to Data Sources: Users highlighted how ThoughtSpot connects directly to data lakes and tables.
Cons
Limited Visualization Options: Users said the charting and visualization features are quite basic. Adjusting chart sizes or customizing liveboards is often frustrating, leaving much to be desired.
Steep Learning Curve: Users appreciated the innovative features but noted that ThoughtSpot isn’t always intuitive. New users, especially those unfamiliar with BI tools, may take time to get comfortable.
Heavy Data Preparation Needed: Users mentioned that ThoughtSpot requires data to be properly modeled and curated. Without a solid setup, the tool can struggle to deliver meaningful insights.
High Costs for Larger Use Cases: Some users said the pricing, while capacity-based, can escalate quickly for larger organizations.
✔️ ThoughtSpot shines with its natural language search, speedy data retrieval, self-service analytics, and seamless connection to data lakes and tables, making it ideal for independent data exploration.
❌ However, users pointed out limited visualization options, a steep learning curve for beginners, heavy data preparation requirements, and escalating costs for larger organizations.
Qlik Sense
Qlik Sense is a powerful business intelligence tool designed for interactive data visualization and analysis. It enables organizations to uncover insights and make data-driven decisions with ease.
For example, if you’re managing a retail chain, Qlik Sense allows you to analyze sales data, track inventory, and identify trends—all through a user-friendly interface.
Key Features of Qlik Sense
Here’s what makes Qlik Sense a popular choice:
Associative Engine: Unlike traditional BI tools, Qlik Sense uses an associative model, allowing users to explore data relationships intuitively.
Self-Service Analytics: Qlik Sense empowers users to create their own dashboards and reports without relying on IT teams, ensuring faster access to insights.
Smart Visualizations: The tool offers dynamic visualizations that automatically adjust to the data context, making it easier to spot patterns and trends.
Multi-Device Support: Qlik Sense dashboards are optimized for desktops, tablets, and smartphones, enabling users to access data on the go.
Advanced Security Features: With granular control over data access, Qlik Sense ensures that sensitive information remains protected while providing appropriate visibility to users.
Qlik Sense Pricing Breakdown
1. Standard Plan
Designed for small teams or groups, the Standard plan starts with 25 GB of annual data for analysis and 20 Full Users.
Features include:
Interactive data visualizations, automated reporting, and AI-powered analytics.
Access to a no-code automation builder to streamline actions across systems.
24/7 critical customer support for added peace of mind.
$825/month, billed annually
2. Premium Plan
Built for larger teams, the Premium plan starts with 50 GB of data and scales up to 100,000 Basic Users along with the original 20 Full Users.
Includes everything in the Standard plan, plus:
Expanded data sources, such as SAP, mainframe, and legacy systems.
Predictive analytics powered by machine learning and advanced governance.
A guided customer success onboarding to get teams up and running smoothly.
$2500/month, billed annually
3. Enterprise Plan
For organizations with extensive data needs, the Enterprise plan offers a starting capacity of 500 GB and scales to accommodate up to 100,000 users.
Adds extra features beyond the Premium plan, such as:
Higher performance, scalability, and larger app sizes.
Volume discounts, enhanced data governance, and a customized onboarding plan.
Custom Pricing
Pros And Cons Of Using Qlik Sense
Pros
Associative Engine for Insights Discovery: Users appreciated Qlik Sense's unique associative engine, which allows them to uncover relationships in data that traditional query-based tools might miss.
Ease of Use and Accessibility: Users said Qlik Sense offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies data analysis for both beginners and experienced analysts.
Powerful Data Integration: Qlik Sense is praised for its ability to connect seamlessly to various data sources, including spreadsheets, databases, and cloud platforms.
Interactive and Dynamic Visualizations: Users appreciated the dynamic visualizations that adjust automatically to the data context.
Cons
Limited Design Flexibility: Users said Qlik Sense’s design and layout options could feel restrictive. The ability to customize dashboards and visualizations is limited.
Performance Issues with Large Datasets: Users appreciated Qlik Sense’s capabilities but noted that it struggles with performance when handling massive datasets.
Complex Data Preparation Requirements: Users mentioned that working with multiple data sources or unstructured data often requires significant effort in data modeling and preparation.
Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While the interface is user-friendly, users said mastering Qlik Sense’s more advanced features, such as scripting and set analysis, can take time and may require training.
✔️ Qlik Sense stands out with its intuitive interface, robust associative engine, and seamless data integration, empowering users to uncover hidden insights and create dynamic visualizations effortlessly.
❌ However, users found advanced features difficult to master, noted performance issues with large datasets, and expressed concerns about limited design flexibility and higher costs for smaller teams.
Conclusion: Which AI Business Intelligence Tool Should You Choose?
Choosing the right AI business intelligence tool depends on your specific business needs, technical requirements, and budget.
Each tool offers unique features and serves different use cases, making them suitable for varied organizational goals.
If you need:
Fast Deployment and Embedded Dashboards: Upsolve AI is the ideal choice, offering quick setup, AI-powered insights, and seamless integration for customer-facing analytics.
Visual Excellence and Predictive Analytics: Tableau + Einstein Discovery shines with stunning dashboards and advanced AI capabilities for enterprises.
Microsoft Ecosystem Integration: Power BI + AI Builder is perfect for organizations relying on Microsoft tools, offering easy compatibility and powerful AI features.
Search-Driven Insights: ThoughtSpot is best for non-technical users, providing natural language search and real-time analytics for quick decision-making.
Flexible Data Exploration: Qlik Sense stands out with its associative engine, offering dynamic visualizations and in-depth insights discovery.
Upsolve AI stands out as a top-tier choice for businesses aiming to leverage cutting-edge AI to streamline decision-making.
With its user-friendly design, fast deployment, and focus on customer-facing dashboards, it delivers actionable insights effortlessly.
Ready to elevate your analytics game with AI? Explore how Upsolve AI can align with your business needs and drive better outcomes today!
