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5 Tested Metabase Alternatives For Embeddable Analytics

Feb 14, 2025

Ka Ling Wu

Co-Founder & CEO, Upsolve AI

Table of Contents

If you’ve explored Metabase as an embedded analytics tool, you probably appreciated its open-source flexibility and affordability.

However, as your business scales, you might encounter limitations such as limited customization options, and high-end SQL knowledge that make you reconsider whether it’s the right tool for your needs.

So, what’s the better alternative to Metabase?

There are several Metabase competitors that offer superior performance, customization, and embeddability for businesses that require seamless, customer-facing analytics.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

✅ Why businesses look for Metabase alternatives
✅ The top 5 tested alternatives for embeddable analytics
✅ How to choose the best solution for your specific needs

Before checking each of the Metabase alternatives, let’s first understand why businesses outgrow Metabase and start looking for more powerful solutions.

Quick Comparison of the Top 5 Metabase Alternatives

Now that we’ve established why businesses start looking for Metabase alternatives, let’s take a quick look at some of the best options available.

Below is a comparison table highlighting the top 5 tested Metabase alternatives, their advantages, and what makes them stand out for embeddable analytics.

Each of these alternatives offers unique capabilities, but choosing the right one depends on your specific needs.

Before you check each alternative, first let’s check why businesses move away from Metabase and look for alternatives.

Why Look for Metabase Alternatives?

Metabase is a popular choice for open-source embedded analytics, offering a simple way to create dashboards and visualize data.

Even you can use it as headless BI when integrated with the Cube analytics tool.

However, as businesses scale, many users find themselves outgrowing its capabilities and looking for better alternatives.

here are the five biggest reasons businesses move away from Metabase:

1. Limited Customization for Embedded Dashboards

While Metabase allows basic embedding, its white-labeling options are restricted. If you need a fully branded, customer-facing analytics experience, Metabase falls short.

2. Performance Issues with Large Datasets

Metabase works well for small to medium-sized datasets, but as your data grows, performance can slow down significantly, especially with complex queries.

3. Requires SQL Knowledge for Advanced Analytics

Metabase is user-friendly for basic analytics, but as you require more complex queries and data modeling, SQL becomes necessary which can be a barrier for non-technical users.

4. Lack of Advanced Data Modeling Features

Metabase lacks robust data transformation and modeling capabilities, making it harder to organize and clean raw data before visualization.

5. Self-Hosting and Maintenance Burdens

Although Metabase has a cloud-hosted version, many users rely on the self-hosted edition, which requires constant maintenance, updates, and security management.

Now that we’ve identified the biggest limitations of Metabase, let’s check the top 5 tested Metabase alternatives and explore which one fits your needs best.

Our 5 Tested Metabase Alternatives for Embeddable Analytics

Now, let’s explore the best Metabase alternatives with better performance, flexibility, and embedding.

These options are tested for ease of use, customization, scalability, and embeddability to help you find the right fit.

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

Upsolve AI is an AI-driven embedded analytics platform designed to help businesses seamlessly integrate real-time dashboards into their applications without writing a single line of code.

Unlike Metabase, which requires SQL expertise and offers limited customization.

Upsolve AI provides a no-code dashboard builder, full white-labeling, and real-time data updates, making analytics more accessible and scalable for SaaS businesses and enterprises.

Key Features of Upsolve AI

Drag-and-Drop Dashboard Builder

Upsolve AI eliminates the need for technical expertise with its intuitive, no-code dashboard builder.

Users can create custom dashboards in minutes, making data visualization accessible for both technical and non-technical teams.

Upsolve AI Drag and Drop Dashboard Builder

Real-Time Data Processing

Unlike Metabase, which relies on scheduled updates, Upsolve AI processes data in real-time.

Businesses can access live insights instantly, ensuring that key decisions are always based on the most up-to-date data.

Seamless Embedded Analytics

Designed for customer-facing analytics, Upsolve AI enables full white-label embedding, offering deeper customization than Metabase’s basic embedding.

Pros and Cons of Upsolve AI

✅ Pros

No-code dashboard builder makes it easy for teams to create visualizations without SQL knowledge.
Fully white-labeled embedded analytics with seamless integration into SaaS platforms.
Real-time data updates ensure users always work with live insights.
Affordable and scalable for businesses looking for a low-maintenance, AI-powered analytics solution.

❌ Cons

Limited advanced data modeling compared to enterprise BI tools.
Not designed for on-premise deployments, as it’s a fully managed cloud-based solution.

Upsolve AI Pricing

Launch Plan: $500/month – Ideal for startups and small teams needing embedded analytics.
Growth Plan: $1000/month – Designed for growing businesses with higher data volume and scalability needs.
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing available – Created for organizations needing fully customized, large-scale analytics solutions.

Compared to Metabase’s self-hosted version, which requires continuous maintenance, Upsolve AI provides a fully managed cloud solution, eliminating infrastructure concerns.

Metabase vs Upsolve AI: Key Differences

So, if you’re looking for a fully managed, no-code alternative to Metabase with real-time insights and deep white-labeling, Upsolve AI is the best choice.

2. LightDash – Best for Open-Source Analytics

LightDash is an open-source BI tool designed specifically for teams using dbt (data build tool) for data transformation.

LightDash allows users to directly explore dbt models and turn them into interactive dashboards without extra engineering work.

LightDash Features

Native dbt Integration – Unlike Metabase, which lacks deep dbt integration, LightDash connects directly to DBT models, enabling teams to define metrics and dimensions within their existing workflow.
Self-Hosted or Cloud-Based – While Metabase also offers deployment flexibility, LightDash provides more control with self-hosting or a fully managed cloud version for hassle-free scaling.
Customizable Dashboards – LightDash leverages dbt’s structured models, ensuring better data consistency and governance.
SQL-Friendly – Metabase users often write queries manually, whereas LightDash automates SQL generation, letting analysts focus on insights rather than query syntax.

Pros and Cons of LightDash

✅ Pros

Perfect for dbt users, enabling direct metric definitions and data exploration.
Open-source and highly customizable, giving teams full control over their BI stack.
Supports self-hosted deployments, making it a great choice for businesses with strict security requirements.
Automates SQL queries, reducing manual query writing for analysts.

❌ Cons

Steeper learning curve compared to no-code tools like Upsolve AI.
Requires dbt knowledge, making it less accessible for teams without a data engineering background.
Limited visualization options, as it focuses more on metric definitions than advanced dashboarding.

LightDash Pricing

Cloud Starter: Starts at $800 per month.
Cloud Pro: Starts at $2,400 per month.
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing based on usage and team size.

For teams looking for an open-source BI tool that integrates seamlessly with dbt, LightDash is a great alternative.

However, businesses needing no-code dashboards and embedded analytics may find Upsolve AI or Preset.io more suitable.

Metabase vs LightDash: Key Differences

LightDash is a strong alternative to Metabase for teams already using DBT, but it may not be ideal for non-technical users who need drag-and-drop analytics.

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3. Redash – Best for SQL-Based Dashboards

Redash is a lightweight BI tool designed for teams that work heavily with SQL queries. Redash provides a more streamlined experience for analysts who prefer direct SQL-based reporting.

It supports multiple data sources, making it a great alternative for teams that need a fast, query-driven analytics solution without the complexity of full-scale BI tools.

Redash Features

Multi-Database Support – Redash connects to a wide range of SQL and NoSQL databases, allowing teams to run queries and visualize data from multiple sources.
SQL-Based Query Editor – Analysts can write direct SQL queries, apply filters, and generate insights in a more developer-friendly environment.
Lightweight and Fast – Unlike Metabase, which can slow down with large datasets, Redash is optimized for quick querying and minimal overhead.
Embedded Dashboards – Users can share live dashboards via links or embedding, making it easier to integrate reports into applications or internal tools.

Pros and Cons of Redash

✅ Pros

Ideal for SQL-savvy teams looking for direct query-based analytics.
Supports a wide range of databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, BigQuery, and Elasticsearch.
Open-source and self-hostable, allowing complete control over data security and infrastructure.

❌ Cons

Requires SQL knowledge, making it less accessible for non-technical users.
Limited visualization options compared to tools like Metabase or Preset.io.

Redash Pricing

Self-Hosted Version: Free (open-source).
Cloud Version: Starts at $49/month, with pricing based on team size and usage.

Redash is a great Metabase alternative for teams that are comfortable writing SQL queries and need a lightweight, fast BI solution.

Metabase vs Redash: Key Differences

So, if you see, for teams that prioritize speed, flexibility, and SQL-based analytics, Redash can be a strong alternative to Metabase.

4. Preset.io – Best for Enterprise-Grade Analytics

Preset.io is a managed cloud version of Apache Superset, offering a scalable, enterprise-grade BI solution with advanced visualizations, SQL-based analytics, and multi-source data connectivity for teams needing powerful, open-source analytics.

Preset.io features

Enterprise-Ready Apache Superset – It’s built on the Apache Superset framework, it offers scalability, multi-user collaboration, and enterprise-level security.
Advanced Data Visualizations – It supports a wide range of interactive charts, heatmaps, and dashboards for deeper data insights.
SQL-Driven Analytics – Analysts can write SQL queries directly, making it an excellent tool for technical teams needing complex data exploration.
Cloud-Hosted & Self-Managed – Offers fully managed cloud hosting or self-hosted options for businesses wanting complete control over their data stack.

Pros and cons of Preset.io

✅ Pros

Scalable BI platform designed for enterprise use cases
Advanced visualizations compared to Redash and Metabase
Managed cloud service eliminates maintenance efforts

❌ Cons

Steep learning curve for non-SQL users
Limited no-code capabilities for dashboard building
Higher cost than self-hosted Metabase or Superset

Preset.io pricing

Starter Plan: Free (limited to five users)
Professional Plan: Starts at $20/user/month
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing based on scale and requirements

Preset.io is a powerful Metabase alternative for teams that need enterprise-grade analytics with Apache Superset’s flexibility while offloading infrastructure management to a fully hosted platform.

Metabase vs Preset.io: Key differences

Preset.io can be best suited for enterprises that need a fully managed Apache Superset experience with advanced BI capabilities.

5. Holistics.io – Best for Automated Reporting

Holistics.io is a self-service analytics platform designed for teams that need automated reporting, data modeling, and flexible embedded analytics without writing complex SQL queries or managing BI infrastructure.

Holistics.io features

No-Code Data Modeling – This allows teams to define data relationships, transformations, and metrics without SQL, making it easier to manage analytics at scale.
Automated Reporting – Users can schedule reports and dashboards to be delivered via email, Slack, or internal portals.
Embedded Analytics – It enables businesses to seamlessly integrate white-labeled dashboards into applications for customer-facing insights.
Data Pipeline Management – It helps teams create self-service analytics workflows, reducing dependency on data engineers.

Pros and cons of Holistics.io

✅ Pros

No-code data modeling reduces the need for SQL expertise
Automated scheduled reports improve workflow efficiency
Strong embedded analytics with white-labeling options

❌ Cons

Limited real-time analytics compared to Upsolve AI
Not ideal for large-scale data exploration like Preset.io
Higher pricing for premium features

Holistics.io pricing

Entry Plan: $800/month
Standard Plan: $1000/month
Security Compliance Suite: $2000/month

Holistics.io is a great Metabase alternative for businesses needing automated reporting, data transformation, and embedded analytics without requiring deep SQL knowledge.

Metabase vs Holistics.io: Key differences

After comparing both, it is clear that Holistics.io is best suited for businesses that need data modeling and automation features while still offering embedded analytics.

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How to Choose the Right Metabase Alternatives?

Now that we’ve explored the top five Metabase alternatives, the next step is to determine which one fits your business needs best.

Each tool offers unique strengths, making it essential to evaluate your priorities before making a decision.

Here are the some key factors to consider when selecting the right alternative:

1. Do You Need a No-Code or SQL-Based Solution?

If your team lacks SQL expertise and needs an intuitive, no-code dashboard builder, Upsolve AI is the best fit.

However, if you have a technical team comfortable with SQL, then Redash or Preset.io might be better suited.

Choose:

No-Code & AI-Driven Dashboards → Upsolve AI
SQL-Driven BI with Advanced Queries → Redash, Preset.io

2. Do You Require Real-Time Data Processing?

Businesses that rely on up-to-the-minute insights should opt for a tool that supports real-time data refresh.

Choose:

Real-Time Data & AI-Powered Analytics → Upsolve AI
Scheduled Data Updates & Reporting → Holistics.io

3. How Important Is Embedding & White-Labeling?

If embedding analytics into your SaaS platform or web application is a priority, you’ll need a solution with seamless white-labeling options.

Choose:

Fully Customizable Embedded Dashboards → Upsolve AI, Holistics.io
Basic Embedding Capabilities → Metabase, Redash

4. Do You Need Self-Hosting or a Fully Managed Cloud Solution?

Self-hosted solutions provide more control over security and data, while cloud-based options reduce maintenance effort.

Choose:

Fully Managed Cloud Analytics → Upsolve AI, Preset.io
Self-Hosted & Open-Source BI → LightDash, Redash

5. What’s Your Budget?

Pricing varies significantly between platforms, so it's essential to align with your budget and expected ROI.

Choose:

Affordable for Startups → Upsolve AI, Redash
Enterprise-Grade BI with Advanced Features → Preset.io, Holistics.io

This way, choosing the right Metabase alternative depending on your use case, technical requirements, and scalability needs can truly enhance your embedded analytics without costing your brand's capabilities.

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Conclusion

Metabase is a solid entry-level BI tool, but growing businesses often need more customization, scalability, and advanced analytics. Depending on your needs, the best alternatives include:

Upsolve AI – Best for AI-powered, no-code embedded analytics with real-time insights.
LightDash – Ideal for DBT users needing structured, open-source BI.
Redash – Best for SQL-driven teams needing fast query-based analytics.
Preset.io – A managed Apache Superset platform for enterprise BI.
Holistics.io – Great for automated reporting and embedded analytics.

And, if you’re particularly seeking a no-code, real-time, AI-driven embedded analytics platform, Upsolve AI is the best choice. It offers seamless embedding, white-labeling, and real-time insights, making it the ideal solution for SaaS companies and enterprises.

Get started with Upsolve AI today and see how it simplifies your embedded and customer-facing analytics.

FAQs About Metabase Alternatives

If you’re still unsure about which Metabase alternative is right for your business, here are answers to some common questions that can help guide your decision.

1. What is the best alternative to Metabase for embedded analytics?

Upsolve AI is the best alternative for businesses that need AI-powered, no-code embedded analytics with real-time insights and white-labeling options. For SQL-based teams, Redash and Preset.io are strong alternatives.

2. Which Metabase alternative is best for SQL-driven analytics?

If your team prefers direct SQL querying, Redash is the best choice due to its lightweight, fast query-based dashboards. Preset.io is another strong option for enterprise-scale SQL analytics.

3. Are there any open-source alternatives to Metabase?

Yes, LightDash and Redash are open-source alternatives. LightDash is ideal for dbt users, while Redash is SQL-driven and supports multiple databases.

4. Which Metabase alternative is best for non-technical users?

Upsolve AI and Holistics.io offer no-code dashboards that make analytics accessible without SQL expertise. These tools are great for teams looking to embed and automate reporting easily.

5. What is the most affordable Metabase alternative?

Redash (self-hosted) and LightDash (open-source) are the most budget-friendly. If you need a fully managed embedded analytics solution, Upsolve AI’s Launch Plan ($300/month) is a cost-effective option.

6. Does Upsolve AI support real-time analytics?

Yes, Upsolve AI provides real-time data processing, ensuring that dashboards update instantly as new data flows in—unlike Metabase, which relies on scheduled updates.

7. What is the best enterprise-grade alternative to Metabase?

Preset.io is the best option for enterprise-scale BI, as it offers a managed Apache Superset platform with advanced visualizations, scalability, and cloud hosting.

8. Which Metabase alternative is best for automated reporting?

Holistics.io is ideal for scheduled reports, automated workflows, and self-service analytics, allowing teams to generate and distribute reports effortlessly.

9. Can I migrate my Metabase dashboards to an alternative tool?

Most alternatives, including Upsolve AI, Preset.io, and Redash, support data migration via APIs, SQL queries, and integrations with major databases.

10. Which alternative offers the best white-labeled embedded analytics?

Upsolve AI is the top choice for seamless white-labeling, making it easy to embed fully branded dashboards into SaaS platforms, customer portals, and web apps.