19 Best Embedded BI Tools Reviewed In 2024
10 Best Embedded BI Tools Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 19 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Embedded BI tools are a valuable asset for any company. With the right software, teams can improve decision-making processes and enhance data visualization capabilities. However, finding the right embedded BI tools can be challenging, especially with many available options.
Using my experience with revenue operations software, I tested and compared several of the top embedded BI tools available. From there, I compiled my results into detailed reviews to help you find the best software for your needs.
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Best Embedded BI Tools Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top embedded analytics solution to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Toucan | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Tableau | From $70/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Qlik | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Domo | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Looker | From $5,000/month | Website |
| Holistics | From $800/month | Website |
| InetSoft | From $165/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Yellowfin | Pricing upon request | Website |
| SAS | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Power BI Embedded | From $10/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose Embedded BI Tools
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Ensure the tool can grow with your team, handling increased data volume and users. |
| Integrations | Check if it connects with your existing software like CRM or ERP systems. |
| Customizability | Look for options to tailor dashboards and reports to fit your team's needs. |
| Ease of Use | Choose a friendly user interface to minimize training time for your team. |
| Budget | Compare pricing plans to find a solution that fits your financial constraints. |
| Security Safeguards | Ensure the BI platform data protection measures align with your industry standards and needs. |
| Support | Consider the availability of customer service and technical support. |
| Analytics Features | Look for features like predictive analytics and self-service analytics that meet your business applications and goals. |
Best Embedded BI Tools Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best embedded BI tools that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Toucan is an embedded analytics platform designed for business users and analysts, offering guided analytics and data storytelling capabilities. It helps users understand and communicate data insights effectively, supporting strategic decision-making.
Why I picked Toucan: It's particularly suited for teams needing guided analytics, simplifying data interpretation and presentation. Toucan provides intuitive dashboards that guide your team through data analysis. The platform's storytelling features help make complex data more accessible. Its user-friendly interface ensures that even non-technical users can create engaging data narratives.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable visualization options that let your team tailor dashboards to specific needs. The platform supports real-time data updates, ensuring everyone has access to the latest information. Additionally, Toucan provides collaborative features, enhancing teamwork and data sharing across your organization.
Integrations include Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, Google Analytics, Amazon Redshift, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Snowflake, Tableau, and Power BI.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports real-time data updates
- Intuitive dashboard design
- Guided analytics for easy understanding
Cons:
- Customization options can be limited
- May need technical expertise for complex tasks
Tableau is a data visualization and business intelligence tool catered to analysts and business users, providing interactive dashboards and visual analytics. It enables users to analyze data in a way that is both accessible and insightful.
Why I picked Tableau: It's designed for those who value interactive dashboards, making it perfect for teams needing dynamic, visual data exploration. Tableau's drag-and-drop interface simplifies creating complex data visualizations. It supports a wide range of data sources, allowing your team flexibility in data analysis. Interactive dashboards enhance collaboration by easily sharing insights with stakeholders.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a powerful data blending capability that lets you combine data from different sources for deeper insights. Storytelling features help your team present data in a narrative format. The tool's live data connections ensure you have consistent access the most current data.
Integrations include Salesforce, Google Analytics, AWS, Microsoft Excel, Oracle, SAP, SQL Server, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Visual storytelling options
- Supports live data connections
- Interactive and dynamic dashboards
Cons:
- High memory usage with large datasets
- Requires advanced skills for complex tasks
Qlik is a data analytics platform designed for business users and data analysts, providing associative analytics and visualization capabilities. It enables users to explore data relationships and uncover insights that are not easily visible in traditional analytics tools.
Why I picked Qlik: It's particularly suited for teams that need associative analytics, which helps you uncover hidden data relationships. Qlik's associative engine allows you to explore data freely, revealing connections across your datasets. Interactive visualizations and dashboards support collaborative decision-making. The tool's in-memory processing ensures fast data retrieval and insights.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include data storytelling, which helps your team present data in a narrative format for better understanding. The platform's data alerts keep you updated with critical changes, ensuring timely decisions. Additionally, Qlik offers advanced data governance features to maintain data quality and compliance.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, SAP, Oracle, SQL Server, IBM, Teradata, and Cloudera.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Interactive dashboards enhance collaboration
- Advanced data governance capabilities
- Strong data storytelling features
Cons:
- Complexity in managing large datasets
- Can be resource-intensive
Domo is a cloud-based business intelligence platform designed for executives and business users, offering real-time data access and analytics. It provides users with the ability to visualize data across the organization to support decision-making processes.
Why I picked Domo: It's particularly suited for teams that need access to real-time data, ensuring timely insights. Domo's cloud platform enables users to access data from anywhere, supporting remote work environments. Its drag-and-drop interface simplifies the creation of data visualizations. The tool's real-time dashboards allow your team to monitor key metrics continuously.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable alerts that notify your team about critical data changes, ensuring you're always informed. The platform supports collaborative tools that let users share insights and reports easily. Additionally, it offers data governance features to maintain data accuracy and security.
Integrations include Salesforce, Google Analytics, AWS, Microsoft Excel, Adobe Analytics, Box, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable alerts for data changes
- Cloud-based for global access
- Real-time data monitoring
Cons:
- Requires strong data management skills
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
Looker is a business intelligence tool targeted towards data analysts and business teams, providing data exploration and visualization capabilities. It specializes in helping users create custom data models to enhance data-driven decisions.
Why I picked Looker: While Looker has a high price tag, it's tailored for those who need strong data modeling support, making it ideal for teams requiring customized data insights. LookML, Looker's modeling language, allows you to define and manage data relationships. The tool's real-time data exploration ensures your team works with up-to-date information and its user-friendly dashboards make complex data more accessible.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include data alerts that notify your team of critical changes, secure authentication, and changes to users access, ensuring timely decisions and top security. The platform offers embedded analytics to integrate insights into your applications. It supports ad-hoc analysis, allowing your team to dig deeper into specific data points when necessary.
Integrations include Google BigQuery, Amazon Redshift, Snowflake, SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Teradata, Databricks, and Salesforce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Visualizations are highly customizable
- Real-time data processing
- Strong data modeling capabilities
Cons:
- Costs extra for outside stakeholders viewing access
- Expensive price tag and added costs
Holistics is a data reporting and business intelligence platform geared towards helping data teams and business analysts by providing automated data reporting and visualization tools. It helps users manage and present data insights effectively across their organizations.
Why I picked Holistics: It's ideal for teams seeking data reporting automation, simplifying data workflows, and enhancing productivity. Holistics allows you to automate data pipelines, reducing manual data handling. The platform's SQL-based approach supports custom data transformations, ensuring flexibility. With scheduled reporting, your team receives timely insights without manual intervention.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a self-service data exploration tool that empowers your team to find answers independently. The platform also provides a centralized data modeling layer, ensuring consistency across reports. Additionally, Holistics offers role-based access control, enhancing data security and governance.
Integrations include Amazon Redshift, Google BigQuery, Snowflake, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, Google Sheets, Excel, and Looker.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scheduled reporting for timely insights
- Supports custom SQL transformations
- Automates data pipelines efficiently
Cons:
- Initial configuration can be complex
- Requires SQL knowledge for setup
InetSoft provides an embedded dashboarding solution aimed at business users and analysts, offering customizable dashboards and data visualization capabilities. It enables organizations to tailor their data presentation to fit specific needs and preferences.
Why I picked InetSoft: It's ideal for teams needing extensive dashboard customization, allowing your team to design dashboards that reflect your unique data requirements. InetSoft's flexible layout options let you arrange data elements as needed. The platform supports real-time data updates, ensuring your dashboards display the latest information. Its intuitive design tools make customization accessible for users of varying technical skills.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include interactive charts that provide dynamic data visualization options for your team. The platform also offers complex data transformation capabilities, enabling advanced data manipulation. Additionally, InetSoft supports multi-device access, ensuring your team can view dashboards from any location.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, SAP, Google Analytics, Amazon Redshift, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, IBM, and Teradata.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Interactive chart capabilities
- Real-time data updates
- Extensive dashboard customization options
Cons:
- Limited offline functionality
- Initial setup can be complex
Yellowfin is a business intelligence platform designed for business users and analysts, offering advanced data visualization and analytics capabilities. It empowers users to create compelling data narratives to enhance decision-making processes.
Why I picked Yellowfin: It's tailored for teams looking to leverage storytelling features in their data presentations. The platform allows you to create engaging data narratives that help communicate insights effectively. With Yellowfin, your team can easily annotate and share data stories, making collaboration more effective. Its user-friendly interface supports interactive dashboards that enhance data exploration.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include augmented analytics that help your team uncover insights through automated analysis. The platform provides collaborative tools, allowing users to work together on data exploration and reporting. Additionally, it supports data governance, ensuring data accuracy and compliance throughout your organization.
Integrations include Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, SQL Server, Google BigQuery, Amazon Redshift, Microsoft Azure, IBM, Teradata, and Cloudera.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Augmented analytics for insights
- Interactive dashboards for exploration
- Engaging data storytelling tools
Cons:
- Complexity in managing large datasets
- Initial setup can be complex
SAS provides a comprehensive analytics platform tailored for data scientists and business analysts, offering advanced analytics and business intelligence capabilities. It allows users to conduct complex data analyses and gain insights to drive strategic decisions.
Why I picked SAS: It's designed for users needing advanced analytics, making it great for teams that handle complex data tasks. SAS offers powerful statistical analysis tools that support deep data exploration. Its predictive modeling capabilities help your team anticipate future trends. The platform's extensive data management features ensure high-quality data analysis.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include visual data exploration tools that help your team identify patterns and trends quickly. The platform also offers data mining capabilities, allowing you to extract valuable information from large datasets. Additionally, SAS supports decision trees and other advanced statistical methods for comprehensive data analysis.
Integrations include SAP, Oracle, Teradata, Hadoop, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, Cloudera, Google Cloud, IBM, and Salesforce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Various data mining options
- Supports complex data tasks
- Predictive modeling capabilities
Cons:
- May need extensive training for full use
- Can be resource-intensive
Power BI Embedded is a business intelligence tool designed for developers and business users to integrate data visualization and reporting into applications. It serves enterprises looking to enhance data accessibility and drill down decision-making through analytics software.
Why I picked Power BI Embedded: It's tailored for integration with Microsoft products, making it ideal for teams using Microsoft ecosystems. The tool offers user-friendly report creation and embedding capabilities across Microsoft services. Its AI features like pattern recognition and instant report generation enhance data interpretation. This makes it a fitting choice for organizations looking to leverage Microsoft integration for improved data management.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable narratives such as tables and graphs for data understanding and AI-driven insights that simplify the exploration of complex datasets. The tool facilitates user engagement by allowing reports to be embedded into everyday applications. Additionally, it supports self-service BI, enabling your team to create and share reports.
Integrations include Microsoft 365, Azure, Dynamics 365, Salesforce, SharePoint, Excel, Teams, PowerApps, OneDrive, and SQL Server.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- AI-generated reports and templates
- Facilitates a unified data hub
- User-friendly report creation
Cons:
- Governance management may be challenging
- Advanced reporting needs DAX knowledge
Other Embedded BI Tools
Here are some additional embedded BI tools options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Amazon AWS
Best for scalable cloud-native analytics solutions
- Sigma
Best for spreadsheet interface
- Luzmo
Best for delivering actionable real-time visual insights
- GoodData
Best for multi-tenant deployments
- insightsoftware
Best for financial reporting
- Sisense
Best for big data processing
- Pentaho
Best for open-source flexibility
- Oracle Analytics
Best for enterprise scalability
- Salesforce CRM Analytics
Best for CRM data analysis
Embedded BI Tools Selection Criteria
When selecting the best embedded BI tools to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like integration with existing data systems and ease of dashboard customization. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Data visualization
- Dashboard creation
- Reporting and analytics
- Data integration
- User collaboration
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Predictive analytics
- Natural language processing
- Mobile accessibility
- Customizable alerts
- Data storytelling
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Customizable dashboards
- Responsive design
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates
- Live webinars
- Chatbot support
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability
- Multi-channel support
- Response time
- Access to support documentation
- Dedicated account managers
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Feature set for the price
- Flexible pricing plans
- Scalability of pricing
- Discounts for long-term contracts
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on core features
- Comments on ease of use
- Support and service experiences
- Value for money ratings
Trends in Embedded BI Tools
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different embedded BI tool vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- Augmented analytics: This trend uses AI-powered analytics and machine learning to automate insights generation and data preparation. It helps users uncover patterns and predictions without needing deep technical expertise to uncover actionable insights.
- Embedded self-service BI: More tools are enabling users to conduct their own data exploration and reporting without the need for additional IT support. This empowers business users to have direct access to data-driven insights.
- Real-time data processing: There's a growing demand for BI tools that provide real-time data updates, allowing businesses to make immediate decisions. This is particularly useful in fast-paced industries where timely insights are crucial.
- Natural language processing (NLP): NLP allows users to interact with data using everyday language, making analytics more accessible for end-users. It simplifies data queries and reporting for non-technical users, enhancing usability.
- Collaborative analytics: Tools are increasingly offering features that support team collaboration on data insights. This trend helps teams work together on data-driven decisions, sharing insights and annotations within the platform. Yellowfin and Sisense are examples of vendors enhancing collaboration features.
What are Embedded BI Tools?
Embedded BI tools are software solutions that integrate business intelligence capabilities directly into other applications. These tools are typically used by data analysts, business users, and decision-makers who need to access and interpret data insights without switching platforms. Features like real-time data processing, augmented analytics, and collaborative analytics help with quick decision-making, user empowerment, and team collaboration. Overall, these tools offer businesses the ability to harness data insights directly within their existing workflows, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness while providing a tailored analytics experience and friendly user experience.
Features of Embedded BI Tools
When selecting embedded BI tools, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Data visualization: Creates visual representations of data, making it easier to interpret insights.
- Dashboard creation: Allows users to design customized dashboards to display key metrics in one place.
- Real-time data processing: Provides up-to-the-minute data updates, enabling timely decision-making.
- Augmented analytics: Uses AI to automate insights and simplify complex data analysis tasks.
- Self-service BI: Empowers users to explore and report on data without needing IT support.
- Collaborative analytics: Facilitates teamwork by allowing users to share insights and collaborate on data.
- Natural language processing: Enables users to interact with data using everyday language for easier querying.
- Data storytelling: Helps users present data in a narrative format to communicate insights effectively.
- Automated reporting: Schedules and delivers reports automatically, ensuring consistent data dissemination.
- Role-based access control: Enhances data security by allowing different access levels for different users.
Benefits of Embedded BI Tools
Implementing embedded BI tools provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved decision-making: Real-time data processing and visualization help your team make informed decisions quickly.
- Enhanced data accessibility: Self-service BI features empower users to access and analyze data without IT support.
- Better collaboration: Collaborative analytics allow your team to share insights and work together on data-driven projects.
- Increased efficiency: Automated reporting saves time by delivering scheduled reports to your team without manual effort.
- User-friendly interaction: Natural language processing makes it easier for users to interact with data using simple language.
- Stronger data security: Role-based access control ensures your data is protected by allowing different access levels for different users.
Costs and Pricing of Embedded BI Tools
Selecting an embedded analaytics solution requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in embedded BI tools solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Embedded BI Tools
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic data visualization, limited dashboards, and community support. |
| Personal Plan | $10-$30/user/month | Enhanced visualization, basic reporting, and email support. |
| Business Plan | $50-$100/user/month | Advanced reporting, collaboration tools, and scheduled data updates. |
| Enterprise Plan | $150-$300/user/month | Custom dashboards, real-time analytics, and a dedicated account manager. |
Embedded BI Tools FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about business intelligence tools with embedded views:
How can embedded BI tools integrate with my existing systems?
These types of analytics solutions can integrate with your current software through built-in connectors or APIs. Before choosing a tool, check for compatibility with your existing CRM, ERP, or other data management systems. A smooth integration ensures that the data will flow between platforms, allowing your team to leverage insights without switching applications.
What sort of technical expertise do I need to set up embedded BI tools?
Setting up embedded business intelligence software typically requires some degree of technical skills, especially if your team needs to customize dashboards or data connections. While some tools offer user-friendly interfaces and guided setup, others may need SQL or data modeling knowledge. Make sure your team is prepared or consider tools that offer extensive onboarding support.
Can I customize dashboards in embedded BI tools?
Yes, most embedded BI tools let you customize dashboards to suit your team’s needs. You can tailor the layout, visualization types, and data displays to match your business goals. However, customization levels vary by tool, so choose one that aligns with your team’s design preferences and technical skills.
Do embedded BI tools support multi-device access?
Most embedded BI tools support multi-device access, enabling your team to view and interact with data on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. This flexibility ensures that insights are accessible whether you’re in the office or on the go. Check if the tool’s mobile interface is responsive and user-friendly for optimal use.
How secure are embedded BI tools for sensitive data?
Embedded BI tools often inherit the security protocols of the host application, but many also come with built-in security features like data encryption and role-based access control. Before implementing a tool, verify that its security measures align with your industry standards to keep your data safe.
What is the typical pricing structure for embedded BI tools?
Pricing for embedded BI tools varies, with most offering tiered plans based on features and the number of users. You might find monthly per-user pricing or enterprise-level plans with custom pricing. Be sure to evaluate if the cost matches your budget and provides the value your team needs.
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