Microsoft Power BI vs Redash
A side-by-side look at Microsoft Power BI (the paid SaaS) and Redash (the open source alternative). Use this page to decide if the switch fits your team and workflow.
| Microsoft Power BI | Redash | |
|---|---|---|
| Tagline | Microsoft's BI suite bundled with Fabric and M365. | SQL-first analytics platform with dashboards and alerts. |
| License | Proprietary SaaS | BSD-2-Clause |
| Pricing | Pro $14/user/month; Premium per-user $24; Fabric capacity priced separately. | Free to self-host |
| Self-host option | No | Yes — difficulty 3/5 |
| Hosted cloud available | Yes (only option) | No |
| Desktop apps | Varies by product | Web only |
| Mobile apps | Official apps typically available | None official |
Best for
Alerts and scheduled queries for data-heavy product teams.
Redash strengths
- SQL editor plus query scheduling and caching.
- Connects to dozens of sources, including NoSQL and APIs.
- Alerts on query results, not just dashboards.
Redash weaknesses
- Development slowed after Databricks acquisition in 2020.
- Self-host stack is heavier than Metabase.
- UI shows its age next to newer BI entrants.
What's the catch with Microsoft Power BI?
- Licensing is a maze between Pro, Premium, Fabric and E5.
- Vendor lock-in to Azure and Microsoft identity.
- Performance degrades on complex models without premium capacity.
Still unsure?
Check the full list of alternatives to Microsoft Power BI: see Microsoft Power BI alternatives, or learn more about Redash on its project page.
Recommended reading
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Will the open source project you depend on still exist in three years?
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From SaaS to self-hosted: a 30-day migration playbook
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