Apache Superset vs Hex: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Apache Superset and Hex? Both are popular bi & dashboards tools. Below we compare them on pricing, free tiers, features, and pros & cons so you can pick the right fit for your stack.
Quick verdict
Both are solid bi & dashboards options. Apache Superset is cheaper to start, but the right choice depends on the specific features and integrations you need.
Apache Superset vs Hex — Side by Side
| Apache Superset | Hex | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | BI & Dashboards | BI & Dashboards |
| Pricing | Free · paid from $20/user/mo | Free · paid from $36/mo |
| Starting price | Free tier available | Free tier available |
| Free tier | ||
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| Best for | BI & Dashboards — bi, dashboards | BI & Dashboards — bi, notebooks |
Pros & Cons
- Fully open source under Apache-2.0
- Scales to very large warehouses
- Hosted free for up to 5 users on Preset
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Self-hosting is a real ops job (Redis, workers, metadata DB)
- Embedding on Preset is a paid add-on
- SQL, Python and no-code in one notebook
- Publishes analysis as an interactive app
- Strong AI agent for analysts
- Priced per editor, so it adds up as the team grows
- Built for analysts, not self-serve business users
- No self-hosted option
Key Features Compared
Apache Superset
- Unlimited users, 3 workspaces
- Role-based access
- Scheduled reports, Slack alerts
Hex
- Unlimited published apps
- Scheduled runs and alerts
- Visual exploration and drill-down
Choose Apache Superset if…
- You want a free tier to validate before paying.
- Budget is tight — paid plans start lower ($20/mo vs $36/mo).
- Fully open source under Apache-2.0
- Scales to very large warehouses
Choose Hex if…
- You want a free tier to validate before paying.
- SQL, Python and no-code in one notebook
- Publishes analysis as an interactive app
- Strong AI agent for analysts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apache Superset better than Hex?⌄
Both are solid bi & dashboards options. Apache Superset is cheaper to start, but the right choice depends on the specific features and integrations you need.
What is the difference between Apache Superset and Hex?⌄
Apache Superset — Apache-2.0 BI platform with 40+ chart types and a SQL IDE, built for large warehouses. Self-host free, or use Preset's hosted version. Hex — Collaborative data notebooks that mix SQL, Python and no-code cells, with an AI agent, and publish straight to interactive apps and dashboards. Both are bi & dashboards tools; the comparison table above breaks down pricing, free tiers, and what each is best for.
Apache Superset vs Hex: which is cheaper?⌄
Apache Superset pricing: Free · paid from $20/user/mo. Hex pricing: Free · paid from $36/mo. Confirm current pricing on each tool's official site, as plans change.
Which is rated higher, Apache Superset or Hex?⌄
In our catalog, Apache Superset rates 4.4 out of 5 and Hex rates 4.6 out of 5, so Hex has a slight edge on reviews.
See more options in our guide to the best bi & dashboards tools for startups.
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