Apache Superset vs Metabase: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Apache Superset and Metabase? 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 Metabase — Side by Side
| Apache Superset | Metabase | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | BI & Dashboards | BI & Dashboards |
| Pricing | Free · paid from $20/user/mo | Free · paid from $100/user/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, dashboards |
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
- Non-technical people can build their own questions
- Free self-hosted edition with unlimited users
- Easy embedding in your own product
- Row-level permissions and SSO need Pro at $575/month
- Self-hosting means running and upgrading it yourself
- Less suited to heavy modelling than code-first tools
Key Features Compared
Apache Superset
- Unlimited users, 3 workspaces
- Role-based access
- Scheduled reports, Slack alerts
Metabase
- Hosted by Metabase
- Email and Slack support
- 14-day free trial
Choose Apache Superset if…
- You want a free tier to validate before paying.
- Budget is tight — paid plans start lower ($20/mo vs $100/mo).
- Fully open source under Apache-2.0
- Scales to very large warehouses
Choose Metabase if…
- You want a free tier to validate before paying.
- Non-technical people can build their own questions
- Free self-hosted edition with unlimited users
- Easy embedding in your own product
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apache Superset better than Metabase?⌄
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 Metabase?⌄
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. Metabase — Open-source BI that non-technical people can use: ask questions without SQL, build dashboards and embed them, self-hosted for free. Both are bi & dashboards tools; the comparison table above breaks down pricing, free tiers, and what each is best for.
Apache Superset vs Metabase: which is cheaper?⌄
Apache Superset pricing: Free · paid from $20/user/mo. Metabase pricing: Free · paid from $100/user/mo. Confirm current pricing on each tool's official site, as plans change.
Which is rated higher, Apache Superset or Metabase?⌄
In our catalog, Apache Superset rates 4.4 out of 5 and Metabase rates 4.6 out of 5, so Metabase has a slight edge on reviews.
See more options in our guide to the best bi & dashboards tools for startups.
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