Hex vs Metabase: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Hex 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. Hex is cheaper to start, but the right choice depends on the specific features and integrations you need.
Hex vs Metabase — Side by Side
| Hex | Metabase | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | BI & Dashboards | BI & Dashboards |
| Pricing | Free · paid from $36/mo | Free · paid from $100/user/mo |
| Starting price | Free tier available | Free tier available |
| Free tier | ||
| Rating | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Best for | BI & Dashboards — bi, notebooks | BI & Dashboards — bi, dashboards |
Pros & Cons
- 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
- 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
Hex
- Unlimited published apps
- Scheduled runs and alerts
- Visual exploration and drill-down
Metabase
- Hosted by Metabase
- Email and Slack support
- 14-day free trial
Choose Hex if…
- You want a free tier to validate before paying.
- Budget is tight — paid plans start lower ($36/mo vs $100/mo).
- SQL, Python and no-code in one notebook
- Publishes analysis as an interactive app
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 Hex better than Metabase?⌄
Both are solid bi & dashboards options. Hex is cheaper to start, but the right choice depends on the specific features and integrations you need.
What is the difference between Hex and Metabase?⌄
Hex — Collaborative data notebooks that mix SQL, Python and no-code cells, with an AI agent, and publish straight to interactive apps and dashboards. 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.
Hex vs Metabase: which is cheaper?⌄
Hex pricing: Free · paid from $36/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, Hex or Metabase?⌄
In our catalog, Hex rates 4.6 out of 5 and Metabase rates 4.6 out of 5 — they are evenly matched.
See more options in our guide to the best bi & dashboards tools for startups.
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