## 12 Best Data Visualization Tools
Data visualization is the presentation of data in a pictorial or graphical format. It makes it easier to understand trends, outliers, and relationships between different data points.
With so many different data visualization tools on the market, it can be hard to choose the right one for your needs.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best data visualization tools, each with its own unique features and benefits.
1. Tableau
Tableau is a powerful data visualization tool that allows you to create interactive dashboards and reports. It’s easy to use and has a wide range of features, making it a great choice for businesses of all sizes.
Pros:
- Easy to use: Tableau’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create visualizations, even if you don’t have any experience with data visualization.
- Wide range of features: Tableau has a wide range of features, including the ability to create interactive dashboards, reports, and maps.
- Powerful data analysis: Tableau’s powerful data analysis capabilities allow you to quickly and easily find insights in your data.
Cons:
- Can be expensive: Tableau can be expensive, especially for larger businesses.
- Steep learning curve: Tableau’s learning curve can be steep, especially for users who are new to data visualization.
- Limited customization: Tableau’s customization options are limited, which can make it difficult to create visualizations that match your specific needs.
2. Power BI
Power BI is a Microsoft data visualization tool that’s included with Office 365. It’s a powerful tool that can be used to create interactive dashboards and reports.
Pros:
- Included with Office 365: Power BI is included with Office 365, so you don’t have to pay any additional fees.
- Easy to use: Power BI’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create visualizations, even if you don’t have any experience with data visualization.
- Wide range of features: Power BI has a wide range of features, including the ability to create interactive dashboards, reports, and maps.
Cons:
- Can be slow: Power BI can be slow, especially when working with large datasets.
- Limited customization: Power BI’s customization options are limited, which can make it difficult to create visualizations that match your specific needs.
- Not as powerful as Tableau: Power BI is not as powerful as Tableau, and it doesn’t have as many features.
3. Google Data Studio
Google Data Studio is a free data visualization tool that’s offered by Google. It’s a great choice for businesses that are looking for a simple and easy-to-use data visualization tool.
Pros:
- Free: Google Data Studio is free to use.
- Easy to use: Google Data Studio’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create visualizations, even if you don’t have any experience with data visualization.
- Wide range of features: Google Data Studio has a wide range of features, including the ability to create interactive dashboards, reports, and maps.
Cons:
- Not as powerful as Tableau or Power BI: Google Data Studio is not as powerful as Tableau or Power BI, and it doesn’t have as many features.
- Limited customization: Google Data Studio’s customization options are limited, which can make it difficult to create visualizations that match your specific needs.
- Can be slow: Google Data Studio can be slow, especially when working with large datasets.
4. Qlik Sense
Qlik Sense is a powerful data visualization tool that’s used by businesses of all sizes. It’s known for its ability to handle large datasets and its fast performance.
Pros:
- Powerful: Qlik Sense is a powerful data visualization tool that can handle large datasets and perform quickly.
- Easy to use: Qlik Sense’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create visualizations, even if you don’t have any experience with data visualization.
- Wide range of features: Qlik Sense has a wide range of features, including the ability to create interactive dashboards, reports, and maps.
Cons:
- Expensive: Qlik Sense can be expensive, especially for larger businesses.
- Steep learning curve: Qlik Sense’s learning curve can be steep, especially for users who are new to data visualization.
- Limited customization: Qlik Sense’s customization options are limited, which can make it difficult to create visualizations that match your specific needs.
5. Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program that’s included with Microsoft Office. It’s a great choice for businesses that are looking for a simple and easy-to-use data visualization tool.
Pros:
- Included with Microsoft Office: Microsoft Excel is included with Microsoft Office, so you don’t have to pay any additional fees.
- Easy to use: Microsoft Excel’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create visualizations, even if you don’t have any experience with data visualization.
- Wide range of features: Microsoft Excel has a wide range of features, including the ability to create interactive dashboards, reports, and maps.
Cons:
- Not as powerful as Tableau or Power BI: Microsoft Excel is not as powerful as Tableau or Power BI, and it doesn’t have as many features.
- Limited customization: Microsoft Excel’s customization options are limited, which can make it difficult to create visualizations that match your specific needs.
- Can be slow: Microsoft Excel can be slow, especially when working with large datasets.
6. Google Sheets
Google Sheets is a free spreadsheet program that’s offered by Google. It’s a great choice for businesses that are looking for a simple and easy-to-use data visualization tool.
Pros:
- Free: Google Sheets is free to use.
- Easy to use: Google Sheets’ drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create visualizations, even if you don’t have any experience with data visualization.
- Wide range of features: Google Sheets has a wide range of features, including the ability to create interactive dashboards, reports, and maps.
Cons:
- Not as powerful as Tableau or Power BI: Google Sheets is not as powerful as Tableau or Power BI, and it doesn’t have as many features.
- Limited customization: Google Sheets’ customization options are limited, which can make it difficult to create visualizations that match your specific needs.
- Can be slow: Google Sheets can be slow, especially when working with large datasets.
7. Zoho Reports
Zoho Reports is a cloud-based data visualization tool that’s offered by Zoho. It’s a great choice for businesses that are looking for a powerful and affordable data visualization tool.
Pros:
- Affordable: Zoho Reports is affordable, even for small businesses.
- Powerful: Zoho Reports is a powerful data visualization tool that can handle large datasets and perform quickly.
- Easy to use: Zoho Reports’ drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create visualizations, even if you don’t have any experience with data visualization.
Cons:
- Limited customization: Zoho Reports’ customization options are limited, which can make it difficult to create visualizations that match your specific needs.
- Not as well-known as Tableau or Power BI: Zoho Reports is not as well-known as Tableau or Power BI, so it may be harder to find resources and support.
- Can be slow: Zoho Reports can be slow, especially when working with large datasets.
8. SAP Crystal Reports
SAP Crystal Reports is a business intelligence tool that’s used by businesses of all sizes. It’s known for its ability to create complex reports and dashboards.
Pros:
- Powerful: SAP Crystal Reports is a powerful business intelligence tool that can create complex reports and dashboards.
- Easy to use: SAP Crystal Reports’ drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create visualizations, even if you don’t have any experience with data visualization.
- Wide range of features: SAP Crystal Reports has a wide range of features, including the ability to create interactive dashboards, reports, and maps.
Cons:
- Expensive: SAP Crystal Reports can be expensive, especially for larger businesses.
- Steep learning curve: SAP Crystal Reports’ learning curve can be steep, especially for users who are new to data visualization.
- Limited customization: SAP Crystal Reports’ customization options are limited, which can make it difficult to create visualizations that match your specific needs.
9. IBM Cognos Analytics
IBM Cognos Analytics is a business intelligence tool that’s used by businesses of all sizes. It’s known for its ability to handle large datasets and its powerful reporting capabilities.
Pros:
- Powerful: IBM Cognos Analytics is a powerful business intelligence tool that can handle large datasets and perform quickly.
- Easy to use: IBM Cognos Analytics’ drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create visualizations, even if you don’t have any experience with data visualization.
- Wide range of features: IBM Cognos Analytics has a wide range of features, including the ability to create interactive dashboards, reports, and maps.
Cons:
- Expensive: IBM Cognos Analytics can be expensive, especially for larger businesses.
- Steep learning curve: IBM Cognos Analytics’ learning curve can be steep, especially for users who are new to data visualization.
- Limited customization: IBM Cognos Analytics’ customization options are limited, which can make it difficult to create visualizations that match your specific needs.
