Mode vs Metabase(2026)
Mode is better for teams that need sql + python in one tool. Metabase is the stronger choice if free open source. Mode is freemium (from $0) and Metabase is open-source (from $0).
Full feature breakdown, pricing details, and pros & cons below.
By Bikram Nath
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Mode
Mode is a collaborative analytics platform combining SQL notebooks, Python/R analysis, and interactive dashboards — designed for data analysts who want more power than BI tools offer.
Starting at $0
Visit ModeMetabase
Metabase is an open-source BI tool that lets anyone in your company — not just analysts — ask questions of your database and build dashboards with a no-SQL query builder.
Starting at $0
Visit MetabaseHow Do Mode and Metabase Compare on Features?
| Feature | Mode | Metabase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | freemium | open-source |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |
| SQL notebooks | ✓ | — |
| Python + R notebooks | ✓ | — |
| Dashboard builder | ✓ | — |
| Chart library (25+ types) | ✓ | — |
| Query scheduling | ✓ | — |
| Report sharing | ✓ | — |
| Data catalog | ✓ | — |
| No-SQL question builder | — | ✓ |
| Dashboards | — | ✓ |
| Scheduled reports | — | ✓ |
| Embedding | — | ✓ |
| SQL editor | — | ✓ |
| Caching | — | ✓ |
| Self-hosted or cloud | — | ✓ |
Mode Pros and Cons vs Metabase
Mode
Metabase
Should You Use Mode or Metabase?
For most teams, Metabase is the better default: it offers free open source and is open-source (from $0). Choose Mode instead if sql + python in one tool matters more than performance on large datasets. There is no universal winner — the right pick depends on your budget, team size, and whether you value sql + python in one tool or free open source more.
Choose Mode if…
- •SQL + Python in one tool
- •Good for data analysts
- •Collaboration features
Choose Metabase if…
- •Free open source
- •Non-technical user friendly
- •Easy embedding