Redash vs Lightdash(2026)
Redash is better for teams that need sql-native. Lightdash is the stronger choice if best for dbt-first data teams. Redash is open-source (from $0) and Lightdash is open-source (from $0).
Full feature breakdown, pricing details, and pros & cons below.
By Bikram Nath
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Redash
Redash is an open-source BI tool for teams who prefer SQL — connect to any database, write queries, visualize results, and share dashboards without a no-code abstraction layer.
Starting at $0
Visit RedashLightdash
Lightdash is an open-source BI tool that reads your dbt project as its semantic layer — turning your dbt models and metrics into dashboards with zero metric duplication.
Starting at $0
Visit LightdashHow Do Redash and Lightdash Compare on Features?
| Feature | Redash | Lightdash |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | open-source |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |
| SQL-first | ✓ | — |
| Multiple data source connectors | ✓ | — |
| Dashboards | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scheduled queries | ✓ | — |
| Alerts | ✓ | — |
| API | ✓ | — |
| Self-hostable | ✓ | — |
| dbt integration (semantic layer) | — | ✓ |
| Metrics catalog | — | ✓ |
| SQL runner | — | ✓ |
| Scheduled deliveries | — | ✓ |
| Slack alerts | — | ✓ |
| Self-hostable or cloud | — | ✓ |
Redash Pros and Cons vs Lightdash
Redash
Lightdash
Should You Use Redash or Lightdash?
For most teams, Redash is the better default: it offers sql-native and is open-source (from $0). Choose Lightdash instead if best for dbt-first data teams matters more than development slowed (databricks acquisition). There is no universal winner — the right pick depends on your budget, team size, and whether you value sql-native or best for dbt-first data teams more.
Choose Redash if…
- •SQL-native
- •Free open source
- •Simple concept
Choose Lightdash if…
- •Best for dbt-first data teams
- •No metric duplication
- •Open source