Apache Superset vs Metabase(2026)
Apache Superset is better for teams that need feature-rich open source. Metabase is the stronger choice if free open source. Apache Superset is open-source (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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Apache Superset
Apache Superset is a modern open-source data exploration platform supporting SQL queries, a chart builder, and interactive dashboards — with enterprise features available via Preset.io.
Starting at $0
Visit Apache SupersetMetabase
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 Apache Superset and Metabase Compare on Features?
| Feature | Apache Superset | Metabase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | open-source |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |
| SQL Lab (query editor) | ✓ | — |
| Chart builder (40+ types) | ✓ | — |
| Dashboards | ✓ | ✓ |
| Row-level security | ✓ | — |
| Semantic layer | ✓ | — |
| API | ✓ | — |
| Self-hostable | ✓ | — |
| No-SQL question builder | — | ✓ |
| Scheduled reports | — | ✓ |
| Embedding | — | ✓ |
| SQL editor | — | ✓ |
| Caching | — | ✓ |
| Self-hosted or cloud | — | ✓ |
Apache Superset Pros and Cons vs Metabase
Apache Superset
Metabase
Should You Use Apache Superset or Metabase?
For most teams, Apache Superset is the better default: it offers feature-rich open source and is open-source (from $0). Choose Metabase instead if free open source matters more than complex self-hosting. There is no universal winner — the right pick depends on your budget, team size, and whether you value feature-rich open source or free open source more.
Choose Apache Superset if…
- •Feature-rich open source
- •Apache Foundation backing
- •SQL + no-code
Choose Metabase if…
- •Free open source
- •Non-technical user friendly
- •Easy embedding