Metabase
A business intelligence tool where non-SQL users ask questions, build dashboards and embed charts in their own apps.
Point it at your database, ask questions by clicking, and embed charts in your app.
Metabase lets anyone on a team query a database through a click-based question builder, with an SQL editor for analysts. It suits small and mid-size teams who want dashboards quickly and can run a Java application or pay for Metabase Cloud.
What it is
You connect a database, then build questions, dashboards with filters, alerts and email, Slack or webhook subscriptions. It includes Metabot for AI help, documents for long-form analysis, a Data Studio for transforms and metrics, Git-based sync, and embedding of charts or an entire Metabase in your application.
Who it's for
It suits startups and teams who want self-serve analytics for non-technical staff, and SaaS companies embedding analytics for customers. It does not suit teams needing SSO, row-level permissions or support on the free edition; those are paid.
Key features
Click-to-explore questions
People ask questions without writing SQL; an SQL editor handles complex queries.
Interactive dashboards
Filters, auto-refresh, fullscreen and custom click behavior.
Metabot AI
AI help for writing queries, plus an agent API to query data from your own AI agent.
Alerts and subscriptions
Alerts on data and scheduled dashboard emails to email, Slack or a webhook.
Embedded analytics
Embed components for charts, dashboards and the data browser, or the whole app.
Data Studio and Git sync
Transform raw data, define metrics and version content with Git.
Up and running in 3 steps
Our honest verdict
What's great
- Non-SQL staff can answer their own questions, which reduces requests to your data team.
- Open source edition has unlimited users and unlimited questions and dashboards, per Metabase's pricing page.
- Embedding supports guest embeds, and Pro adds multi-tenant embedded analytics and white-labeling.
- Supports 20+ data sources plus community drivers.
Where it falls short
- Row and column permissions, SSO and IP allowlists are not in the open source edition; they require the Pro plan.
- Self-hosting means running the app and a separate application database yourself, with your own backups and upgrades.
- The repository mixes AGPL code with a commercial enterprise directory under the Metabase Commercial License.
- AI features cost extra: Metabase's own AI service is billed per token beyond the included amount, though you can bring your own key.
Pricing & license
The open source edition is free under AGPL with unlimited users, questions and dashboards. Metabase's pricing page lists Starter at $100/month (5 users included, then $6 per user), Pro at $575/month (10 users, then $12 per user) and Enterprise from $20,000/year, all with Metabase Cloud or self-hosting (https://www.metabase.com/pricing).
Open remote AI-training roles
767 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 14, 2026; most pay $20–$175 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.
Alternatives
These reviewed AI tools do the same job instantly — from our scored directory.
Use it, or have us set it up
FAQ
What is free and what is paid?
The open source edition (AGPL) is free with unlimited users and dashboards. Starter ($100/month), Pro ($575/month) and Enterprise (from $20,000/year) add things like 2FA, SSO and row-level permissions.
Can I embed it in my product?
Yes. Guest embeds are in the open source plan with a Powered by Metabase badge; multi-tenant embedded analytics and white-label branding are Pro features.
Is the AGPL a problem?
The AGPL applies to the open source edition; if you modify it and offer it over a network, you must share those changes. The enterprise directory uses a separate commercial licence.
