7 best Qlik Sense Alternatives for Data Visualization and Analysis

Qlik Sense is a great tool for your data visualization needs. However, it is not bereft of some major shortcomings. Difficulties in the initial configuration of the tool require you to seek IT support—not helpful for self-service analytics. Additionally, its steep learning curve as one starts using it makes it an unfavorable option for your data analytics requirements. The delayed performance when working with large datasets impedes quick decision-making. In light of these facts, the pricing structure that Qlik Sense offers seems staggering in comparison to other BI tools.

While Qlik Sense remains a powerful tool, these challenges make exploring alternatives a worthwhile consideration for businesses seeking a more user-friendly and more advanced analytics solution.

Top 7 Qlik Sense alternatives at a glance

1. Draxlr

Draxlr brings self-service BI to everyone. Makes SQL data accessible, actionable, and easy to explore, no matter your role or skill level without sacrificing advanced querying power.

Key features

1. Simplify query building with the no-code visual query builder with simple button clicks.
2. Draxlr treats every customer like a VIP with first-class support.
3. Build global dashboards by connecting and visualizing data from multiple databases and varied data sources.
4. Integrate with multiple SQL databases, Excel sheets, and 100+ third-party apps.
5. Stay updated without manual checks. Slack and email alerts notify you on schedule, at intervals, or only when data changes.
6. Make data-driven decisions by embedding interactive dashboards directly into the product or any website.
7. Draxlr’s APIs support provide programmatic access for querying and managing data.
8. Drill down through different data levels to see underlying numbers and specifics.
9. Change how tables look and behave by rearranging columns, renaming labels, adding prefixes or postfixes, applying category badges, adjusting alignment, and more.
10. Transform raw tables into suggested dashboard elements for direct data visualization.
11. Access insights with Draxlr AI-assisted querying. Type text inputs and get results with AI-powered query execution.
12. Manage team member permissions by assigning admin, read-only, or full roles.
13. View totals, averages, or counts instantly with a summary row that aggregates column data.
14. Group saved queries into folders to keep them structured and accessible.
15. Narrow down dashboard results with adjustable dashboard filters.
16. Write custom raw SQL queries with the SQL editor for advanced users.

Pricing

G2 Rating

4.9

How to build dashboards from a SQL database in minutes with Draxlr:

2. Domo

Domo is a cloud-based data illustration tool that enables real-time data integration and collaboration.

Key features

1. A large array of connectors to connect data.
2. Extraction of data from several file formats — .pdf, .csv, .mp4, and .xls.
3. AI tool to explore data through conversational-style chat.
4. A large suite of chart types to visualize data.
5. Receipt of data alerts through the web app, email, or any mobile device.
6. Scheduled reports of dashboard context directly in the email of both users and non-users.
7. Domo Buzz: Built-in chat tool for team collaboration over data.
8. The ability for end users to edit shared data visualizations.
9. Creation of data visualizations using pre-designed code templates.
10. Provision of own keys to encrypt company’s data.

Cons

1. Restricted report customization options.
2. Limited theme selection for dashboards.
3. Frequent disruptions in data view and connections.

Pricing

The sales team must be contacted to request a quote.

G2 Rating

4.4

3. Tableau

Tableau is an alternative BI tool to Qlik Sense which enables seamless data representation and analysis on the go.

Key features

1. Pre-built dashboards to add data and customize as per requirements for faster insights.
2. Automated collection of all data sources in one place with metadata to make data exploration easier.
3. Exponential smoothing allows for forecasting any data set that includes date dimensions.
4. Data source filters to hide sensitive data.
5. Easy collaboration within a data visualization or dashboard using comments.
6. Subscriptions to allow the receipt of regular updates of dashboards via email.
7. Role-based assignment of access to ensure the security of sensitive data.
8. AI assists with data analysis by processing queries in plain English.
9. Summarization of key insights in plain language that can be displayed on dashboards for easy understanding.
10. Keep only feature that keeps the data rows with the selected values and remove all other rows from the view for a focused analysis.

Cons

1. Restricted selection of charts for data visualization.
2. Exported reports lose formatting when converted to non-Tableau formats.
3. Slower load times when handling large data volumes.

Pricing

The sales team must be contacted for pricing details.

G2 Rating

4.4

4. Looker

Looker is a data visualization tool platform that helps organizations to explore, analyze, and visualize their data for better decision-making.

Key features

1. Access to a large number of data sources and data connectors.
2. Direct connection to raw data for in-depth insights.
3. Git-integrated IDE with version control to enable teams to work together on developing data apps.
4. Ability to schedule reports to be sent at specific times.
5. Reports that can be sent only after meeting specific conditions.
6. Looker BI findings can be embedded into tools like Salesforce, Confluence, SharePoint, and PowerPoint through its broad third-party ecosystem.
7. Enhanced security by setting up row-level and column-level security permissions.
8. Sharing of data visualizations through any device.
9. Natural language processing for querying and report generation.
10. The Looker API automates secure access by verifying users for the right content.

Cons

1. It struggles with complex data transformations as it primarily relies on pre-processed data.
2. It is limited to merging five tables or datasets into one view.
3. The initial setup is a steep learning curve and requires technical expertise.

Pricing

Looker offers customized pricing plans.

G2 Rating

4.4

5. Sisense

Sisense is a business analytics solution for data integration, analysis, and visualization.

Key features

1. Multiple chart types for data visualization.
2. Several sample dashboards available for customization.
3. Ability to combine multiple data tables.
4. Customizable code for executing Python scripts or SQL queries to cleanse or transform data.
5. Three connection types: Elasticube to import and merge data from various sources, Build to Destination for cloud data warehouse integration, and Live for direct data source connection.
6. Four user roles to control and manage permissions.
7. AI assistant that recommends insights and generates data visualizations.
8. Sisense bots that provide answers to queries with valuable insights.
9. Access to necessary data insights within chat platforms.
10. White labeling options to replace the Sisense logo and name in emails and deployments.

Cons

1. Limited formatting and design options.
2. Frequent instability in data models.
3. Steep learning curve with insufficient documentation for advanced configurations.

Pricing

Sisense customizes pricing as per the organization’s requirements.

G2 Rating

4.2

6. IBM Cognos Analytics

IBM Cognos Analytics is a data analytics platform that enables data visualization, reporting, and AI-driven insights.

Key features

1. Ability to share reports in multiple formats such as Excel, CSV, PDF, HTML, etc.
2. Time series modelling to forecast patterns and reveal deeper insights.
3. Creation of live dashboards with interactive visuals for data sharing, using AI.
4. AI will answer the asked queries and generate insights about selected data sources in natural language.
5. Mobile app to access data and receive data change notifications from anywhere.
6. Ability to connect to cloud or on-premises systems.
7. Supports three deployment options—Cloud as a Service, on-premises, and hybrid environments.
8. A large number of data visualization options, facilitating data exploration.
9. Multiple sharing options, including email, embedding, or exporting as a PDF.
10. Ability to set the minimum time between scheduled reports.

Cons

1. Limited abilities for interaction with visualizations.
2. Performance issues when working with large data sets.
3. Creation of reports can be a complex process.

Pricing

Starts at $10.60 per user per month.

G2 Rating

4.0

7. Power BI

Power BI is a business analytics tool from Microsoft that enables data visualization, reporting, and insights through interactive dashboards.

Key features

1. Power BI compresses data to enable insight extraction from large datasets.
2. Embedding of reports for sharing across Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, and Power Platform.
3. The Power BI mobile app that enables on-the-go data viewing and sharing.
4. A library of custom data visualizations.
5. Customizable and shareable dashboards.
6. Ability to search data using queries in natural language.
7. DAX Data Analysis Function: Built-in codes to analyze and process data.
8. Content packs: A collection of dashboards, data models, and datasets, providing ready-to-use elements without the need for separate searches for each.
9. API for integration.
10. A large suite of data visualization tools.

Cons

1. For those lacking technical expertise, the learning curve is especially steep.
2. Limited data import options, primarily supporting Microsoft products.
3. Performance slows down with large datasets.

Pricing

Starts at $10 per user per month.

G2 Rating

4.5

Conclusion

One of the above-mentioned Qlik Sense alternatives can offer your businesses more flexibility, customization, and performance based on your unique business needs. Whether you require enhanced integrations, faster processing, or a more user-friendly interface, there are several powerful options available. Choose the right alternative to ensure more efficient data analysis and better decision-making for your organization.

FAQs

1. What is similar to Qlik Sense?

Several business intelligence tools provide similar functionalities to Qlik Sense while overcoming its limitations. One standout option is Draxlr, a robust business intelligence platform that enables natural language query generation, Slack and email data alerts, raw SQL query execution, customizable visualizations, and intuitive dashboard creation without extensive coding. Additionally, it allows users to request custom features, enhancing flexibility and usability.

2. What are the disadvantages of Qlik Sense?

The setup process of Qlik Sense is complex and often requires IT support, making it less practical for self-service analytics. Additionally, the steep learning curve presents a challenge for users, requiring significant time and effort to become proficient. Another limitation is the lack of automatic data updates, which forces users to manually update datasets, adding to the overall time consumption. These factors, along with the high pricing, collectively impact Qlik Sense's efficiency and ease of use.

3. Is Qlik Sense low code?

Qlik Sense is a low-code tool, but its steep learning curve has made it challenging for users to perform tasks efficiently. A more user-friendly alternative is Draxlr, a business intelligence platform that provides a low-code environment with an intuitive interface and a gentler learning curve. Business owners can leverage Draxlr to generate insights effortlessly, create custom dashboards without extensive technical expertise, automate data analysis, and receive real-time alerts. With its ease of use and powerful features, Draxlr enhances decision-making and streamlines data-driven operations.