Having data is only half of the process; understanding it is when data truly has value. Metrics, spreadsheets and raw numbers don’t mean much if your team isn’t able to interpret them and act accordingly. That’s where data visualization software comes into play; it takes complex datasets and transforms them into clear, easy to understand and actionable insights that drive better decisions.
In this guide, we’ll go over the top five tools available, so you can choose the best option based on your needs, team and budget.
DashboardFox: Visualize Data on Your Terms
DashboardFox is a self-hosted data visualization software designed for entire teams. Its purpose is simple; make business intelligence more accessible and affordable, so every department in your company can turn numbers into insight.
Pay Once, Use Forever
Compared to other subscription-based tools, DashboardFox offers businesses a one-time fee for a perpetual license. Here’s what you can expect:
- No recurring monthly payments.
- Predictable budgeting with long-term savings.
- See how our one-time license works.
For businesses that are tired of the rising subscription costs, DashboardFox is an affordable option that gives you complete control over your data.
Keep Your Data on Your Servers
With DashboardFox, your data stays exactly where it belongs, in your own servers.
- You’ll have full control over sensitive information for HIPAA, GDPR and other compliance requirements.
- The risk of cloud-based breaches and external access issues is significantly reduced.
- DashboardFox provides department-and-field security, which ensures each team sees only what they’re authorized to.
Build Reports Without Calling IT
Every business owner knows how time-consuming waiting for their analysts to provide a report. DashboardFox makes ad-hoc reporting easy:
- Drag-and-drop report builder and interactive dashboards with drill-down functionality.
- Example: A marketing manager can explore campaign performance in minutes without needing IT support.
- Learn more about self-service BI.
Other Data Visualization Tools for Your Team
Although DashboardFox is an amazing solution, it may not be what some businesses are looking for.
Below are five other useful data visualization tools you can choose from:
Tableau
What It Is: Tableau is a high-end BI platform that’s best known for its ability to create intricate, yet appealing dashboards. Tableau is the go-to choice for analysts and enterprises and is also the leading BI platform in its industry.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-Drop Interface: Build visualizations without having to code manually.
- Broad Data Connectivity: Connect to spreadsheets, databases and cloud-based platforms.
- Strong Community Support: Extensive resources are at your disposal with an active community.
Pricing: Tableau has a subscription-based pricing model with multiple tiers: Creator, Explorer and Viewer. Tableau’s pricing is per user, per month, and can be costly if you have a large team.
Where it Falls Short: Tableau has a steep learning curve, and its high cost isn’t ideal for small-to-mid-sized teams and non-technical users.
Microsoft Power BI
What It Is: Power BI is Microsoft’s business analytics tool that is integrated with other platforms, like Azure and Office 365.
Key Features:
- Excel Integration: Familiar interface for Excel spreadsheet users.
- DAX Language: Powerful formula language for advanced calculations.
- Affordable Entry Point: Pro license offers cost-effective access for individuals or small teams.
Pricing: Microsoft Power BI has a subscription-based pricing plan; Pro is per user while Premium is for larger teams.
Where it Falls Short: Power BI is best used within the Microsoft Ecosystem. Advanced features like DAX language require training and self-hosting isn’t available in most tiers.
Looker
What It Is: Looker is Google’s cloud-based BI platform that focuses on analytics and emphasizes real-time insights with centralized data governance.
Key Features:
- Customizable dashboards and embedded analytics.
- SQL-based modeling layer for advanced reporting.
- Strong collaboration tools for enterprise teams.
Pricing: Looker has a subscription-based pricing model that is primarily geared toward enterprises.
Where it Falls Short: Looker requires technical expertise to be used effectively and may not be ideal for small businesses needing simple reports.
Qlik Sense
What It Is: Qlik Sense is an analytics platform that focuses on associative data modeling and interactive visualization.
Key Features:
- Smart search and data exploration for deep exploration.
- Drag-and-drop analytics with guided insights.
- Cloud and on-premises deployment options.
Pricing: Qlik Sense has a subscription-based model with user-tiered pricing, such as Business and Enterprise.
Where it Falls Short: Qlik Sense has a powerful, but complex interface; smaller teams may find it difficult to adopt without dedicated analysts.
Klipfolio
What It Is: Klipfolio is a cloud-based dashboard tool for real-time business metrics and KPI tracking.
Key Features:
- Pre-built visualizations for a quick and easy setup.
- Real-time data updates from multiple sources.
- Custom dashboards for teams or clients.
Pricing: Klipfolio offers a monthly subscription per user, which can be expensive for large teams.
Where it Falls Short: Klipfolio takes a cloud-only approach, which can cause security concerns. There are also limited self-hosting options.
How to Choose the Right Data Visualization Software
With so many options at your disposal, choosing the right data visualization software may be difficult.
Here’s what you can do to make the right choice:
Analyzing the Total Cost of Ownership
Looking beyond the monthly costs:
- Calculate Subscription Costs: Multiply per-user fees by team size and project over 3 to 5 years.
- Factor in Support and Maintenance: Include any mandatory upgrades or premium support fees.
- Compare Recurring Costs to a One-Time Fee: DashboardFox’s perpetual license offers predictable, long-term savings.
Decide Who Really Owns Your Data
- Ask yourself questions such as “Where will our data be stored?” and “Who has access to our data?”
- On-premises solutions offer maximum control, which is essential for industries with compliance needs.
- Self-hosting your data provides peace of mind that cloud platforms can’t compete with.
Match the Tool to Your Team's Skills
- Choose software that will be used.
- Intuitive interfaces benefit business managers, sales leaders and operations staff.
- Tools built for dedicated analysis may be unnecessarily complex for small-to-mid-sized teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a technical team to set up and manage this software?
DashboardFox is easy to install and has low maintenance. No IT team is required for setup.
Can I create secure reports for different departments?
Yes, role-based security ensures teams only see authorized data.
What happens if I need more users in the future?
DashboardFox scales with your business without per-user fees.
What kind of support is included?
One year of support and updates comes with the one-time license with renewal options available.
Ready to Share Clear Findings With Your Team?
Choosing the right data visualization software means balancing power with practicality. For businesses who are avoiding recurring fees and empowering non-technical teams with secure, on-premises access to data, DashboardFox is the most optimal choice.
Don’t settle for dashboards that confuse more than they clarify. DashboardFox gives your team the tools to securely access and understand data without expensive subscriptions or IT bottlenecks. Book a live demo today and see how simple, affordable analytics can drive smarter decisions.