Power BI Embedded vs. Tableau Embedded: Which is Better for Embedded Analytics (Straight Talk Review)

Every BI tool user understands the importance of choosing the right tools for providing Embedded Analytics services. In your search for the best BI tool to embed into your existing software, you must have heard about these two tools; Power BI and Tableau Embedded. They are both effective tools that are popular in the BI market.

The main groups of visualizations in both Tableau and Power BI can be categorized into three broad categories:

1. Charts: This group includes various types of charts such as bar charts, line charts, scatter plots, pie charts, and stacked area charts. These visualizations are effective in presenting data points, trends, and comparisons in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand manner.
2. Geospatial: Geospatial visualizations in Tableau and Power BI allow users to display data on maps and geographic locations. These visualizations enable users to analyze and understand spatial patterns, distribution, and relationships. They can include choropleth maps, bubble maps, heat maps, or interactive maps with layered data.
3. Tables: Tables provide a structured way to present data in rows and columns. They are commonly used to display detailed information, summarize data, and facilitate comparisons. Users can sort, filter, and interact with the table to explore and analyze data in a tabular format.

These three main groups of visualizations offer a wide range of options for presenting and analyzing data in Tableau and Power BI. Users can choose the most suitable visualization type based on the nature of their data and the insights they want to convey.

In this guide, we have compared these tools to each other. We have discussed the pros and cons, price, required technical expertise level, and other necessary features. By the end of this guide, you should have enough information about both tools to make the right decision for your needs.

Ready? Let’s get started.

What is Power BI?

Power BI is a popular Business analytics service developed by Microsoft. Using a simple interface, it allows end users to create reports and dashboards, providing useful visualizations and effective BI features. Power BI provides invaluable insights into the metrics required by end users to make the best decisions.

Its data modeling features are powerful, enabling users to gain insight into the performance of their business and make data-driven decisions. It can be accessed through mobile devices, website browsers, or desktop applications.

Key Features of Power BI

Power BI offers a wide variety of features that end users can leverage to analyze, visualize, and share data. Some of the key features of Power BI include;

• An adaptive user experience: Microsoft has an active online community that provides top-notch feedback. Microsoft listens to the feedback, and they are always eager to implement by providing regular updates.
• Easy collaboration: Power BI allows integration with other Microsoft tools like Microsoft Office tools. Users can easily share their ideas and findings about reports and dashboards with their co-workers.
• Data visualization: There is a wide range of visual elements on Power BI. Graphs, Charts, Maps, and many more directional elements help to keep users updated.
• Data Exploration: Power BI has some data exploration tools that make the process of data analysis easier to present and understand. This can be done by drilling into data points and filtering data with these available features.
• Data Modelling: Power BI enables users to create relationships between different data sources. It is easy for users to develop relevant KPIs and follow through with them.
• Availability of real-time data: Power BI connects to real-time data sources like Azure Stream to display real-time data in visualizations.

Dataset reusing: One of the interesting features of Power BI is that end users have a choice to reuse datasets across multiple platforms. This feature is only unlocked in the Pro and Premium versions.

What is Tableau Embedded?

Another popular BI tool is Tableau Embedded. It has a highly interactive interface, allowing users to collect, view, and share data. It uses a drag-and-drop interface to allow users to analyze and explore complex datasets. This interface requires no coding or programming, making it suitable for all kinds of end users.

Tableau can link to different sources of data like databases, spreadsheets, and other cloud-based services. Several tasks can be performed on this platform thanks to its advanced analytics features. Users can create custom calculations, generate insights, and perform some transformation tasks.

It has a suite of platforms related to it, like Tableau Prep, Tableau Server, and Tableau Desktop.

Key Features of Tableau

Tableau offers a wide variety of features that can be used to analyze, view and share data. Some of the key features of Tableau include;

• Informative dashboard: Tableau makes it easy for users to navigate around its dashboard. Using several visual elements, it provides a comprehensive view of your data. It has several layouts and styles, filters, and objects, all of which are put in place for ease of use.
• Connected to live and in-memory data: Tableau provides in-memory data connection. This gives users access to both live and external data sources. Users have the option of consuming data from the source using a live connection or using the data already stored in the memory of the system.
• Easy collaboration and sharing: With Tableau, users can exchange data in real time. You can easily share data with colleagues and co-workers on specific projects.
• Advanced visualization capabilities: Visualization is made very easy with Tableau. The presence of different visual elements, from the simple charts and graphs to the more complex graphs and maps, increases its functionality. There is also a section for pre-installed map data like cities and postcodes, providing more concrete information.

Pros of Power BI

Some of the benefits of Power BI include the following;

• Integration with Microsoft: Power BI allows integration with other Microsoft products like Excel and other Microsoft products.
• Ease of use: It has a user-friendly interface which makes site navigation easier.
• Fast data processing: Power BI processes data fast so users can get insight fast and make decisions.
• Affordability: Power BI is affordable. It has a free plan which has some limitations, and a pro plan with affordable pricing.

Cons of Power BI

Here are some drawbacks to using Power BI;

• Customization options are limited
• Data sources are limited
• The free version has several limited features
• High dependence on Microsoft: Since it is developed by Microsoft, Power BI might require the mandatory use of other Microsoft features to function well.

Pros of Tableau

• High flexibility: Tableau lets users connect to a wide variety of data sources.
• High customization level: With its numerous visual features, Tableau lets users customize their reports and dashboards extensively.
• Strong community support: You will scarcely get lost as a community member of Tableau. There is always a tip or resource to help you, and their customer service is very active.
• Advanced data visualization capacities.

Cons of Tableau

• Complex learning curve: When starting out, getting the hang of Tableau is not very easy for people without technical knowledge.
• Large data sets can affect performance.
• Limited support for real-time data

Power BI vs. Tableau

Let us compare both tools in terms of some relevant features:

Power BI vs. Tableau Pricing

When it comes to understanding the costs associated with Power BI Embedded, it’s crucial to account for the capacity selected. Taking the A2 SKU as a case in point, which possesses 5GB of RAM, it is priced at $2.008 per hour (as of Sept 2023). Breaking this down into a monthly cost, we can apply a simple calculation. Multiply the hourly rate by 24, giving us an estimated daily rate, which we then multiply by 30 to achieve a monthly figure.

Upon conducting these calculations, we find that the daily cost rounds out to approximately $48.19, subsequently making the estimated monthly cost around $1,445.70.

It’s essential to bear in mind that these figures are merely an estimation, and the actual costs are subject to Microsoft’s pricing model and can fluctuate based on real usage, the specific features used, and the actual number of days in a month, among other factors.

The cost of running Power BI Embedded on A2 SKU for just one month underscores the significant investment required for even a relatively small use case server.

On the other hand, as we examine Tableau’s Embedded Analytics offering, the situation is quite different. Perusing their official pricing page, you’ll quickly notice they do not publicly disclose their specific costs.

This lack of transparent pricing often suggests that Tableau’s Embedded Analytics service may be a more expensive, custom-priced solution. It’s not uncommon in this circumstance for sales representatives to determine the price based on multiple factors, including the size and needs of the client, perceived value, and how much they believe the market will bear.

The lack of upfront pricing can create an air of uncertainty and may indicate potentially high costs that businesses should take into consideration when assessing Tableau’s Embedded Analytics service.

Power BI vs. Tableau Performance?

Both tools have a high performance. Power BI performs better for a limited dataset, but when it comes to handling bulk data, Power BI can be a bit slow.

Tableau can handle large volumes of data quickly. It is also faster and has more features. It doesn’t limit the number of data points used in visualization.

Power BI vs Tableau Deployment Server?

Both Tableau and Power BI have different deployment requirements. Tableau offers flexibility as it can be run on various platforms such as Linux, Windows, Public Cloud, or on-premise infrastructure. This means that companies can easily integrate Tableau with their existing infrastructure without any major changes. On the other hand, Power BI requires migration to Azure, which can be inconvenient for companies that already use other cloud services like GCP or AWS. If companies want to deploy Power BI on-premise, they need to utilize Data Gateways. These gateways act as a bridge between the Power BI service and on-premise data sources, enabling seamless connectivity and access to data.

Power BI vs. Tableau User Interface?

The UI of BI is friendly. It is easy to understand and can easily integrate with other Microsoft products.

The UI of Tableau is equally welcoming. It is smart, and it encourages the creation and customization of dashboards.

Both tools have a commendable UI. The choice here is based on personal preference.

Power BI vs. Tableau Data Sources?

Power BI, a powerful data analytics tool, offers support for various data sources like Microsoft Excel, MS SQL, Oracle database, and MySQL database. These sources allow users to seamlessly connect their data to Power BI for analysis and visualization. However, it is important to note that Power BI has limited access to other servers when compared to its counterpart, Tableau.

In contrast, Tableau provides an extensive range of options when it comes to data source integration. With Tableau, users can effortlessly connect to a wide array of data sources, including Excel, Google Analytics, Cloudera Hadoop, JSON, and more. This rich integration capability allows Tableau users to tap into a diverse range of data sets for their analytical needs.

In conclusion, while Power BI excels in supporting Microsoft-related data sources and databases like MS SQL, Oracle, and MySQL, Tableau offers a broader range of options, connecting to various popular sources like Excel, Google Analytics, Cloudera Hadoop, and JSON. For users seeking versatile data source integration, Tableau provides an extensive selection to cater to diverse analytical requirements.

Power BI vs. Tableau Customer Support?

Power BI has a smaller community since it is younger in the business. Therefore, you will likely get less support.

Tableau, on the other hand, has been here for a while. It has a large community containing over 160,000 users.

Power BI vs. Tableau Programming Support?

Power BI offers Data Manipulation and Modelling. Enterprise-level users have the option to connect to the R programming language using Microsoft Revolution Analytics.

Tableau allows easier integration with the R language. You can implement the software development kit using C, C++, Java, and Python.

Power BI vs. Tableau Main Language?

Power BI uses DAX (Data Analysis Expression) as its main language for modeling and manipulating data. This language is familiar to those who are proficient in Excel.

Tableau has its own visual query language called VizQL, which is used for visualization purposes. Tableau uses MDX for measurement and dimensions.

Power BI vs. Tableau Built-in machine learning capabilities?

Yes, both Power BI and Tableau have built-in machine learning (ML) capabilities. Power BI leverages Microsoft Azure for data analysis, while Tableau has Python ML capacities for performing ML operations on data sets.

Power BI vs Tableau Community Support?

Power BI has a smaller community due to being a younger platform, which may result in less support availability. On the other hand, Tableau has a large community of over 160,000 users, providing a robust support network for users.

Power BI vs. Tableau: Which one should you use?

When it comes to choosing between Tableau and Power BI, the decision relies on several factors specific to your business or project requirements. Power BI, a Microsoft product, offers seamless integration with other Microsoft tools like Excel and SQL Server. Its user-friendly interface and cost-effectiveness make it highly suitable for small to medium-sized businesses or those just starting with data visualization. In contrast, Tableau is known for its advanced data visualization capabilities, offering a higher degree of flexibility and enabling more complex data analysis. This makes it a preferred choice for large corporations and businesses dealing with intricate datasets.

While both tools offer robust capabilities, it’s crucial to consider the level of technical expertise within your team. Power BI’s user-friendly nature is excellent for beginners or those with basic data visualization needs. Its familiarity, especially for those well-versed in Excel, allows for a smooth transition. Conversely, Tableau is better suited to teams with advanced technical skills who need to carry out complex data analyses. While there may be a steeper learning curve, Tableau’s advanced features provide a greater level of control and customization for data visualization.

Another factor to consider is the compatibility with your data sources. Power BI’s integration with Microsoft products can provide advantages if your data sources predominantly reside within this ecosystem. On the other hand, Tableau supports a broad range of data sources, making it a flexible choice for diverse data environments.

Budget is another important consideration. Power BI is generally more cost-effective, making it an attractive option for smaller businesses or startups with limited resources. Tableau, while potentially a more significant investment, justifies its higher cost with its powerful features and broad data source compatibility, appealing to enterprises with complex data needs.

To make an informed decision, it’s essential to clearly identify your business needs, technical capabilities, data ecosystem, and budget. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select the BI platform that best aligns with your business’s data analytics objectives.

Power BI vs Tableau: Do a thorough evaluation

Both Power BI and Tableau are powerful tools, each with its strengths. The key is to clearly identify your business needs, technical capabilities, data ecosystem, and budget before deciding. Taking a careful and thorough approach helps guarantee your choice will effectively support your business’s data analytics objectives.

Why is it recommended to base the decision on personal evaluation and experience?

It is recommended to base the decision on personal evaluation and experience because every business or project has unique requirements. While there are general considerations to take into account, such as budget, technical expertise, and data source compatibility, the suitability of Tableau or Power BI ultimately depends on individual needs. By personally evaluating and experiencing both tools through their free trials, individuals can gain a firsthand understanding of how each tool meets their specific requirements. This ensures a more informed decision and increases the likelihood of selecting the tool that best fits their needs.

How can the evaluation and experience gained from the free trials inform the decision-making process?

The evaluation and experience gained from the free trials can significantly inform the decision-making process. By trying both Tableau and Power BI, individuals can assess the ease of use, functionality, and visualization capabilities of each tool. This hands-on experience allows for a better understanding of how well each tool aligns with specific business or project requirements. It provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each tool, enabling a more informed decision based on personal experience and evaluation.

What are the advantages of trying both Tableau and Power BI through their free trials?

Trying both Tableau and Power BI through their free trials offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows individuals to experience the features, integrations, and visualization capabilities of each tool firsthand. This practical experience provides insights into the usability and suitability of the tools for specific business or project requirements. Secondly, it enables a direct comparison between Tableau and Power BI, helping individuals assess which tool aligns better with their needs. Ultimately, the free trials offer a risk-free opportunity to explore and evaluate both tools before making a final decision.

How can someone make an informed decision between Tableau and Power BI?

To make an informed decision between Tableau and Power BI, it is suggested to try both tools through their free trials. By utilizing the free trials, individuals can gain hands-on experience and evaluate the features, integrations, and visualization capabilities of each tool. This allows for a comprehensive assessment, enabling an informed decision based on personal evaluation and experience.

What suggestion is given if someone can’t decide between Tableau and Power BI?

If you are still stuck and can’t decide whether to go for Tableau or Power BI, a suggestion is to try both. Both Power BI and Tableau offer free trials. Free trials are the perfect opportunity for you to try out the features, integrations, and visualization capabilities and make an informed decision based on your evaluation and experience.

 

An Alternative to Power BI and Tableau: Yurbi

While Power BI and Tableau certainly have their advantages, it’s important to consider the variety of other robust data visualization solutions in the market. One such noteworthy alternative is Yurbi. Yurbi offers a compelling balance between cost-effectiveness and quality, often making it a more accessible choice for businesses of all sizes.

Yurbi stands out for its user-friendly platform, designed to enable individuals with varying levels of technical expertise to easily navigate and make the most out of their data. It bridges the gap between powerful data analytics and a straightforward, intuitive user interface.

One feature that sets Yurbi apart from many competitors is its transparent, upfront pricing model. This approach eliminates the concern for scaling costs and hidden fees, providing businesses with a clear understanding of their investment from the outset.

In terms of capabilities, Yurbi matches up to the more expensive names like Power BI and Tableau. Yurbi’s extensive API support, real-time reporting capabilities, interactive dashboards, and team sharing options make it an appealing and versatile tool in the realm of business intelligence.

In essence, Yurbi challenges the notion that high quality necessarily equals high cost in the world of data visualization. It presents not just a viable, but a potentially superior alternative to pricier options such as Power BI and Tableau. It’s evidence that getting valuable, actionable insights from your data doesn’t have to break the bank.

You can always see Yurbi in action through our free live demo sessions, or schedule a meeting with us so we can discuss things further.