About Metabase
Overview
Metabase is an open source AI analytics platform that lets teams query data using natural language and build dashboards without writing SQL. It connects to databases and warehouses, enabling both self-service business intelligence and customer-facing embedded analytics.
Users can self-host on their own infrastructure or deploy to Metabase Cloud in minutes. The platform is aimed at data teams, business users, and developers who need correct, permissioned data served over their existing metrics layer.
Key Benefits
- Ask questions with AI and generate SQL from natural language queries via Metabot.
- Self-host in minutes using a single Docker command, with AI features included.
- Start free with a 14-day trial on Cloud plans, paying only per user per month.
- Embed analytics dashboards into customer-facing products with multi-tenant support on Pro and Enterprise plans.
- Enforce row-level and column-level permissions plus SSO on paid tiers to keep data secure.
- SOC 2 Type II and SOC 1 certified, with GDPR and CCPA compliance.
How It Works
You deploy Metabase by running the Docker image or signing up for Metabase Cloud. You connect a database or warehouse, then use the query builder, SQL editor, or natural language chat with Metabot to ask questions and build dashboards.
Results can be shared with teammates via Slack, embedded in customer products via the SDK, or exported through APIs and the MCP server.
Use Cases
- Data analysts who need to answer ad-hoc questions in natural language without writing complex SQL.
- Engineering teams embedding analytics dashboards directly into their SaaS product for end customers.
- Business stakeholders exploring revenue trends, account growth, and plan performance self-service.
- Compliance officers auditing data access with row-level permissions and usage analytics.
- Startups and mid-market companies running a self-hosted BI stack with no per-user seat minimums on the Starter plan.
Why Choose This Product
Metabase is best suited for teams that want an open source analytics layer they can deploy themselves, with AI-powered querying and embedded analytics available as add-ons. The platform is SOC 2 certified and GDPR compliant, but advanced features like multi-tenant embedding, SSO, and row-level permissions require the paid Pro or Enterprise plans, and AI features require an API key or metered usage billing.
MetabasePros & Cons
Strengths
- Open source and self-hostable with a single Docker command
- Natural language AI querying built in
- Embedded analytics SDK for customer-facing dashboards
- SOC 2 Type II and SOC 1 certified
- Starter plan includes AI features at $100/month
Metabase integrates with
SSlack
TTeams
AAnthropic
Key Features
🤖
AI query chat
Users can ask questions in plain language and get SQL-generated answers, powered by an AI model.
📊
Dashboards and reporting
Build interactive dashboards with charts, tables, and drill-through without writing code.
🖱️
Visual query builder
The visual query builder lets users click through fields and filters to explore data without SQL.
🧩
Embedded analytics SDK
An SDK for embedding multi-tenant analytics dashboards directly into customer-facing products.
📐
Semantic layer
Define metrics and dimensions in a semantic layer so queries return correct, consistent results.
🔒
Granular permissions
Set row-level and column-level access controls plus SSO to limit what each user can see.
🔗
20+ data connectors
Connect to 20+ data sources including databases, warehouses, and file uploads.
🎨
White-label analytics
White-label dashboards with custom branding and remove Metabase logo on paid plans.
📋
Usage analytics
Track who is querying, what they query, and AI usage through built-in auditing.
📁
CSV upload and storage
Upload CSV and spreadsheet data for analysis directly in Metabase without a database.
Metabase Pricing
View full pricing →Starter
$100/mo
- Ask questions with AI
- SQL generation
- 20+ supported data sources
- Unlimited questions and dashboards
- Write SQL or explore by clicking
- 3-day support via email, Slack, or Teams
Pro
$575/mo
- Row and column level permissions
- SSO
- Caching controls
- Usage analytics and auditing
- Multi-tenant embedded analytics
- Whitelabel ready
- AI usage auditing and controls
Enterprise
$20000/yr
- Custom pricing aligned with business model
- Dedicated success engineer
- Air gap available
- 1-day support SLA
Compare plans
| Feature | Starter $100/mo | Pro $575/mo | Enterprise $20000/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ask questions with AI | |||
| SQL generation | |||
| 20+ supported data sources | |||
| Unlimited questions and dashboards | |||
| Write SQL or explore by clicking | |||
| 3-day support via email, Slack, or Teams | |||
| Row and column level permissions | |||
| SSO | |||
| Caching controls | |||
| Usage analytics and auditing | |||
| Multi-tenant embedded analytics | |||
| Whitelabel ready | |||
| AI usage auditing and controls | |||
| Custom pricing aligned with business model | |||
| Dedicated success engineer | |||
| Air gap available | |||
| 1-day support SLA |
Pricing extracted from the product website and may change. Check the source for current details.
Frequently asked questions about Metabase
Is Metabase free?
Metabase offers a free plan with optional paid upgrades. See the pricing section for what's included in each tier.
How much does Metabase cost?
Metabase offers the following plans: Starter, Pro, Enterprise. See the pricing section for what's included in each tier and any per-seat or usage-based costs.
What platforms does Metabase support?
Metabase is available on: Web.
How Metabase compares
MetabaseThis | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $100/mo | Free | Free | Free |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium | Freemium | Freemium |
| Platforms | Web | — | Web | — |
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| Rating | — | — | — | — |
