Metabase vs Mode
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Metabase and Mode are credible business intelligence tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Metabase if you want broader platform coverage. The simplest, fastest open-source BI.
Mode — SQL-first analytics for data teams.
Metabase vs Mode: side by side
| Dimension | Metabase | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $85/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Startups, Smb | Data Teams |
| Platforms | Web, Self Hosted, ApiWinner | Web |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Metabase key facts
- Vendor
- Metabase
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $85/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Self Hosted, Api
- Best for
- Startups, Smb
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2014
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Mode key facts
- Vendor
- ThoughtSpot
- Pricing
- Subscription — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web
- Best for
- Data Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Metabase better than Mode?
Neither is universally better — Metabase edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Metabase or Mode cheaper?
Metabase is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $85/mo. Metabase starts at free – $85/mo; Mode starts at free.
Can Metabase replace Mode?
Yes for most teams — both are business intelligence tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.