All comparisons

Metricly vs dbt Cloud

Same MetricFlow semantic layer, but Metricly includes visualization and AI queries in one platform. Works with dbt Core too - no Enterprise subscription required.

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M

Metricly

AI-native BI platform built on MetricFlow. Ask questions in natural language, get instant dashboards. Works with your existing dbt semantic layer at a fraction of the cost.

d

dbt Cloud

Data transformation platform with MetricFlow Semantic Layer. Primarily focused on data modeling and orchestration. Semantic Layer requires Enterprise tier and a separate BI tool for visualization.

Feature comparison

Feature
Metricly
dbt Cloud
MetricFlow semantic layer

Both use the same MetricFlow engine

Self-service dashboards

dbt Cloud requires external BI tool

Natural language queries

Ask questions in plain English

AI-generated insights

Automatic trend detection

Built-in visualization

Charts, tables, KPIs included

dbt Core support

Works without dbt Cloud subscription

Semantic Layer API
Version control

Git-based workflow

Job orchestration

dbt Cloud handles model runs

CI/CD for models

dbt Cloud includes CI features

BigQuery support
Snowflake support

Why teams choose Metricly

Metricly combines the power of your dbt semantic layer with AI-native analytics, making data accessible to everyone on your team.

Complete solution, not just semantic layer

dbt Cloud Semantic Layer is just the metrics layer - you still need a BI tool. Metricly includes visualization, dashboards, and AI queries in one platform.

Works with dbt Core

Use Metricly with dbt Core and skip the dbt Cloud subscription entirely. Just run `dbt parse` locally and upload your manifest. Same MetricFlow, no monthly seat fees.

AI-native from the start

Ask questions in natural language and get instant visualizations. Metricly understands your MetricFlow definitions and generates accurate queries automatically.

Fraction of the total cost

A 10-person team needs dbt Cloud Enterprise ($5,000+/mo) for Semantic Layer, plus a BI tool ($2,000+/mo). Metricly is under $1,000/mo total.

Pricing comparison

M

Metricly

From $49/user/mo

All-in-one pricing includes semantic layer access and visualization. Works with dbt Core (free) or dbt Cloud. No additional BI tool purchase required.

d

dbt Cloud

From $100/seat/mo

dbt Cloud Team starts at $100/seat/month. Semantic Layer requires Enterprise tier ($500+/seat/month). Plus, you still need a separate BI tool for visualization.

When to choose each tool

Choose Metricly if you...

  • Want visualization included with your semantic layer
  • Use dbt Core and want to avoid dbt Cloud costs
  • Need AI-powered natural language queries
  • Want a simpler, all-in-one solution
  • Are cost-conscious but need enterprise features
  • Want to get started today, not wait for Enterprise sales

Choose dbt Cloud Semantic Layer if you...

  • Already have dbt Cloud Enterprise
  • Need job orchestration and CI/CD in one platform
  • Want to use a different BI tool (Hex, Mode, etc.)
  • Have enterprise SSO and governance requirements
  • Need the dbt Cloud IDE for model development
  • Have a large data platform team

Metricly vs dbt Cloud FAQ

Yes! Both Metricly and dbt Cloud use MetricFlow, the open-source semantic layer from dbt Labs. Your metric definitions, dimensions, and semantic models work identically in both platforms.
No. Metricly works with dbt Core. Just run `dbt parse` locally to generate your semantic manifest, then upload it to Metricly. You get the full power of MetricFlow without any dbt Cloud subscription.
Absolutely. If you have dbt Cloud, Metricly can connect to your semantic layer directly. You get the visualization and AI features Metricly provides on top of your existing dbt Cloud investment.
dbt Cloud Semantic Layer is an API - it defines and serves metrics but does not visualize them. You need a separate BI tool for dashboards. Metricly includes visualization, dashboards, and AI-powered queries all in one.
For a 10-person team: dbt Cloud Enterprise with Semantic Layer is roughly $5,000-10,000/month, plus a BI tool at $2,000+/month. Metricly with dbt Core is under $1,000/month total - about 70-85% savings.
There is nothing to migrate! Your MetricFlow definitions live in your dbt project. Just connect Metricly to your manifest file and your metrics are instantly available.

Ready to see the difference?

Start your free trial today and experience AI-native analytics built on your dbt semantic layer.

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