Metricly vs Metabase

Q: Is Metabase really free?

Metabase OSS is free but requires self-hosting, which has hidden costs: server infrastructure, DevOps time, security updates, and maintenance. Metabase Cloud starts at $85/user/year.

Q: Does Metabase have AI features?

Metabase does not have AI-powered natural language queries or automated insights. Metricly was built AI-first with conversational analytics and automatic trend detection.

Q: Can Metabase use my dbt semantic layer?

Metabase can sync dbt metadata (model descriptions, column info), but it does not understand MetricFlow metrics and dimensions. Metricly natively uses your dbt semantic layer.

Q: When does Metabase make more sense?

Metabase is great for teams with DevOps resources who want free, open-source software and have simple analytics needs. If you need AI features, a semantic layer, or want managed SaaS, Metricly is the better choice.

Metabase is a great open-source option for simple analytics. Metricly adds AI-native queries, a true semantic layer, and managed SaaS convenience.

Try Metricly free Watch demo

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.

Metabase

Open-source BI tool known for simplicity and ease of use. Great for teams getting started with analytics but lacks AI features and has a basic semantic layer.

Feature comparison

Feature

Metricly

Metabase

Semantic layer

MetricFlow vs Metabase Models (basic)

Natural language queries

Metricly has AI-powered Q&A

AI-generated insights

Automatic trend detection

dbt integration

Native MetricFlow vs metadata sync

Self-service dashboards

Both have drag-and-drop builders

Embedded analytics

Version control

JSON definitions in git

Setup time

Both are quick to set up

< 1 hour

Learning curve

Both designed for simplicity

Low

BigQuery support

Snowflake support

Open source option

Metabase OSS is free

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.

AI-native natural language

Metabase has no natural language query feature. Metricly lets anyone ask questions in plain English and get instant answers from your data.

True semantic layer

Metabase Models are basic SQL views. Metricly uses MetricFlow for a full semantic layer with dimensions, metrics, time grains, and joins.

No self-hosting required

Metabase OSS requires you to host, maintain, upgrade, and secure the application. Metricly is fully managed SaaS.

Enterprise-ready from day one

SSO, audit logs, and governance features are included. Metabase requires Enterprise tier for many security features.

Pricing comparison

Metricly

From $49/user/mo

SaaS-only with all features included. Team plan at $99/user/mo. 14-day free trial with full features.

Metabase

Free (self-hosted)

Metabase OSS is free and self-hosted. Cloud Pro at $85/user/year (~$7/user/mo). Enterprise pricing varies. Self-hosting requires DevOps resources.

When to choose each tool

Choose Metricly if you...

Want AI-powered natural language queries
Use dbt and need a true semantic layer
Prefer managed SaaS over self-hosting
Need enterprise security features
Value version-controlled analytics
Want automatic AI insights

Choose Metabase if you...

Need a completely free, self-hosted option
Have DevOps resources for hosting
Want maximum customization via open source
Have simple analytics needs without AI
Are on a very tight budget
Prefer open source licensing