Metricly vs Apache Superset

Q: Is Superset really free?

Apache Superset is free and open source, but self-hosting has costs: infrastructure, DevOps time, security updates, and maintenance. Managed options like Preset start at $20/user/mo.

Q: Does Superset have AI features?

Superset does not have AI-powered natural language queries or automated insights. It is designed for SQL-savvy users who write their own queries.

Q: Can Superset use my dbt semantic layer?

Superset can sync dbt documentation and model metadata, but it does not understand MetricFlow metrics. Metricly natively uses your complete dbt semantic layer.

Q: What about Preset (managed Superset)?

Preset offers managed Superset hosting starting at $20/user/mo. It removes DevOps burden but still lacks AI features and true dbt semantic layer support that Metricly provides.

Superset is powerful for SQL-savvy teams who can self-host. Metricly brings AI-native analytics and a true semantic layer with zero DevOps.

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.

Apache Superset

Open-source data exploration platform from Apache. Powerful SQL Lab for technical users but requires significant DevOps for self-hosting and lacks AI features.

Feature comparison

Feature

Metricly

Apache Superset

Semantic layer

MetricFlow vs basic Superset semantic layer

Natural language queries

Metricly has AI-powered Q&A

AI-generated insights

Automatic trend detection

dbt integration

Native MetricFlow vs dbt docs sync

Self-service dashboards

Embedded analytics

Version control

JSON definitions in git

SQL Lab

Superset excels at SQL exploration

Setup time

Self-hosting adds complexity

< 1 hour

2-4 hours

Learning curve

Superset requires SQL knowledge

Low

High

BigQuery support

Open source

Superset is Apache licensed

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

Superset is SQL-first with no natural language support. Metricly lets anyone ask questions in plain English without writing queries.

True dbt semantic layer

Superset can sync dbt metadata but does not understand MetricFlow. Metricly natively uses your dbt semantic layer for consistent metrics.

Zero DevOps required

Superset requires significant DevOps effort to host, scale, and maintain. Metricly is fully managed SaaS.

Built for business users

Superset is designed for data engineers and SQL power users. Metricly is built for anyone to explore data.

Pricing comparison

Metricly

From $49/user/mo

Fully managed SaaS with all features included. Team plan at $99/user/mo. No infrastructure costs.

Apache Superset

Free (self-hosted)

Apache Superset is 100% free and open source. Managed hosting via Preset starts at $20/user/mo. Self-hosting requires DevOps resources.

When to choose each tool

Choose Metricly if you...

Want AI-powered natural language queries
Need a true dbt semantic layer
Prefer managed SaaS over self-hosting
Have non-technical users exploring data
Value quick time to value
Need enterprise security out of the box

Choose Superset if you...

Have strong DevOps resources for hosting
Need advanced SQL exploration (SQL Lab)
Want completely free, open-source software
Have a technical team comfortable with SQL
Need maximum visualization customization
Prefer Apache licensing