13 Best Visualization Software [Reviewed and Ranked]
Tableau
#1|Business intelligence professionals, data analysts.
Excel
#2|Business users, students, hobbyists.
Google Charts
#3|Anyone who wants to create simple visualizations.
I’m a visual person, who hasn’t said that. Even when your eyes are closed, you still visualize; and visualization software are those tools that crunch data together really nicely and represent that in a beautiful visual and digital format.
Visualization software are used when analyzing data to gain insights, identify patterns, and make informed decisions.
And they can be harnessed in virtually every field, including marketing, business, data science, and research.
In this guide, we review the best visualization software available on the market and discuss the benefits, pros, cons, and how anyone working with data of any sort could get started.
What Is The Best Visualization Software?
Here are my top picks for the best visualization software, mostly based on research.
1. Tableau
Tableau is a powerhouse in data visualization with an intuitive interface for creating interactive and insightful visualizations supporting data sources making it a go-to choice for professionals across industries.
It is a popular choice for businesses, as it allows users to easily connect to and visualize data from a variety of sources, including Excel, SQL databases, and cloud storage services.
Benefits of using Tableau
- Intuitive interface: Tableau has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users to create and customize visualizations, even if they have little to no experience with data visualization.
- Flexibility: Tableau offers a wide range of visualization options, including bar charts, scatter plots, and maps, allowing users to choose the best way to represent their data.
- Collaboration: Tableau allows users to share their visualizations with others and collaborate on projects in real-time.
Pros
- Exceptional interactive dashboards.
- Rich integration capabilities with various data sources.
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface.
- Strong community support and extensive learning resources.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for complex features.
- Premium versions can be expensive for small businesses.
- Some advanced features may require programming knowledge.
How to get started with Tableau
- To get started with Tableau, you can sign up for a free trial on their website and follow their tutorials and training materials to learn the basics of the software.
- They also offer paid training courses and certifications for those who want to become experts in using the tool.
2. Excel
Excel is a spreadsheet software that is part of the Microsoft Office suite.
While it is primarily used for data management and analysis, it also has some visualization capabilities.
Benefits of using Excel for visualization
- Familiarity: Many people are already familiar with Excel, so it can be a good choice for those who are new to data visualization.
- Cost: Excel is a cheaper option than many other visualization tools, as it is included in the Microsoft Office suite.
- Customization: Excel allows users to customize their visualizations, including adding labels and formatting options.
Pros
- Familiarity for many users
- Cost-effective
- Ubiquitous and widely accessible.
- Suitable for basic data visualization needs.
- Simple chart creation and formatting.
Cons
- Limited capabilities compared to specialized tools.
- Less interactive than dedicated visualization software.
- Struggles with large datasets.
How to get started with Excel
- To get started with using Excel for visualization, you can follow the built-in tutorials and training materials provided by Microsoft.
- There are also many online resources and tutorials available that can help you learn how to use Excel for data visualization.
3. Google Charts
Google Charts is a free visualization tool provided by Google that allows users to create a variety of charts and graphs directly within their web browsers.
Benefits of using Google Charts
- Free: Google Charts is a free tool, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
- Wide range of visualization options: Google Charts offers a variety of chart types, including bar charts, pie charts, and line graphs, allowing users to choose the best way to represent their data.
- Easy to use: Google Charts has a simple interface that makes it easy for users to create and customize their visualizations.
Pros
- Free to use
- Seamless integration with other Google services.
- Ideal for quick and straightforward visualizations.
- No software installation is required.
Cons
- Limited customization options compared to other tools
- May not be suitable for large or complex datasets
- Might not suit advanced data analysis needs.
- Less feature-rich compared to dedicated visualization tools.
How to get started with Google Charts
- To get started with Google Charts, you can visit the Google Charts website and follow their tutorials and documentation to learn how to use the tool.
- There are also many online resources and tutorials available that can help you learn how to use Google Charts to create visualizations.
4. Plotly
Plotly is another feature-packed data visualization software to create interactive charts, graphs, and maps that cater to both beginners and experienced data scientists.
It is a good choice for those who want to create interactive visualizations that can be easily shared and explored by others.
Benefits of using Plotly
- Interactive visualizations: Plotly allows users to create interactive visualizations that can be explored and manipulated by others.
- Wide range of visualization options: Plotly offers a variety of chart types, including scatter plots, bar charts, and maps, allowing users to choose the best way to represent their data.
- Collaboration: Plotly allows users to share their visualizations with others and collaborate on projects in real-time.
Pros
- An impressive array of interactive charts and graphs.
- Supports multiple programming languages for flexibility.
- Great for creating visualizations for web applications.
Cons
- Some advanced features may require coding expertise.
- Free version has limitations on public sharing.
- Learning curve for complex visualizations.
How to get started with Plotly
- To get started with Plotly, you can sign up for a free account on their website and follow their tutorials and documentation to learn how to use the tool.
- They also offer paid training courses and certifications for those who want to become experts in using the software.
5. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is a graphic design software that allows users to create vector graphics and illustrations.
Adobe Illustrator, while not specifically designed for data visualization, can be used to create custom and visually appealing data-driven graphics.
Benefits of using Adobe Illustrator for visualization
- Customization: Adobe Illustrator allows users to customize their visualizations with a wide range of design options, including colors, fonts, and shapes.
- Wide range of visualization options: Adobe Illustrator allows users to create a variety of visualizations, including charts, graphs, and maps.
- Professional quality: Adobe Illustrator is a professional-grade tool that allows users to create high-quality visualizations that are suitable for use in presentations, reports, and other professional documents.
Pros
- Ultimate flexibility in design and customization.
- Ideal for creating unique and artistic visualizations.
- Integrates well with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Steep learning curve, especially for non-designers.
- Not optimized for handling large datasets.
- Time-consuming compared to specialized tools.
How to get started with Adobe Illustrator
- To get started with Adobe Illustrator, you can sign up for a free trial on their website and follow their tutorials and training materials to learn the basics of the software.
- They also offer paid training courses and certifications for those who want to become experts in using the tool.
6. Microsoft Power BI
Microsoft Power BI is a business intelligence and visualization software that allows users to create interactive dashboards, charts, and reports.
It is a good choice for businesses that need to analyze and visualize data from a variety of sources.
Benefits of using Microsoft Power BI
- Wide range of visualization options: Microsoft Power BI offers a variety of chart types, including bar charts, pie charts, and scatter plots, allowing users to choose the best way to represent their data.
- Integration with Microsoft Office: Power BI integrates with other Microsoft Office tools, making it easy for users to analyze and visualize data within their existing workflow.
- Collaboration: Power BI allows users to share their visualizations with others and collaborate on projects in real-time.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Microsoft products.
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
- Robust features for complex data transformations.
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced features.
- Limited collaboration features in the free version.
- Export options can be restrictive.
How to get started with Microsoft Power BI
- To get started with Microsoft Power BI, you can sign up for a free trial on their website and follow their tutorials and documentation to learn how to use the tool.
- They also offer paid training courses and certifications for those who want to become experts in using the software.
7. QlikView
QlikView is a well-known business intelligence software for creating data visualizations and interactive dashboards, charts, and reports and empowers users to uncover insights from their data.
It is a good choice for businesses that need to analyze and visualize large and complex datasets.
Benefits of using QlikView
- Wide range of visualization options: QlikView offers a variety of chart types, including bar charts, pie charts, and scatter plots, allowing users to choose the best way to represent their data.
- Scalability: QlikView is designed to handle large and complex datasets, making it a good choice for businesses with large amounts of data.
- Collaboration: QlikView allows users to share their visualizations with others and collaborate on projects in real-time.
Pros
- Associative data model allows for flexible exploration.
- Rapid development of visualizations.
- Strong analytical capabilities.
Cons
- Licensing costs can be high for larger deployments.
- Limited scalability for massive datasets.
- Initial setup and learning curve.
How to get started with QlikView
- To get started with QlikView, you can sign up for a free trial on their website and follow their tutorials and documentation to learn how to use the tool.
- They also offer paid training courses and certifications for those who want to become experts in using the software.
8. D3Js
D3.js is a JavaScript library for creating interactive data visualizations.
It is a good choice for developers who want to create custom visualizations for web applications.
Benefits of using D3.js
- Customization: D3.js allows developers to create custom visualizations from scratch, giving them complete control over the design and functionality of the visualization.
- Wide range of visualization options: D3.js can be used to create a variety of visualizations, including bar charts, pie charts, and scatter plots.
- Interactivity: D3.js allows developers to create interactive visualizations that users can explore and manipulate.
Pros
- Unmatched customization and flexibility.
- Works well with other web technologies.
- Perfect for creating unique and intricate visualizations.
- Interactivity
Cons
- Requires coding expertise.
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
- Not as user-friendly as other tools.
How to get started with D3.js
- To get started with D3.js, you can visit their website and follow their tutorials and documentation to learn how to use the library.
- There are also many online resources and tutorials available that can help you learn how to use D3.js to create custom data visualizations.
9. Qlik Sense
Qlik Sense offers a self-service platform for creating data visualizations and insights, catering to users of varying technical levels.
Benefits of using Qlik Sense
- Wide range of visualization options: Qlik Sense offers a variety of chart types, including bar charts, pie charts, and scatter plots, allowing users to choose the best way to represent their data.
- Scalability: Qlik Sense is designed to handle large and complex datasets, making it a good choice for businesses with large amounts of data.
- Collaboration: Qlik Sense allows users to share their visualizations with others and collaborate on projects in real-time.
Pros
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface.
- Associative model for interactive exploration.
- Strong collaboration features.
Cons
- Costs can escalate for larger implementations.
- Learning curve for complex data models.
- Limited advanced analytics capabilities.
How to get started with Qlik Sense
- To get started with Qlik Sense, you can sign up for a free trial on their website and follow their tutorials and documentation to learn how to use the tool.
- They also offer paid training courses and certifications for those who want to become experts in using the software.
10. Klipfolio
Klipfolio focuses on real-time data visualization and dashboard creation, ideal for monitoring key performance indicators.
It’s cloud-based data visualization and dashboard software that allows users to create interactive dashboards and charts.
Benefits of using Klipfolio
- Real-time updates: Klipfolio allows users to create dashboards that update in real-time, so they can track and monitor key metrics as they change.
- Customization: Klipfolio allows users to customize their dashboards and charts with a wide range of design options, including colors, fonts, and layout.
- Collaboration: Klipfolio allows users to share their dashboards and charts with others and collaborate on projects in real-time.
Pros
- Real-time data updates.
- User-friendly dashboard building.
- Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
Cons
- Limited capabilities for complex visualizations.
- Learning curve for more advanced features.
- Pricing structure based on users can be expensive.
How to get started with Klipfolio
To get started with Klipfolio, you can sign up for a free trial on their website and follow their tutorials and documentation to learn how to use the tool.
It also offer paid training courses and certifications for those who want to become experts in using the software.
11. Looker
Looker offers a data exploration and visualization platform that focuses on collaboration and sharing insights within organizations.
It is a good choice for businesses that need to analyze and visualize large and complex datasets.
Benefits of using Looker
- Wide range of visualization options: Looker offers a variety of chart types, including bar charts, pie charts, and scatter plots, allowing users to choose the best way to represent their data.
- Scalability: Looker is designed to handle large and complex datasets, making it a good choice for businesses with large amounts of data.
- Collaboration: Looker allows users to share their visualizations with others and collaborate on projects in real-time.
Pros
- Strong collaboration features.
- SQL-based data exploration.
- Centralized data governance and security.
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced features.
- Requires familiarity with SQL.
- May not suit smaller businesses with limited data resources.
How to get started with Looker
- To get started with Looker, you can sign up for a free trial on their website and follow their tutorials and documentation to learn how to use the tool.
- They also offer paid training courses and certifications for those who want to become experts in using the software.
12. Zoho Analytics
Zoho Analytics is a cloud-based data visualization and business intelligence software that allows users to create interactive dashboards, charts, and reports.
It is a good choice for businesses that need to analyze and visualize data from a variety of sources.
Benefits of using Zoho Analytics
- Wide range of visualization options: Zoho Analytics offers a variety of chart types, including bar charts, pie charts, and scatter plots, allowing users to choose the best way to represent their data.
- Integration with Zoho CRM and other Zoho apps: Zoho Analytics integrates with other Zoho apps, making it easy for users to analyze and visualize data within their existing workflow.
- Collaboration: Zoho Analytics allows users to share their visualizations with others and collaborate on projects in real-time.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
- Wide range of data connectors.
- Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
Cons
- Limited scalability for very large datasets.
- Advanced features may require higher-tier plans.
- Learning curve for complex analyses.
How to get started with Zoho Analytics
- To get started with Zoho Analytics, you can sign up for a free trial on their website and follow their tutorials and documentation to learn how to use the tool.
- They also offer paid training courses and certifications for those who want to become experts in using the software.
13. Domo
Domo offers a cloud-based platform for data visualization, helping organizations transform data into actionable insights.
It is a good choice for businesses that need to analyze and visualize large and complex datasets.
Benefits of using Domo
- Wide range of visualization options: Domo offers a variety of chart types, including bar charts, pie charts, and scatter plots, allowing users to choose the best way to represent their data.
- Scalability: Domo is designed to handle large and complex datasets, making it a good choice for businesses with large amounts of data.
- Collaboration: Domo allows users to share their visualizations with others and collaborate on projects in real time.
Pros
- Cloud-based accessibility.
- User-friendly interface for creating dashboards.
- Strong collaboration features.
Cons
- Pricing can be higher for larger organizations.
- Learning curve for more advanced features.
- May require data integration expertise.
How to get started with Domo
- To get started with Domo, you can sign up for a free trial on their website and follow their tutorials and documentation to learn how to use the tool.
- They also offer paid training courses and certifications for those who want to become experts in using the software.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visualization Software
Visualization software is a tool that allows users to represent data in a visual format, such as charts, graphs, and maps.
Visualization tools are used to visualize and analyze data in order to gain insights, identify patterns, and make informed decisions What are the benefits of using visualization software?
There are several benefits of using visualization software:
– They allow users to represent data in a more easily understandable format, making it easier to gain insights and identify patterns.
– They can help users to communicate their findings and ideas more effectively, as visualizations are often more engaging and memorable than text-based explanations.
– They can save time and effort by automating the process of creating visualizations, rather than having to manually create them using tools like Excel or by drawing them by hand.
– They often have a range of customization and formatting options, allowing users to create visualizations that are visually appealing and professional-looking.
When choosing visualization software, there are a few factors to consider:
Cost: Determine your budget and consider which tools fall within it.
Ease of use: Consider the learning curve and user-friendliness of the tool.
Range of visualization options: Think about the types of visualizations you need to create and choose a tool that offers a wide range of options.
Customization options: Consider whether you need a tool that allows for a high level of customization, or if a simpler tool will suffice.
Collaboration features: If you need to share your visualizations with others or work on projects with a team, consider tools that offer collaboration features.
Conclusion
Just as our minds never truly stop visualizing, the world of data never ceases to evolve. The journey through this guide has illuminated the immense power of visualization software in transforming raw data into meaningful narratives.
With these tools at your disposal, you possess the means to unravel intricate patterns, unveil hidden insights, and pave the way for informed decisions.
From the vibrant realm of marketing to the intricate landscapes of data science, visualization software serves as the compass guiding us through the vast sea of information.
And, these tools are not just about aesthetics; they are the bridge that connects the human intellect with the intricate tapestry of data.
As you embark on your own data-driven quests, armed with the knowledge shared in this guide, you’re not just wielding software; you’re wielding the power to extract stories from numbers, to bring clarity to complexity, and to contribute to the ever-growing symphony of human understanding.
