Qlik vs Tableau: Which one is better?

Qlik and Tableau are prominent data visualization and business intelligence software that help organizations make sense of their data. They fulfill comparable functions but vary in characteristics, procedure, and capability. Let us contrast them:

What is Qlik?

Qlik is a software vendor focusing on data visualization, executive dashboards, and self-service business information. Users can utilize the platform’s features like data search, reporting, and interactive dashboard creation to gain valuable insights from their knowledge and make informed decisions. Qlik is known for its associative data model, which helps users uncover hidden relationships and patterns within their data.

Here are some key features and aspects of Qlik:

  • Associative Data Model
  • Data Visualization
  • Data Integration
  • Data Preparation
  • Dashboard Creation
  • Collaboration
  • Advanced Analytics
  • Mobile Accessibility
  • Deployment Options.
  • Governance and Security

What is Tableau?

Tableau, a widely used platform for business intelligence (BI) and data visualization, empowers users to create interactive dashboards, reports, and visualizations by combining various data sources. By converting raw data into meaningful insights, Tableau facilitates informed decision-making for both individuals and organizations. The intuitive user interface and potent data analysis tools of Tableau are well-known.

Here are some key features and aspects of Tableau:

  • Data Connectivity
  • Drag-and-Drop Interface
  • Visualizations
  • Interactive Dashboards
  • Data Blending
  • Ad-Hoc Analysis
  • Mapping and Geospatial Analysis
  • Advanced Analytics
  • Data Preparation
  • Collaboration
  • Deployment Options
  • Security and Governance

Feature Comparison: Qlik vs. Tableau

FeatureQlik Tableau
Data Visualization Approach:

 

Associative data modeling, focusing on data relationships.

 

Traditional drag-and-drop interface for creating visualizations
Ease of Use:

 

 

The associative model can have a steeper learning curve.

 

Generally user-friendly with an intuitive interface
Data Connectivity:

 

Robust data connectivity to various sources.

 

Extensive data connectivity options for diverse sources

 

Data Preparation:

 

Built-in data transformation and preparation tools.

 

Basic data preparation may require external tools for complex tasks.
Advanced Analytics:

 

 

Integration with R and Python for advanced analytics.

 

Supports integration with R and Python for advanced analysis.
Collaboration and Sharing:

 

 

Collaboration features for sharing insights and apps.

 

 Multiple sharing options, including embedding and publishing
Deployment Options:

 

 

On-premises and cloud deployment.

 

On-premises (Tableau Server) and cloud (Tableau Online) options
Mobile Accessibility:

 

 

Offers responsive design for mobile access.

 

Supports mobile access with responsive design
Governance and Security:

 

 

Provides data governance and security features.

 

Offers security and governance features for data protection.
Data Blending and Integration:

 

 

The associative model supports dynamic data blending.

 

Supports data blending for combining different data sources.
Geospatial Analysis:

 

 

Offers geospatial analysis capabilities.

 

Provides geospatial analysis and mapping features
Ad-Hoc Analysis:

 

 

Supports ad-hoc analysis with an associative model.

 

Enables ad-hoc analysis with a drag-and-drop interface.
Data Exploration:

 

 

Emphasizes exploring data relationships.

 

Offers interactive exploration through visualizations.
Cost:

 

.

Pricing varies based on deployment and features.

 

Pricing varies based on deployment and usage
Community and Resources:

 

 

Active community and resources for support.

 

Well-established community and resources.

Pricing Comparison: Qlik vs. Tableau

Certainly, here’s the pricing comparison presented in a table format:

AspectQlik SenseTableau
Core Analytic & BI Platform CapabilitiesIncluded in a single licenseIncluded in enterprise subscription plans
Add-On CapabilitiesAdditional licensing for add-ons (e.g., Qlik Catalog, Qlik Insight Advisor Chat, Qlik NPrinting) may be required, especially for on-premises deploymentSet enterprise subscription plans with included features
SaaS Platform PricingSimplified with a standard subscriptionN/A
Pricing TransparencySome complexity, concerns about pricing transparencyOffers more clarity with set enterprise subscription plans
Premium Pricing ConcernsConcerns about add-on pricing for on-premises deploymentConcerns about premium pricing for certain products like Tableau CRM
Pricing FlexibilityOptions for different needs and deployment typesOffers flexibility with enterprise plans
User-Based PricingTypically user-based pricingUser-based pricing for some premium products

Which is better, Qlik vs. Tableau?

Determining whether Qlik or Tableau is better depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the context of your organization. Both Qlik and Tableau are leading data visualization and business intelligence tools with their own strengths and capabilities. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

Data Visualization Approach:

  • Qlik: Qlik’s associative data model enables users to explore data relationships dynamically, making it suitable for discovering hidden insights.
  • Tableau: Tableau offers a traditional drag-and-drop interface, making it user-friendly and accessible for users with varying technical backgrounds.

Ease of Use:

  • Qlik: While powerful, the associative model might have a steeper learning curve for beginners.
  • Tableau: Tableau’s intuitive interface is generally more user-friendly, making it easier for users to create visualizations.

Data Connectivity:

  • Both Qlik and Tableau offer extensive data connectivity options to a wide range of data sources.

Advanced Analytics:

  • Both tools support integration with R and Python for advanced analytics.

Data Preparation:

  • Qlik: Offers built-in data transformation and preparation tools.
  • Tableau: Provides basic data preparation features but might require external tools for more complex tasks.

Collaboration and Sharing:

  • Both Qlik and Tableau offer collaboration and sharing features for sharing insights and collaborating on dashboards.

Deployment Options:

  • Both tools offer on-premises and cloud deployment options.

Customization:

  • Both Qlik and Tableau allow for customization of visualizations.

Cost:

  • Pricing varies for both Qlik and Tableau based on factors such as product edition, deployment type, and features required.

Community and Support:

  • Both Qlik and Tableau have active communities and resources for support.

 

Ultimately, the “better” choice depends on your organization’s specific requirements, existing infrastructure, the skillset of your users, and your budget. It’s a good idea to involve key stakeholders and potentially conduct trials or proofs of concept with both tools to determine which one aligns better with your needs. You might also consider factors like the complexity of your data, the level of interactivity needed in your visualizations, and the scalability of the chosen solution as your organization grows