In a world full of cloud-based software, data visualization tools have established their mark in benefiting businesses across the globe. They are certainly worthwhile, as their powerful features help collect data and present it in various graphical formats. It can then be easily analyzed and shared in order to boost success and innovation. The seven pieces of software listed below showcase some of the most profound and robust features the market has to offer.

The Top Best Data Visualization Tools for Linux

  1. Tableau – Best Robust Offering
  2. Sisense – Best for Large Amounts of Data
  3. Qlik – Best for Live Data
  4. HighCharts – Best for JavaScript
  5. FusionCharts – Best for Consolidation
  6. Plotly – Best for Python
  7. Microsoft Power BI – Best for Leveraging and Improvement

1. Tableau – Best Robust Offering

PRICING: There are various pricing packages to choose from that correlate with your business needs ranging from $15-$70 per user per month. Please refer to the website to choose a plan that works best for you. A free trial is available.

Tableau uses the power of business intelligence and data visualization to help companies be more data driven. The platform’s flexibility allows users to customize the interactive dashboard in order to generate insights and capture new business opportunities. Users can also share data narratives with various audiences directly from their desktop or within a mobile app.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Combine, organize, and clean data for visually appealing analytics.
  • Three coordinating data viewing options.
  • Understand statistics with trend analyses.

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Powerful data visualization tools that tell stories of business trends.
  • Flexible data displays complete with a drag and drop interface.
  • Data export capabilities. No more manual data entry.

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Presents a learning curve if you have limited programming knowledge.
  • Scalability is limited.

2. Sisense – Best for Large Amounts of Data

PRICING: There is no pricing information listed on the website. Please contact the vendor for specific information. A free trial is available.

Sisense allows users to infuse analytics into their work streams and products. With a focus on self-service experiences for your clients, the platform utilizes AI to provide transparent insights to you and your customers. Among other strengths, Sisense also knows no limits when it comes to analyzing complex data. With an ability to hold terabytes of data, and efficiently utilize CPU and RAM, it is no wonder the software has a business intelligence award under its belt.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Integrated data connectors for optimal analysis.
  • Rest API feature allows users to embed the software to SaaS applications.
  • Uses data filtering and calculations for metric identification.

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Zero limitations to data size.
  • Data consolidation.
  • No need for IT resources to work with complex data.

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Error messages are frequent and difficult to understand. Support often has to be contacted.
  • Better for business with technical expertise.

3.Qlik – Best for Live Data

PRICING: Qlik is quote-based, so you must contact the vendor for pricing information. A free trial is available.

Qlik sets themselves apart by ditching the passive business intelligence and adopting a more active approach. Each user is empowered to collaborate using real-time insights and AI to actively generate data according to each business process. Because the software is powered to handle a full range of data and cases, it is capable of hosting a wide range of users as well.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Active analytics.
  • High performance hybrid cloud platform.
  • Data streaming and lake creation.

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Enterprise-level security.
  • Collaborative and conversational.
  • Promotes self service analyses.

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Quite a few tools and features are lacking since the software is still relatively new to the industry.

4. HighCharts – Best for JavaScript

PRICING: HighCharts is quote-based with a variety of plans. Please contact the vendor for more information. A free trial is available.

HighCharts market themselves as a charting library specifically for developers. It offers a wide range of chart types that are ideal for getting the most information out of your data. Its flexible and easy to use API allows you to seamlessly share insights with clients and team members. With so much on offer, it is clear why HighCharts is a company favorite globally.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Built with JavaScript and TypeScript.
  • Annotation tools.
  • Flexible sonification API.

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Free for non-commercial users.
  • A variety of chart types to choose from.
  • Mobile optimized.

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Documentation is lacking.
  • Some users question its value compared to other platforms.

5. FusionCharts – Best for Consolidation

PRICING: Ranges from $499-$2,499 per year. There is a free “trial” version, but it is only meant for testing it out. You will not be able to use the software for your products without buying a license.

FusionCharts are experts at consolidation. With over 100 interactive dashboard charting options to choose from, they help their users get a clear vision on their data all in one place. Moreover, as a user you can even export your organized data as a PDF and share it with others in your company. As a result, you can be confident that all of your raw company data is being optimally integrated while utilizing the power of collaboration within teams.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Intuitive controls that allow your team to create complex graphs in 15 minutes or less.
  • Accessible company data with a board deployment of digital modalities.
  • Multivariate analytics.

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Ease and variety of integrations.
  • Professional look.
  • Documentation is clear and helpful.

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Some users complain that it looks a little dated.
  • Easy setup is not a strong suit.

6. Plotly – Best for Python

PRICING: Plotly offers custom quotes for businesses. Please contact them for more information. A limited free version is available for testing out the product.

With over one million downloads per month, and having gained the trust of the Fortune 500, it is clear that Plotly is an emerging data visualization favorite. The platform is most ideal for businesses that work with Python as the two work seamlessly together to build and deliver interactive analytics. It also offers customizable templates and an open API.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Converts with Python Scripts.
  • Git-app deployment.
  • Enterprise IT integration.

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Low-code development.
  • Centralized project dashboards.
  • Removes the need and cost of an IT team and front-end developers.

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Customizing is limited.

7. Microsoft Power BI – Best for Leveraging and Improvement

PRICING: $9.99-$20 per user per month. For per capacity, the price is $4,995 per month. A limited free desktop version is available for testing out.

Power BI helps businesses leverage their success by locating hidden insights within large amounts of data. The platform’s set of tools empowers users to spot trends and loopholes within business data in a systematic way. Because it is web-based, it makes building SQL models and sharing them a breeze.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Self-service analytics delivered at an enterprise scale.
  • Smart tools built for profound results.
  • Industry leading data security measures.

REASONS TO BUY:

  • Embedded function for web publishing.
  • Gateway data authentication tool.
  • Power review section to get even more out of the features offered.

REASONS TO AVOID:

  • Poses a learning curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Data Visualization and Why is it Important?

A data visualization tool is used to produce various charts in order to organize data and make it easily digestible among businesses. It is important because it helps to define patterns and trends in graphical information. Therefore, businesses can scale and leverage themselves more efficiently; thus making more informed and logical decisions.

What Should I Consider When Choosing A Data Visualization Tool?

The following are some basic qualities to consider in a well performing data visualization tool:

  • Value of money
  • Trainability
  • Security measures
  • Research and reviews
  • Customization and flexibility
  • Hardware requirements (is it mobile/desktop friendly?)
  • Easy implementation and configuration
  • Level of quality support

References and Links