Power BI vs. Tableau

Data Visualization Tools

Two Popular Visualization Tools
From: Visualization Tools

Introduction

Power BI and Tableau are both widely used today by tons of large, powerful businesses. They’re both data visualization tools used to make analysis way easier. They have a lot in common and some major differences.

Similarities

Tableau and Power BI have a lot in common. They’re the most popular used data tools and can create many different graphs, tables, etc. Plus, they are user-friendly these business intelligence tools do not require coding. Finally, both take input from many different data sources.

Typically, when data is used, it is gathered from different channels and needs to be compiled together. Both platforms can connect the data together. These tools have a lot of similarities. That is why both seem great to use, but what might give one the edge over the other?

Differences

However, there are also many differences between Tableau and Power BI.

If a Mac is being used, Tableau must be used! Power BI only works on Microsoft Windows. If utilizing other Microsoft applications like Excel, Power BI might be the way to go. It is much easier to integrate Power BI when using Microsoft Office applications.

Another difference is that both sites offer certifications, but Tableau is able to offer more to show different levels of mastery. Plus, Tableau may be easier if Salesforce is used.

If programming is going to be used in Tableau and Power BI, note that Tableau can process R, Python, Java, C, and C++, whereas Power BI can process only DAX, R, and M.

It also may just be up to which one an organization chooses to use. These differences will affect the choice, but it is good to know both tools because they’re both super popular.

In the End

Besides the actual device used, it comes down to whatever was used in the past for gathering the data, data cleaning, and data manipulation.

Both data visualization tools are powerful and efficient and can be amazing for analysis. Using either one of these tools can lead to large steps in the right direction and help a business grow and allow their customer base to flourish as well.

If you want to read more in depth: Power BI vs Tableau: Which Should You Choose in 2023? | DataCamp