Are you in search for the most powerful and intuitive data visualization solution in the market? Among the widely used software for data visualization, Power BI and Qlik Sense stand out as the top leaders on market according to the last Gartner report. If you’re still weighing your options, i conducted a detailed Qlik Sense vs Power BI comparison to show you the differences between these two tools. My goal is to assist you in choosing the software that best aligns with your needs.
I gonna try to maintain neutrality in the comparison, despite my big experience and appreciation for Qlik products.
Qlik Sense vs Power BI: Technical Differences
Basic Version: Accessibility and Installation
Power BI: The basic version of Power BI Desktop is free, easily downloadable and installable for immediate use.
Qlik Sense: Not offered for free, and no trial version available. Even for testing purposes, a subscription is required. However, if you opt for the cloud version, a 30-day trial is available.
Installation
Power BI: Straightforward installation, simple and easy. (power bi desktop)
Qlik Sense: Depending on the version, the desktop version is easy and simple but the installation for the entreprise version require additional time and effort.
Storage Capacity (per app)
Power BI: Up to 1 Go storage with the pro version, increasing to 100 Go with the Premium version.
Qlik Sense: 5 Go per application (SaaS version) and dependent on the server or machine RAM for the on-premise version or Desktop
Mobile Device Support
Power BI: Excellent mobile support with nearly all features accessible.
Qlik Sense: Superior mobile compatibility with a more user-friendly interface.
Qlik Sense vs Power BI: Feature Comparison
Data Management
Both Qlik Sense and Power BI support end-to-end data management, from ingestion and cleaning to transformation and analysis.
Power BI’s query editor allows efficient data profiling and custom metric definition using reusable data models, but it may exhibit limitations in handling big and complex data transformations
Qlik Sense can combine, transform, and load data from diverse sources, and dispose a powerful scripting capability that can handle very complex data transformations without needing third-party ETL software.
Calculation engines
Qlik Sense
Associative Model:
In-Memory Engine: Qlik Sense uses an in-memory associative model. This means that all data is loaded into RAM (Random Access Memory) for quick and efficient analysis.
Associative Data Model: Qlik’s associative data model enables seamless data exploration by associating and linking data points. This allows users to navigate freely through data without predefined hierarchies.
Data Indexing:
Columnar Storage: Qlik Sense stores data in a columnar format, optimizing data retrieval and aggregation.
Smart Data Indexing: The engine creates a compressed and optimized data structure, allowing for faster searches and aggregations.
Calculation Approach:
On-the-Fly Calculations: Qlik Sense calculates aggregations and results on-the-fly, as users interact with the data. This allows for dynamic analysis without pre-aggregated data sets.
Set Analysis: Qlik Sense employs Set Analysis, a powerful feature for creating custom aggregations and expressions based on specific selections and conditions.
Power BI:
Tabular Model:
In-Memory Engine: Power BI also uses an in-memory engine, loading data into RAM for fast access.
Tabular Data Model: Power BI uses a tabular data model, where data is organized into tables with relationships defined between them.
Data Indexing:
Columnar Storage: Similar to Qlik Sense, Power BI employs columnar storage for efficient data retrieval and analysis.
DAX Optimization: Power BI uses Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), a formula language, to optimize calculations and aggregations.
Calculation Approach:
Cached Data: Power BI may use cached data for certain operations, especially in scenarios where data has been pre-aggregated.
DAX Functions: DAX functions are used to create calculated columns and measures, providing flexibility in defining custom calculations.
Qlik Sense’s associative model allows for more fluid exploration, while Power BI’s tabular model offers structured relationships.
Dashboards and Data Visualization
Both tools generate interactive visualizations with multiple chart options and automatic data refresh.
Qlik Sense outshines Power BI with a more extensive range of visualization possibilities. Its data engine allows exploration through interactive visualizations, compressing large data volumes and utilizing AI for relevant associations.
Reporting
Qlik Sense: Flexible creation of custom reports with the Insight Advisor module, accessible only from Qlik Sense Hub.
Power BI: Simplified report generation with easy sharing, featuring role-based access management for enhanced collaboration.
Advanced Analytics
Both tools support segmentation and cohort analysis with simple and advanced statistical features for scenario simulation.
Power BI provides access to EM and K-means algorithms for cluster analysis. Predictive modeling enables forecasting.
Qlik Sense gains an edge with PMML predictive modeling markup language support, R plug-in for linear bivariate analysis, and trend forecasting with Vizlib extension.
And the Price?
In the Qlik Sense vs Power BI match, accessibility is crucial. Qlik Sense is not free, with pricing beginning at €20/month for standard business cloud offer. For collaborative use, Power BI Pro offers a license at €9.40/user/month, and €18.70/user/month for premium offer.
Since The prices are volatile and can change, this may not reflecting the reality at the time of reading the article.
Qlik Sense vs Power BI: The Verdict
Declaring a winner between Qlik Sense and Power BI isn’t straightforward. It largely depends on your profile and needs, as is often the case in the data industry. If you’re comfortable with Excel and seek an easy-to-use, accessible tool, Power BI is the clear choice. However, if you possess technical skills and you need a high transformation capabilties, Qlik Sense offers way superior possibilities.
