11 Best Data Visualization Tools [2020]

David Krevitt

Lover of laziness, connoisseur of lean-back capitalism. Potentially the #1 user of Google Sheets in the world.

Trying to analyze data in a spreadsheet or databased can be a nightmare.

spreadsheet data ciz

Luckily there’s plenty of data visualization tools that help format, display and analyze data in an easier to digest format.

 

What is Data Visualization?

Data visualization is the process of taking datasets and creating visual representations of the information. Generally speaking, this means depictions like charts, graphs, or tables to better digest and analyze the data set.

types of data viz

We’ve all heard the saying “a picture is worth 1,000 words” – that’s heavily applicable to data viz. Laying out datasets with charts and graphs makes it easier to communicate your argument, especially to stakeholders or folks who may not be familiar with your industry.

Here at Coding is for Losers, we help clients build all sorts of data visualizations for their marketing and sales data. Over the years we’ve used dozens of data viz tools, this article will explore our favorites.

1. Google Data Studio

We started here for a reason – Google Data Studio is our go to choice. It’s an easy to pickup for anyone who works within Google Suite (Sheets, Docs, Analytics, etc) and will fit comfortably within your existing stack.

The platform comes with hundreds of native connections (from Google Analytics to Facebook Ads), but can be modified to pull in data from anywhere via Google Sheet or Google BigQuery.

google data studio vizualization

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2. Tableau

As one of the best data visualization tools, massive companies like Verizon and Charles Schwab rely on Tableau to draw insights from their data across every department.

Tableau data viz

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Pricing

You can try Tableau Public for free. Tableau offers two paid versions: one for their cloud storage and another for their fully hosted software:

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3. Looker

It offers a huge data visualization template library and operates entirely within your browser.

Looker data viz

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4. Infogram

If infographics are your thing (or your client’s thing), Infogram is definitely one of the best data visualization tools to check out.

infogram data viz

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5. D3.js

D3.js is a JavaScript library you can use to visualize data in highly interactive formats with HTML, CSS, and SVG.

d3js

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6. FusionCharts

Not only does FusionCharts deliver your standard JavaScript interactive bars, dots, and charts, but it also really shines as one of the best data visualization tools for maps.

FusionCharts data viz

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7. Datawrapper

This was designed for journalists so it’s easy and fast to use even for folks without any coding knowledge.

Datawrapper data viz

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8. Sisense

Sisense bills itself as a complete end-to-end BI platform. It’s more than just one of the best data visualization tools – Sisense can also help you develop data-driven apps.

Sisense data viz

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Pricing

While the website boasts “no surprise” pricing, you’ll still have to contact them for a straightforward quote.

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9. Microsoft Power BI

Not to be outdone by Google, Microsoft also offers a cloud-based data visualization tool used by major companies like Adobe, Meijer, and Heathrow Airport.

Microsoft Power BI data viz

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The self-service pro plan is super affordable, starting at just $10 a month

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10. HighCharts

HighCharts offers an extensive library to create super interactive mobile-optimized web and mobile visualization projects for any platform.

HighCharts data viz

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11. RAWGraphs

It calls itself the “missing link” between spreadsheets and vector graphics. As one of the best data visualization tools, RAWGraphs is easy to customize and learn.

RAWGraphs data viz

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Pricing

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The best choice?

If you’re not sure what would be the best data visualization tools for your needs, start with the free ones. See what works for you, what doesn’t, and what extra features you’d be willing to pay for to make your life a little easier.

Need help with data viz? Our consultants are standing by – drop us a line!

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