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.
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.
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.
Pros
- Native connections to dozens of properties, both Google and non Google products
- Easy to pick up and learn with plenty of free learning content available
- Completely free
Cons
- Third-party data integration is sometimes glitchy
- Adding data sources can demand a steep learning curve
Pricing
- Free
Learn more
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.
Pros
- Easy to organize data and input from multiple sources
- Integrates seamlessly with Salesforce and other platforms
Cons
- You have to update static parameters manually
- No auto-refresh
- Slow at times
- Pricing…it’s steep
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:
Learn more
3. Looker
It offers a huge data visualization template library and operates entirely within your browser.
Pros
- Easily integrates with databased from BigQuery, Amazon Redshift, and more.
- Awesome customization options
- Good for big datasets
Cons
- Features can be limited
- LDAP setup is rough
- Larger datasets are slow to load
Pricing
- Looker doesn’t offer the usual tiered pricing system. Instead, you must contact them for a quote.
Learn more
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.
Pros
- Unique visualization options like infographics and maps
- Fully optimized templates for mobile and social media
- Instantly embed designs on web pages
Cons
- Learning curve can take some time
- Not the best integration
Pricing
- Infogram offers a nice free version and flexible monthly or annual plans
Learn more
5. D3.js
D3.js is a JavaScript library you can use to visualize data in highly interactive formats with HTML, CSS, and SVG.
Pros
- Open-source platform
- Powerful interactive, hierarchies, and animated examples
Cons
- Takes time to learn (but it’s totally worth it)
- No templates, just live code
Pricing
- Open-source and completely free
Learn more
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.
Pros
- Tons of examples and templates
- Integrates well with other platforms
- Supports both JSON and XML
Cons
- It’s all JavaScript
- Features can feel overwhelming
Pricing
- You can download a free trial, but the full license is pretty pricey: starting at $497 for a single developer.
Learn more
7. Datawrapper
This was designed for journalists so it’s easy and fast to use even for folks without any coding knowledge.
Pros:
- Interactive templates for maps, charts, and tables
- Fully responsive across devices
- User-friendly
Cons:
- Tough to customize
- Free version stores your data on their server
Pricing:
- Datawrapper offers a solid free plan with custom versions starting at about $600 a month
Learn more
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.
Pros
- Join large data sets
- Real-time accessibility for teams
- Flexible customization
Cons
- Exporting sometimes screws with the quality
- Analytic cubes are tough to set up and maintain
Pricing
While the website boasts “no surprise” pricing, you’ll still have to contact them for a straightforward quote.
Learn more
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.
Pros
- Integrates well with other Microsoft data tools
- Tons of visualization options
Cons
- Don’t use it for bulk data
- Steep learning curve
- Cloud version isn’t as extensive as the Windows version
Pricing
The self-service pro plan is super affordable, starting at just $10 a month
Learn more
10. HighCharts
HighCharts offers an extensive library to create super interactive mobile-optimized web and mobile visualization projects for any platform.
Pros
- Works with any backend database or server stack
- Tons of templates to customize, including maps
- Built-in debugger
Cons
- Their vast API takes some skill and experience to grasp
- Requires written code to customize their templates
Pricing
- HighCharts doesn’t come cheap, but they do offer both bundling and single-developer packages for their products like Maps, JavaScript, Gannt, and Stock.
Learn more
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.
Pros
- Compatible with plenty of data formats
- Ideal for highly niche stuff
Cons
- No basic examples
- Customization requires developer help
Pricing
- Free!
Learn more
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!
