Exploring Mode, Apache Superset & Visivo

Mode Vs. Apache Superset Vs. Visivo

In this article, we'll compare the key features, capabilities, and differentiators between Mode, Apache Superset, Visivo. This comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision about which platform best suits your data visualization and analytics needs.

Quick Comparison

A high-level overview of key features and capabilities across these BI tools. This comparison helps you quickly identify which platform best matches your needs.

FeatureModeApache SupersetVisivo
Deployment ModelCloud (SaaS), Enterprise deployment, Private cloudSelf-host (Apache OSS), Preset Cloud (managed), Docker deploymentOpen-source, Cloud Service, Self-hosted
PricingSubscription per user (tiered features). Proprietary.Open-source (Apache 2.0); Preset Cloud offers paid hosting/supportOpen source (GPL-3.0)
Cost$$$$$$
Git Integration✔️
CI/CD & Testing✔️
Real-time
AI✔️
Visual to Code✔️
DAG-Based✔️

Deployment & Pricing

Understanding the deployment options and pricing structure is crucial for making an informed decision. Here's how each platform handles deployment and what you can expect in terms of costs.

ToolDeployment ModelPricingCost
ModeCloud (SaaS), Enterprise deployment, Private cloudSubscription per user (tiered features). Proprietary.$$$$
Apache SupersetSelf-host (Apache OSS), Preset Cloud (managed), Docker deploymentOpen-source (Apache 2.0); Preset Cloud offers paid hosting/support$
VisivoOpen-source, Cloud Service, Self-hostedOpen source (GPL-3.0)$

Target Users & Use-Cases

Each BI tool is designed with specific user personas in mind. Understanding the target audience helps ensure you choose a platform that aligns with your team's skills and needs.

Mode

Data analystsData scientistsBusiness teams consuming insights

Apache Superset

Data analystsSQL-savvy business usersData engineers

Visivo

Analytics EngineersData teamsBusiness usersEngineers

Ease of Development & Deployment

The development experience can significantly impact your team's productivity. This section compares how easy it is to build, deploy, and maintain dashboards in each platform.

Mode

Apache Superset

Visivo

Key Integrations & Ecosystem

A robust ecosystem of integrations is essential for modern BI tools. Here's how each platform connects with other tools in your data stack.

Mode

Multiple SQL databasesPython/R for advanced analyticsAPI and webhooks for automation

Apache Superset

SQL databases via SQLAlchemyAuthentication systems (OAuth, LDAP)dbt outputs as data sources

Visivo

dbt coreAll major databasesCustom connector frameworkSlack for alertsGithub

AI & Advanced Features

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we interact with data. Compare the AI capabilities and advanced features offered by each platform.

ToolAI Features
Mode
Apache Superset
Visivo✔️

Visualization Capabilities

The ability to create compelling and insightful visualizations is a key differentiator between BI tools. Here's how each platform handles data visualization.

Mode

Hybrid analytics: Start with SQL query, then seamlessly use results in a Python or R notebook within Mode. Visualizations: either use the built-in chart builder on query results (which is simple but covers basics), or output custom plots from the notebook (Matplotlib, etc.). You can combine these in a report. Good for analytical narratives.

Apache Superset

Rich set of visualizations (bar, line, time-series, big number, etc.) via built-in plugins. Dashboards support filters and cross-highlighting. Customization is decent (colors, chart options) but not as polished as Tableau. Can create custom viz plugins with React/D3 if needed.

Visivo

Highly custom UI with easy defaults

Detailed Differentiators

Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses. Here's a detailed breakdown of what sets each tool apart, including both advantages and limitations.

Mode

+ Combines analytics workflows: SQL + Python/R in one tool, enabling advanced analysis (statistical, ML) with sharing in one place. Great collaboration – team commentary and shareable, embeddable reports.
− Not aimed at strict self-service for non-analysts (business users usually consume results, not build). Lacks a governed semantic layer – relies on analysts to maintain consistency.

Apache Superset

+ Open-source BI with no vendor lock-in. Large community and improving UI. Suitable for embedding into internal tools.
− Setup and maintenance require engineering effort (Docker, config). UI can be less intuitive for non-technical users; SQL knowledge often needed for custom queries.

Visivo

+ BI-as-code approach enables version control, collaboration, and CI/CD workflows. DAG-based architecture provides powerful data transformation capabilities and dependency management. Seamless visual-to-code workflow allows both technical and non-technical users to build dashboards effectively.
− Requires understanding of data concepts; not a pure drag-and-drop tool like Tableau. Initial setup requires technical knowledge for optimal configuration.

Security & Architecture

Security and architecture are critical considerations for enterprise deployments. Here's how each platform handles data security and system architecture.

Mode

DB Access: Yes, Mode executes queries against your DB whenever a report refreshes. Virtualization: No separate layer – it's basically a client querying the DB. Push: No, except you can schedule exports of results to external systems. Other: Row-level security must be implemented in SQL (no built-in feature for it). Supports SSO and fine-grained access to reports (who can view/edit).

Apache Superset

DB Access: Yes, connects directly to databases with provided creds (queries run in DB). Virtualization: No internal data storage beyond caches – queries are delegated to sources. Push: No, data is pulled via queries on demand or scheduled caching. Other: Supports row-level security filters and role-based access to datasets/dashboards. Uses your DB's security for data access (you supply read-only creds).

Visivo

No db access required. Very strong security features due to the DAG-based access controls and the push based deployment model.

Why Visivo Stands Out

While each platform has its strengths, Visivo offers unique advantages that make it an excellent choice for modern data teams.

  • DAG-Based Architecture: Enables complex data transformations and dependencies
  • Visual to Human-readable Code: Seamlessly switch between visual and code-based development
  • Ease of Development: Multiple approaches to build for both technical and non-technical users
  • AI-Powered Development: Leverage AI to accelerate dashboard creation
  • Git Integration: Full version control and collaboration capabilities

Ready to experience the power of modern BI? Try Visivo today and see how it compares to other tools in your stack.

$ curl -fsSL https://visivo.sh | bash
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Jared Jesionek (co-founder)
Jared Jesionek (co-founder)
Jared Jesionek (co-founder)
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