From Data to Decisions: 10 Must-Know Data Visualization Tools in 2024

Have you ever considered how data visualization tools can help interpret information and help in decision-making? 

If not, it’s time to consider these tools, as they are game-changing tools that can help transform unstructured data gathered through web scraping into clear, actionable insights.

By visualizing scraped data, you can spot patterns hidden in raw data and build strategies based on real-time data analysis.

In this article, we are discussing the top 10 data visualization tools that provide information in visual formats.

Top 10 Data Visualization Tools for 2024

Data visualization is the graphical representation, such as graphs, charts, and maps, that simplifies complex data into simple, understandable visuals accessible to even those with no technical backgrounds.

Using some data visualization tools, you can quickly analyze data and make informed decisions. Here’s a list of some of the best data visualization tools you can use in 2024:

1. Tableau
2. Power BI (also referred to as Microsoft Power BI)
3. Zoho Analytics (also referred to as Zoho Reports)
4. Dundas BI
5. Looker
6. Domo
7. Sisense
8. Klipfolio
9. Qlik Sense
10. IBM Cognos Analytics 

Here’s a software comparison table to help you find the best data visualization tool for your needs. Compare all the essential features, pros and cons, ideal use cases, and cost suitability for your project!

1. Tableau

Tableau is a popular data visualization software that helps users create interactive, shareable dashboards.

Features of Tableau

• Versatility

Tableau can support a wide range of visualizations, such as pie charts, scatter plots, bar charts, heat maps, and dashboards, which makes it suitable for diverse applications across different sectors.

• Ease of Use

Due to its user-friendly design and drag-and-drop interface, users can create visualizations without writing any code, and even non-technical users can generate insightful graphics. 

• Real-Time Analysis

Tableau can connect to real-time data sources. This allows users to get the latest information, make decisions, and respond swiftly to changing market conditions or operational challenges.

• Security

Since Tableau offers enterprise-level security, you can ensure that your data is safe and compliance standards are met. Its features protect sensitive information with user authentication, permissions management, and data encryption.

• Integration

Tableau integrates with different data sources such as Excel, SQL databases, Google Analytics, and cloud services, allowing you to consolidate data seamlessly from various platforms. 

Use Cases of Tableau

• Business Intelligence

Tableau can be used to analyze KPIs, sales performance, and financial data in organizations as it visualizes trends and patterns, staying aligned with evolving data visualization trends that inform strategic decisions.

• Market Research

By visualizing large volumes of market data, you can understand customer behavior and tailor your offerings effectively.

• Healthcare

Tableau can also be used in the healthcare industry to visualize patient data and treatment outcomes and analyze clinical metrics and operational performance to improve patient care quality. 

• Retail

Retailers can use Tableau to track inventory, sales, and customer satisfaction metrics and optimize their supply chains effectively.

Pros  of Tableau

• Ease of Use

As discussed before, Tableau has a user-friendly interface that enables users to create compelling data visualizations, encouraging more users to engage with analytics.

• Highly Interactive

When you use Tableau, you can create a visually appealing and interactive dashboard with specific data points or dynamically filtered views, enhancing the exploratory analysis experience. 

Cons of Tableau

• Cost

You have to pay a high subscription cost. While this investment may yield significant returns in the long run for large organizations, it can be a barrier for smaller organizations.

• Scalability

When Tableau handles very large datasets, it may lead to performance issues. Users might experience slower processing times or difficulties rendering complex visualizations.

2. Microsoft Power BI

Microsoft Power BI is one of the top data visualization tools for creating custom dashboards and reports, integrating seamlessly with other Microsoft products.

Features of Microsoft Power BI

• Cloud-Based

Power BI provides a cloud-based service that allows users to access their dashboards from anywhere and ensures that data is always up-to-date and accessible.

• AI-Powered

Microsoft Power BI uses AI to identify patterns in data, which helps users make informed decisions quickly and enhances overall efficiency.

• Integration with Microsoft Products

Since Power BI integrates easily with Excel, Azure, and SQL Server, users can pull data from various sources without extensive configuration and streamline their analytics processes.

• Customizable Dashboards

You can even create personalized dashboards according to your  needs, which enables you to focus on the most relevant metrics and KPIs for operations.

• Real-Time Data

With Power BI, you can track and analyze real-time data for immediate insights. You can even visualize live data streams and make timely decisions based on current information.

Use Cases of Microsoft Power BI

• Sales and Marketing

Using Power BI, you can track sales figures, analyze marketing campaigns, monitor customer engagement, and enhance overall marketing effectiveness.

• Finance

Power BI can be used for reporting, forecasting, and analyzing financial data to improve financial planning and risk management.

• Retail

Using PowerBI, you can also monitor inventory, sales performance, and customer feedback and respond swiftly to market demands.

Pros of Microsoft Power BI

• Affordable

Compared to many other data visualization tools, Power BI offers competitive pricing, making it suitable for adoption across various sectors.

• Real-Time Updates

Microsoft Power BI’s dashboards automatically update with real-time data, ensuring that users always work with the most current information available.

Cons of Microsoft Power BI

• Limited Customization

Power BI has fewer options for customizing visualizations than other tools, which deters those seeking highly tailored solutions.

• Complex Setup

The setup of Power BI can be challenging for non-Microsoft users, resulting in extended onboarding periods and possible difficulties for new users.

3. Zoho Analytics

Zoho Analytics is a cloud-based data visualization tool designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers easy-to-use data analysis capabilities and integrates seamlessly with other Zoho products.

Features of Zoho Analytics

• AI-Powered Insights

Data analysis can be automated without requiring user intervention with Zoho’s AI assistant, Zia. 

• Multiple Data Connectors

Since the tool Integrates well with Zoho apps, Google Drive, and external databases like MySQL, you can consolidate data from various sources effortlessly.

• Customizable Reports

You can create custom reports and dashboards according to your specific requirements, focusing on the metrics that matter most to you.

• Collaboration Tools

You can share dashboards and visualizations with your team to discuss insights and make informed decisions together, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Use Cases of Zoho Analytics

• Small Business Reporting

Zoho Analytics will help you track financial performance and customer behavior, optimize operations, and improve profitability.

• E-Commerce

Zoho Analytics provides insights into customer purchasing patterns and can be used to monitor website traffic, sales, and customer demographics.

Pros of Zoho Analytics

• Affordable

Zoho Analytics is an affordable option for small businesses to invest in data-driven decision-making.

• Easy to Use

Zoho Analytics’s interface is user-friendly, and you can quickly navigate through features without extensive training or technical knowledge.

Cons of Zoho Analytics

• Limited Advanced Features

Zoho Analytics lacks the advanced capabilities that may be needed for larger enterprises. 

• Performance Issues

Zoho Analytics can slow down when working with large datasets, and you may experience delays in loading or processing times.

4. Dundas BI 

Dundas BI, now part of Logi Symphony, is a data visualization tool designed for large enterprises. It offers advanced analytics to turn complex data into clear insights.

Features of Dundas BI

• Custom Dashboards

You can create highly customizable dashboards with Dundas BI and tailor them to meet your specific business needs and preferences, incorporating various data sources and visual elements. 

• Real-Time Data

Since Dundas BI supports real-time data integration, it ensures that you work with the most up-to-date information and respond quickly to market changes.

• Advanced Analytics

Dundas BI  provides built-in machine learning models for predictive analytics that help users forecast trends and identify potential outcomes based on historical data. 

• Security Features

Dundas BI provides features like user authentication, role-based access, and data encryption and is suitable for industries handling sensitive data as it has robust security measures.

Use Cases of Dundas BI

• Enterprise Reporting

Large enterprises can use Dundas BI to generate complex reports and dashboards for decision-making as it handles vast amounts of data quickly. 

• Finance

Dundas BI is widely used in finance to analyze budgets, expenses, and revenue trends, helping organizations optimize resource allocation.

Pros of Dundas BI

• Customizable

Since Dundas BI is highly flexible, you can create tailored visualizations by adjusting layouts, colors, and metrics, creating a personalized experience.

• Real-Time Analytics

Dundas BI provides live data updates, which is crucial for fast-paced industries. This feature allows you to monitor performance continuously and make timely adjustments.

Cons of Dundas BI

• Learning Curve

The tool has advanced features, making it difficult for beginners to learn. Therefore, users may need additional training or support to navigate the tool effectively. 

• High Cost 

Dundas BI is more expensive than other tools. So, it may not be accessible to smaller businesses.

5. Looker

Looker is a data analytics platform offering SQL-based queries and seamless integration with Google Cloud for scalable, high-performance insights.

Features of Looker

• SQL-Based Queries

Looker allows users to run SQL queries for in-depth analysis. It allows users to manipulate and explore datasets with precision, enabling complex calculations and aggregations.

• Google Cloud Integration

Since Looker integrates well with Google Cloud, it can offer fast and scalable analytics, enabling efficient data storage and processing. 

Use Cases of Looker

• Big Data Analytics

Looker is a good option for enterprises that work with large datasets to generate insights and predictions and want to stay competitive in data-driven markets.

• Collaboration

Looker is ideal for team collaboration on large-scale data projects, as its features allow multiple users to contribute insights and analyses.

Pros of Looker

• Great for Big Data

Looker can efficiently process significant volumes of data without compromising performance; it is also excellent for handling complex analyses.

• Collaboration Features

Looker is a collaborative tool that can enhance communication and streamline workflows within teams, promoting a culture of data-driven decision-making across the organization.

Cons of Looker

• High Cost

Looker is expensive, making it less accessible for smaller businesses. Therefore, enterprises must carefully evaluate their budget against the potential return on investment.  

• SQL Knowledge Needed

You need to have some knowledge of SQL to use  Looker’s capabilities. If you are unfamiliar with SQL, you may struggle to use its full potential.

6. Domo

Domo is a cloud-based business intelligence tool that offers real-time data integration. Its ease of use and mobile-first design allow users of various skill levels to access it.

Features of Domo

• Real-Time Data

Domo supports real-time data updates, so you can track performance metrics instantly and respond to changing conditions in a timely manner. 

• AI and Machine Learning

Since Domo includes AI-driven insights and machine learning features, you can predict trends. It analyzes historical data and identifies and forecasts future outcomes using its advanced algorithms.

• Mobile-Friendly

Domo has a mobile-first design that ensures users can access their dashboards easily. It provides a seamless user experience and effective data engagement anytime, anywhere.

Use Cases of Domo

• Logistics

Using Domo, you can track delivery performance, identify bottlenecks in logistics operations, and optimize supply chain processes. 

• Sales Analytics

Domo can be used to monitor sales trends and customer engagement in real-time. It provides immediate insights, allowing you to adjust strategies based on current performance metrics. 

Pros of Domo

• Real-Time Analytics

Domo provides live data insights, which allow you to make faster decisions based on emerging trends or issues and maintain a competitive edge in fast-paced markets.

• Mobile-Friendly

Domo is optimized for mobile devices, so professionals can stay connected with their data while traveling or working remotely. 

Cons of Domo

• Expensive

Domo is quite expensive even though it offers robust features, so it may not be a cost-efficient solution for small enterprises.

• Limited Customization

Compared to its competitors, Domo doesn’t offer as many customization options. So, if you have specific needs, this limitation could restrict your ability to create unique dashboards.

7. Sisense

Sisense is one of the top data visualization tools that can handle large, complex datasets. It offers customizable dashboards and reports for business intelligence. 

Features of Sisense

• In-Chip Technology 

Sisense is optimized for fast data processing for large datasets. It can perform complex calculations directly in memory, so you can analyze vast amounts of data without experiencing delays.

• Customizable Dashboards

You can create custom dashboards according to your specific requirements, facilitating better communication of insights across teams and departments.

• Multi-Source Integration

Sisense integrates with various data sources, allowing you to consolidate information from different platforms into a single view for comprehensive analysis.

Use Cases of Sisense

• Healthcare

You can use  Sisense to visualize patient metrics, treatment effectiveness, and operational efficiency, optimizing patient care and resource allocation.

• Manufacturing

Manufacturing companies can track and analyze production data with Sisense, visualizing key performance indicators related to production efficiency and quality control.

Pros of Sisense

• Handles Large Datasets

Sisense can process large volumes of data efficiently and manage complex queries without performance degradation for organizations that rely on extensive datasets for strategic planning.

• Customizable

Sisense is highly flexible as it can customize dashboards and reports. You can adjust visual elements to suit your analytical needs and ensure that insights are presented effectively.

Cons of Sisense

• Complex Interface

Sisense has a complex interface that might be challenging for beginners to navigate. Additional training may be needed to use the platform effectively.

• High Cost

Although Sisense has advanced capabilities, it is priced higher, which makes it inaccessible to most organizations. 

8. Klipfolio

Klipfolio is a real-time data visualization tool that allows users to create simple, effective dashboards and easily integrate with third-party apps. 

Features of Klipfolio

• Real-Time Data Integration

Klipfolio can pull data from various sources in real time, helping users react promptly to changes in their business environment.

• Pre-Built Visualizations

Klipfolio has many pre-built templates and visualizations that can simplify the dashboard creation process, allowing users to focus on analyzing data rather than formatting visuals.

• Collaboration Tools

You can share dashboards, collaborate quickly with your team members, and contribute insights and feedback on data presentations. 

Use Cases of Klipfolio

• Marketing Analytics

Klipfolio can be used to track website performance and ad campaigns. It enables you to visualize campaign effectiveness and optimize marketing strategies based on real-time insights. 

• Small Business Reporting

Startups and small businesses can use Klipfolio to monitor KPIs in real time and continuously track financial performance, customer engagement, and operational efficiency.

Pros of Klipfolio

• Affordable

Klipfolio is an affordable data visualization tool, making it an attractive option for small businesses that require effective analytics solutions without high costs. 

• Real-Time Updates

Since the dashboards are updated with live data, they ensure that users are constantly working with the most current information available, facilitating timely responses to emerging trends or issues.

Cons of Klipfolio

• Limited Customization

Klipfolio can be used only for basic visualizations, and it has fewer advanced customization options. 

• Struggles with Large Datasets

Klipfolio is not ideal for handling massive datasets, and you may experience performance issues or delays when working with extensive amounts of data.

9. Qlik Sense

Qlik Sense is a top data visualization tool that offers multi-cloud support and powerful analytics features and is well-suited for businesses of all sizes.

Features of Qlik Sense

• AI-Assisted Analytics

Qlik Sense uses  AI to uncover insights from data automatically. This feature saves time for you and helps you identify trends and anomalies without extensive manual analysis, streamlining the decision-making process.

• Drag-and-Drop Interface

With Qlik Sense, you can easily create visualizations without any code. It provides drag-and-drop functionality that enhances user experience and enables quick adjustments to visualizations.

• Multi-Cloud Architecture

Qlik Sense supports multi-cloud deployment, allowing you to choose the cloud environment that best suits your operational requirements and scale.

Use Cases of Qlik Sense

• Enterprise Analytics

You can use Qlik Sense to track business performance and make data-driven decisions, as it supports strategic planning and operational efficiency across various departments.

• Supply Chain Management

You can also monitor supply chain metrics and optimize processes by visualizing key performance indicators related to logistics, inventory, and supplier performance.

Pros of Qlik Sense

• AI-Driven Insights

With AI, users can uncover patterns and trends in the data, enhancing the analytical process by providing automated recommendations and insights.

• Scalable

Qlik Sense’s architecture supports increasing data volumes and user numbers without compromising performance.

Cons of Qlik Sense

• High Cost

Qlik Sense is expensive, making it less accessible to small businesses even when it has robust features.

• Limited Customization

Qlik Sense has fewer customization options than top data visualization tools like Tableau, which prevents it from creating unique visualizations that fully align with your specific needs.

10. IBM Cognos Analytics

Data Visualization Software Comparison

Software	Key Features	Pros	Cons	Best Use Cases	Cost Suitability
Tableau	Versatile visualizations, ease of use, real-time analysis, strong security, integration with multiple sources	User-friendly, highly interactive dashboards	Expensive, may have performance issues with large datasets	Business intelligence, market research, healthcare, retail	Medium to Large businesses
Microsoft Power BI	Cloud-based, AI-powered, integrates with Microsoft products, customizable dashboards, real-time data	Affordable, real-time updates	Limited customization, complex setup for non-Microsoft users	Sales & marketing, finance, retail	Small to Medium businesses
Zoho Analytics	AI-powered insights, multiple data connectors, customizable reports, collaboration tools	Affordable, easy to use	Limited advanced features, performance issues with large datasets	Small business reporting, e-commerce	Small businesses
Dundas BI	Customizable dashboards, real-time data, advanced analytics, strong security	Highly customizable, real-time analytics	High learning curve, expensive	Enterprise reporting, finance	Large businesses
Looker	SQL-based queries, custom visualizations, collaboration tools, Google Cloud integration	Great for big data, strong collaboration features	High cost, SQL knowledge required	Big data analytics, collaboration	Medium to Large businesses
Domo	Real-time data integration, AI & machine learning, mobile-friendly, app integration	Real-time analytics, mobile-friendly	Expensive, limited customization	Logistics, sales analytics	Medium to Large businesses
Sisense	In-chip technology, customizable dashboards, advanced analytics, multi-source integration	Handles large datasets, highly customizable	Complex interface, high cost	Healthcare, manufacturing	Large businesses
Klipfolio	Real-time data integration, pre-built visualizations, collaboration tools, affordable pricing	Affordable, real-time updates	Limited customization, struggles with large datasets	Marketing analytics, small business reporting	Small businesses
Qlik Sense	AI-assisted analytics, drag-and-drop interface, multi-cloud architecture, customizable dashboards	AI-driven insights, scalable	High cost, limited customization compared to Tableau	Enterprise analytics, supply chain management	Medium to Large businesses
IBM Cognos Analytics	AI-powered insights, strong data governance, cloud/on-premise deployment, natural language querying	Advanced AI capabilities, strong data security	Expensive, high learning curve	Financial services, healthcare	Large businesses

Did you know that you can also create beautiful and complex data visualizations using Python libraries? If you are interested in learning more, read our article on the 10 best Python data visualization libraries.

Why Should You Consider ScrapeHero Web Scraping Service?

Data visualization tools are essential for quickly identifying patterns, trends, and anomalies in complex datasets. This helps facilitate understanding and communication of insights across teams.

These tools can streamline analysis and support strategic planning for enterprises dealing with data ranging from customer behavior to market trends. 

As you know, clean, reliable data is essential for enterprises. The quality of data is critical to visual clarity, whether analyzing market trends, tracking competitors, or understanding customer sentiment.

A web scraping service like ScrapeHero can provide high-quality, structured data from diverse sources for you to generate accurate, actionable insights when visualized. 

Our advanced technologies can automate data collection and ensure a consistent and accurate data flow, providing you with real-time and comprehensive data at affordable prices. 

You can integrate ScrapeHero’s accurate data into visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI. This will allow you to make well-informed, data-driven decisions to enhance strategy and respond effectively to market changes.

Frequently Asked Questions