Klipfolio vs Lightdash: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Klipfolio and Lightdash comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Klipfolio
Spreadsheet power with dashboard clarity for automated data insights.
Best for you if:
- • Automates data retrieval from 200+ sources (spreadsheets, cloud apps, databases, APIs).
- • Enables building highly customizable and visually appealing dashboards with 30+ chart types.
Lightdash
Open-source BI for dbt projects
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 7.6/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • Lightdash is an open-source BI tool that connects to dbt projects
- • It creates dashboards and visualizations directly from dbt metrics
| At a Glance |  Klipfolio |  Lightdash |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Business Intelligence |
Rating | 76/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Klipfolio | Lightdash |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 76 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Business IntelligenceData Visualization | Business IntelligenceData Visualization |
How Klipfolio and Lightdash Compare
Klipfolio
Spreadsheet power with dashboard clarity for automated data insights.
Paid · 76/100 score
Lightdash
Open-source BI for dbt projects
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Lightdash has a free tier. Klipfolio is paid only.
Go with: Lightdash
Want the highest-rated option?
Klipfolio: 76/100. Lightdash: 80/100.
Go with: Lightdash
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Lightdash
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Klipfolio is paid. Lightdash is freemium. Lightdash lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are business intelligence tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Lightdash scores higher: 80/100 vs 76/100.
Key Takeaways
Lightdash
- Higher score: 80/100 vs 76
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Klipfolio
The Bottom Line
Lightdash (80/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Klipfolio or Lightdash better?
Lightdash scores 80/100 in our evaluation. Klipfolio is paid and Lightdash is freemium.
What are Klipfolio and Lightdash used for?
Klipfolio: Spreadsheet power with dashboard clarity for automated data insights.. Lightdash: Open-source BI for dbt projects.
What does Klipfolio cost vs Lightdash?
Klipfolio is a paid tool. Lightdash is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.