KNIME vs Lightdash: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between KNIME 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:
KNIME
Open-source data analytics and machine learning platform for visual workflow creation.
Best for you if:
- • Build visual workflows for data processing, analysis, and machine learning.
- • Connects to over 300 data sources and handles diverse data types.
Lightdash
Open-source BI for dbt projects
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Lightdash is an open-source BI tool that connects to dbt projects
- • It creates dashboards and visualizations directly from dbt metrics
| At a Glance |  KNIME |  Lightdash |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Business Intelligence |
Rating | —/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | KNIME | Lightdash |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 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 KNIME and Lightdash Compare
KNIME
Open-source data analytics and machine learning platform for visual workflow creation.
Free tier available
Lightdash
Open-source BI for dbt projects
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: KNIME
Want the highest-rated option?
Lightdash scores 80/100. KNIME is unrated.
Go with: Lightdash
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Lightdash
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are business intelligence tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Lightdash
- Higher score: 80/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
KNIME
The Bottom Line
Lightdash (80/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is KNIME or Lightdash better?
Lightdash scores 80/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are KNIME and Lightdash used for?
KNIME: Open-source data analytics and machine learning platform for visual workflow creation.. Lightdash: Open-source BI for dbt projects.
What does KNIME cost vs Lightdash?
KNIME is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Lightdash is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.