Lightdash vs Apache Superset: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Lightdash and Apache Superset 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:
Lightdash
Open-source BI for dbt projects
Best for you if:
- • Lightdash is an open-source BI tool that connects to dbt projects
- • It creates dashboards and visualizations directly from dbt metrics
Apache Superset
Open-source business intelligence and data visualization
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • Apache Superset is an open-source business intelligence platform for data exploration and visualization
- • It creates interactive dashboards with a no-code interface and supports 40+ database connections
| At a Glance |  Lightdash |  Apache Superset |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Business Intelligence |
Rating | 80/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Lightdash | Apache Superset |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Business IntelligenceData Visualization | Business IntelligenceData Visualization |
How Lightdash and Apache Superset Compare
Lightdash
Open-source BI for dbt projects
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Apache Superset
Open-source business intelligence and data visualization
Free · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apache Superset is free. Lightdash is freemium.
Go with: Apache Superset
Want the highest-rated option?
Lightdash: 80/100. Apache Superset: 86/100.
Go with: Apache Superset
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Apache Superset
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Lightdash is freemium. Apache Superset is free. Go with Apache Superset if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are business intelligence tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Apache Superset scores higher: 86/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Apache Superset
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 80
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Lightdash
The Bottom Line
Apache Superset (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lightdash or Apache Superset better?
Apache Superset scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Lightdash is freemium and Apache Superset is free.
What are Lightdash and Apache Superset used for?
Lightdash: Open-source BI for dbt projects. Apache Superset: Open-source business intelligence and data visualization.
What does Lightdash cost vs Apache Superset?
Lightdash is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Apache Superset is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.