Mode vs Lightdash: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Mode 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:
Mode
Collaborative analytics and BI platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • Mode is a collaborative analytics platform for data teams
- • It combines SQL, Python, and visualization in shareable notebooks
Lightdash
Open-source BI for dbt projects
Best for you if:
- • 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 |  Mode |  Lightdash |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Business Intelligence |
Rating | 82/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Mode | Lightdash |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 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 Mode and Lightdash Compare
Mode
Collaborative analytics and BI platform
Paid · 82/100 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. Mode is paid only.
Go with: Lightdash
Want the highest-rated option?
Mode: 82/100. Lightdash: 80/100.
Go with: Mode
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Mode
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Mode 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?
Mode scores higher: 82/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Mode
- Higher score: 82/100 vs 80
- Our pick for this comparison
Lightdash
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Mode (82/100) is our pick. Lightdash has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mode or Lightdash better?
Mode scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Mode is paid and Lightdash is freemium.
What are Mode and Lightdash used for?
Mode: Collaborative analytics and BI platform. Lightdash: Open-source BI for dbt projects.
What does Mode cost vs Lightdash?
Mode is a paid tool. Lightdash is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.