Microsoft Power BI vs Tableau: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft Power BI and Tableau 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:
Microsoft Power BI
Business analytics service
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need business intelligence features specifically
- • Microsoft BI for everyone
- • Excel-like interface, enterprise power
Tableau
Visual analytics platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.8/10)
- • You need web analytics features specifically
- • Visual analytics platform for business intelligence
- • Drag-and-drop interface for creating visualizations
| At a Glance |  Microsoft Power BI |  Tableau |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Web Analytics |
Rating | 88/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | Tableau |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Business IntelligenceData Visualization | Web AnalyticsBusiness Intelligence |
How Microsoft Power BI and Tableau Compare
Microsoft Power BI
Business analytics service
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Tableau
Visual analytics platform
Paid · 90/100 score
Microsoft Power BI is a business intelligence tool. Tableau is in web analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Microsoft Power BI has a free tier. Tableau is paid only.
Go with: Microsoft Power BI
Want the highest-rated option?
Microsoft Power BI: 88/100. Tableau: 90/100.
Go with: Tableau
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Tableau
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Microsoft Power BI is freemium. Tableau is paid. Microsoft Power BI lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Microsoft Power BI is a business intelligence tool. Tableau is in web analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Tableau scores higher: 90/100 vs 88/100.
Key Takeaways
Tableau
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 88
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft Power BI
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for business intelligence
The Bottom Line
Tableau (90/100) is our pick. Microsoft Power BI has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Power BI or Tableau better?
Tableau scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Microsoft Power BI is freemium and Tableau is paid.
What are Microsoft Power BI and Tableau used for?
Microsoft Power BI: Business analytics service. Tableau: Visual analytics platform.
What does Microsoft Power BI cost vs Tableau?
Microsoft Power BI is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Tableau is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.