Select Star vs Microsoft Power BI: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Select Star and Microsoft Power BI 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 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Select Star
Modern data governance platform for AI-ready data, offering automated cataloging, lineage, and semantic models.
Best for you if:
- • Automates data cataloging, lineage, and semantic model generation.
- • Creates AI-ready data and a single source of truth for data teams.
Microsoft Power BI
Business analytics service
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • Microsoft BI for everyone
- • Excel-like interface, enterprise power
| At a Glance |  Select Star |  Microsoft Power BI |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Business Intelligence |
Rating | —/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Select Star | Microsoft Power BI |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Business IntelligenceETL & Data Pipelines | Business IntelligenceData Visualization |
How Select Star and Microsoft Power BI Compare
Select Star
Modern data governance platform for AI-ready data, offering automated cataloging, lineage, and semantic models.
Paid
Microsoft Power BI
Business analytics service
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Microsoft Power BI has a free tier. Select Star is paid only.
Go with: Microsoft Power BI
Want the highest-rated option?
Microsoft Power BI scores 88/100. Select Star is unrated.
Go with: Microsoft Power BI
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Microsoft Power BI
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Select Star is paid. Microsoft Power BI is freemium. Microsoft Power BI lets you start free.
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
Microsoft Power BI
- Higher score: 88/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Select Star
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Power BI (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Select Star or Microsoft Power BI better?
Microsoft Power BI scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Select Star is paid and Microsoft Power BI is freemium.
What are Select Star and Microsoft Power BI used for?
Select Star: Modern data governance platform for AI-ready data, offering automated cataloging, lineage, and semantic models.. Microsoft Power BI: Business analytics service.
What does Select Star cost vs Microsoft Power BI?
Select Star is a paid tool. Microsoft Power BI is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.