Google Data Studio vs. Tableau: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to Data Visualisation and Business Intelligence, Google Data Studio and Tableau are two heavyweight contenders. Both tools empower users to create insightful dashboards, analyse Big Data, and make informed decisions. But which one is right for your organisation? The question " Google Data Studio vs Tableau, which one should you pick?", naturally arises.

This blog dives into a detailed comparison of Google Data Studio vs. Tableau. We'll analyse their functionalities, pricing structures, and user interfaces. Whether you're a data enthusiast seeking user-friendly dashboards or an experienced analyst requiring advanced capabilities, this comparison will help you pick the champion for your Data Visualisation needs. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is Tableau?

2) What is Google Data Studio?

3) What are the differences between Google Data Studio and Tableau?

4) Pros and cons of Google Data Studio vs Tableau

5) Which of Google Data Studio and Tableau is better for your business?

6) Conclusion

What is Tableau? 

Tableau is a Data Visualisation and analytics software which enables users to change raw data into amazing reporting, dashboards, and visualisations which are interactive. It allows users to get access to different data sources such as databases, spreadsheets and cloud storage and to do data extraction, cleaning and analysis easily and quickly. One of the major features of Tableau is the intuitive drag-and-drop interface and various options for visualisations that allow users to create animated charts, graphs, maps and other visuals to discover data insights and communicate findings in an excellent manner. 

On top of these, Tableau has advanced features such as predictive analytics, spatial analysis and collaboration tools where sharing of Data Visualisations can be done across teams and organisations. In the end, Tableau provides users with the means of mining their data for its maximum value by helping data-driven decisions and providing a basis for business development and innovation.
 

What is Google Data Studio?

Google Data Studio is a cloud-based Data Visualisation software tool from Google that comes without payment. Using this tool, it is possible to design visual representation such as reports, which are both interactive and customisable at the same time, using data from various sources like Google Analytics, Google Ads, Google Sheets, databases, and more. User doesn't need to be an expert in graphic design. The intuitive drag-and-drop functionality allows them to create balanced and detailed charts and graphs that help them show trends and insights from the data. Google Data Studio provides the visualisation options to Google techniques ranging from charts, graphs, tables, and map, that helps in the showcase of data in a beautiful and insightful way. 

In the addition to the above, there is the possibility of real time data sharing with the different team members and secure reporting, as well as ivide embedment on websites and blogs. Google Data Studio empowers users as it activates data for the better through use, helps identify the information that matters the most for the decision making, and communicates data clearly.

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What are the differences between Google Data Studio and Tableau? 

This part of the blog delves deeper into a detailed comparison between Google Data Studio and Tableau based on several relevant parameters.

Comparison of features

Google Data Studio works best with Google software, which includes its tools and systems. These systems  include BigQuery, Google Analytics and Firebase. The native support for many of its data formats is what makes Google Data Studio the logical choice for organisations that rely on Google Cloud and other Google apps. Integrations are simple and work effectively.   

However, using the tool to integrate with other software and tools can sometimes present challenges. Over-reliance on third-party connectors and integration tools, sometimes available at an additional cost, is one such challenge. For example, the platform does not natively support Microsoft Excel files. Importing these files requires additional steps and manipulation, including converting the files to a Google Sheet or CSV file.   

Google Data Cloud does not always integrate well with other vendors’ cloud data. Importing this data into Google Data Studio may require additional steps or software. However, the platform integrates with upwards of 150 Cloud SQL, e-commerce and digital advertising platforms.   

On the contrary, Tableau has emerged as one of the leading Data Analytics solutions  The Data Analytics tool connects to various data sources, including Microsoft Excel, Google BigQuery, SQL Server, SAP HANA, Salesforce, Snowflake, Splunk and Amazon Redshift.  

Additionally, Tableau is equally adept at taking data from all the major players in the Cloud-based data storage space, such as Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox . It  also seamlessly integrates with Slack and has a variety of other connectors meant for Data Science, business applications and other purposes. It  is designed to store large volumes of data, and its versatility is one of its major advantages.

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Comparing Data Visualisation 

Google Data Studio’s(GDS) TBI and Data Visualisation solution is adept at producing visualisations such as attractive charts, graphics, heat maps, bullet charts, pie charts etc. It offers dashboards that tie together various data sources and streams, usually from Google applications or online advertising data sources. This trait makes it ideal for viewing business metrics that are more digitally focused, including ad spend, site traffic, and search rankings.  

GDS also allows users to customise their dashboards by adding logos, icons and other properties. It  also delivers features that make it simpler to view changes over time. However, the solution requires an internet connection and supports about 50 functions – much less than Tableau.  

On the other hand, Tableau’s Data Visualisation platform has emerged as the market leader for a  reason – it transforms data into attractive and useful charts, infographics, heat maps, cluster maps and more. The platform is designed for Data Scientists and casual businessmen and makes it possible to create, modify and adapt visuals to any need, context or situation.  

Tableau includes powerful interactive visual exploration, analysis and dashboard tools. However, its visualisation features come at a price – the platform is complex. Tableau is much more of a steep learning curve than GDS and is best suited for large organisations with more sophisticated needs and staff dedicated to creating visuals. 

Functionality comparison 

A huge advantage of Google Data Studio is that it delivers an easy and clean interface that is relatively simple. Its disadvantage is that the platform does not accommodate the highly complex functionality, interactivity and reporting ability that Tableau provides. Nonetheless, GDS is a flexible and powerful BI tool.  

The Cloud-based solution is not only fast and efficient, but it also includes excellent automation features such as scheduled updates and reporting. It also allows limited customisation for those who do not mind working with code. As GDS resides in the Cloud, Google keeps updating the solution and adds new features constantly.  

On the other hand, the Tableau platform offers five different versions: Tableau Desktop, used to create and edit reports; Tableau Public which allows users to share visualisations; Tableau Server, which is an external sharing tool; Tableau Online, a cloud version of the software; and Tableau Reader, which lets anyone view a visualisation or report.  

It  delivers features like fast data processing, supports many concurrent users and consumes minimal system resources. Tableau also offers an array of advanced features and functionalities, which includes data cleansing capabilities and native connectivity with a range of databases, Cloud resources, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and file types. This makes it much easier to ingest data and export files. The solution works without an Internet connection, so it is ideal for those travelling or working offline. It also provides stronger and better collaboration options than Google Data Studio.

Security comparison 

The security controls within Google Data Studio include password-enabled sharing options for visualisations and reports. It also supports Secure APIs for data connections. However, as the solution operates in a Public Cloud, anyone accessing the space can view and download data. Likewise, the Public Cloud framework limits privacy options and controls.  

On the other hand, the Tableau BI tool offers broader and deeper security controls than Google Data Studio. This includes Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) and granular Row Level Security. Yet, it is the way that an organisation uses Tableau that matters most. For instance, those who share workbooks and visualisations in Tableau Public Cloud have fewer controls. Anyone in the Cloud can view and download reports and data, and the platform also offers stronger privacy controls. 

Usability and support comparison 

Installing Google Data Studio is extremely simple. It is a simple download followed by logging in to the Google account. This attribute of GDS makes it ideal for professionals seeking fast, efficient and robust visualisations without much work. Using this BI tool is relatively simple, though it has some size and flexibility limitations.  

Those that use other Google products like Google Docs will find the interface and settings familiar. It  has a large online community that provides a concrete knowledge base with videos and other tools. However, its most significant limitations are the lack of phone or live support for GDS.  

While the Tableau solution provides unsurpassed capabilities, however, it also comes at a cost. The learning curve for Tableau is much steeper than it is for GDS. There is a typical need for training to use a more advanced level of functionality. Fortunately, it  has a massive online community offering substantial online resources – including a knowledge base to assist in using its products.  

The vendor’s support options include standard support (available from 8 am to 5 pm), which is included in a subscription purchase, extended 24x7 support including weekends, and premium support which provides extended availability and prioritised service from a senior support team.     

Pricing comparison 

GDS is free of cost and can be accessed with just a Google account. On the contrary, Tableau can range from affordable to expensive, depending on your specific BI requirements. Tableau’s tiered pricing model consists of a free version known as Tableau Public that provides limited storage and privacy options. 

A fully featured Tableau Creator, which can run in the Cloud or on-premises, costs around £56 per month and is billed annually. This includes the desktop software and Tableau Prep Builder to generate visualisations.   It also  includes a singular Tableau Server License, costs around £28 per month on-premises and around £35 per month (billed annually). Tableau Viewer, a functionality that allows users to view visualisations, costs about £10 per license (billed annually). The bottom line of this pricing comparison is that the Tableau solution is more expensive when compared to that of Google Data Studio. The typical license cost is approximately £650 to £965.

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Pros and cons of Google Data Studio vs Tableau

Pros of Google Data Studio:

a) Cost: Google Data Studio does not require having a license, which is appealing for people who have limited financial capabilities even when running small businesses.

b) Integration with Google products: Google BigQuery joins its other products, such as Google Analytics, Google Ads, and Google Sheets, without any complications to link up data, and analysis become easier for users already using these services.

c) Collaboration: Live look on the reports is provided by Google Data Studio, this features allows multiple users contribute to the reporting process with ease by sharing the reports with colleagues.

d) Scalability: As cloud-based software, Google Data Studio provides scalability and adaptability for users to process a variety of large dataset with high complexity in visualisations.

Cons of Google Data Studio:

a) Limited advanced features: Google Data Studio has some features less advanced compared to Tableau for instance predictive analytics and advanced mapping options.

b) Customisation options: Google's Data Studio is fine in regards to the visualisation options, but Tableau offers more customisation alternatives.

c) Performance: The rendering speed of large and complex reports in Google Data Studio will be slower than Tableau, especially during multiyear analysis.

Pros of Tableau:

a) Advanced features: Along with Tableau being one of the most advanced Data Visualisation tools available, it offers many features such as predictive analytics, mapping, and storytelling that take those analysis options to a higher level.

b) Flexibility and customisation: Tableau is a tool that provides powerful customisation capabilities, therefore users can create highly customised and interactive plots and graphs which are suited to their unique needs.

c) Performance: Tableau well-acknowledged for its superior performance ability, taking through huge data set and graph with complex characteristics very well and giving a prompt response since it is very fast.

d) Community support: Tableau holds a large, active user community, which favors additional materials, guides and forums, where new users can access their knowledge easily and talk with peers about their issues.

Cons of Tableau:

a) Cost: Tableau can be costly even for small businesses and individual users who are oriented at companies, because pricing plans are designed and geared towards the larger businesses using the product.

b) Learning curve: Unlike Google Data Studio, which is more simplistic for beginners, Tableau has a steeper learning curve and is more time-demanding needing users to spend more time grasping the advanced functionalities and features.

c) Limited integration with Google products: On the one hand, Tableau can connect to a variety of data sources but then does not integrate with various Google tools as effectively as Google does with Data Studio.

To help you decide between GDS and Tableau we have listed their differences in the following tables, so that you can easily choose the perfect tool for use in your business. They are as follows:
 

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Which of Google Data Studio and Tableau is better for your business? 

Both Google Data Studio and Tableau are known to deliver robust visualisations through their reports, dashboards and other tools. Google Data Studio is the logical and fitting solution if you are limited on budget and have limited BI requirements. It offers the additional advantage of providing a user-friendly and convenient Graphic User Interface (GUI).  

On the contrary, if your organisation has more complex requirements and needs to manage broader and more varied data sets, Tableau is more likely to be the solution you need. Tableau can tackle nearly any BI issue and data analytics requirement, includes built-in solid security controls, and makes sharing attractive visualisations simple. Here are a few parameters you need to consider when determining the BI tool, you will use for your business. 

Web vs desktop 

When considering which tool to use for your organisation, you must consider where you will use it. While Tableau is primarily meant to be used on a desktop, Google Data Studio can operate on the web. If you have a strong data connection, GDS is the tool for you – while Tableau will suit your needs much better if you do not want to rely on an internet connection. 

Price 

You must consider your budget while evaluating which Data Visualisation tool you want to use for your organisation. While Tableau has multiple pricing packages depending on which version you are looking for, GDS is free of cost. If you already use Google Analytics, you are guaranteed free access to GDS, making it a cost-effective option in case of tight budgets. 

Types of visualisations 

When choosing your Data Visualisation tool, you need to consider the types of visualisations each tool enables you to create. Tableau is a more developed tool than GDS, so it offers users far more visualisation options. GDS focuses on basic visualisations like pie and bar charts and therefore is an effective option to keep your visualisations simple. However, Tableau helps you incorporate greater detail and generates more complex visualisations.   

Connectivity to other programs 

Another factor you should consider before choosing your Data Visualisation tool is its connectivity to other programs. While Tableau is more limited in connections to other programs, GDS is much more flexible and enables you to connect to programs such as Google Ads, which you cannot do with Tableau. Hence, if you want your Data Visualisation tool to be flexible and integrable with other tools, GDS will be  your most logical choice. 

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Conclusion 

Google Data Studio and Tableau are known as two of the most prevalent Data Visualisations in the market right now. While both have advantages and disadvantages, it is up to you to analyse their differences and determine which tool best suits your specific needs and requirements. We hope this blog gave you all the insights into the detailed comparison of Google Data Studio vs Tableau. 

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