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Columns vs Microsoft Power BI Comparison

Last updated:

Columns

Starting at $75 /year

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Columns is the ultimate task management tool designed to boost collaboration and productivity of teams and individuals. It creates an organized space for users to achieve their overall goals. With a simple dashboard view…

Microsoft Power BI

4.4(2,583 reviews)

Starting at $4,995 /Month

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Power BI is a suite of analytics tools that works across a variety of devices. Power BI gives business users access to real-time data from systems, from spreadsheets and databases to SaaS applications. Power BI can live…

Microsoft Power BI leads on user satisfaction with a 4.4-star rating across 2,583 reviews.

Columns vs Microsoft Power BI — at a glance

FeatureColumnsMicrosoft Power BI
Rating4.4 / 5
Reviews2,583
Starting price$75 /year$4,995 /Month
Free trial No Yes
Free version No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryBusiness Intelligence SoftwareBusiness Intelligence Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS
APIAvailable
Support modesOnlineBusiness Hours, Online
CertificationsSOC 2
Data residencyGlobal

Key differences between Columns and Microsoft Power BI

  • Pricing: Columns starts at $75 /year, while Microsoft Power BI starts at $4,995 /Month.
  • Free trial: Microsoft Power BI offers a free trial; Columns does not.
  • Deployment: Columns supports SaaS/Web/Cloud; Microsoft Power BI supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.

Columns vs Microsoft Power BI — find the better fit before you commit.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Business Intelligence Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

Columns - Business Intelligence Software
Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert
Microsoft Power BI - Business Intelligence Software
Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Columns

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

Microsoft Power BI

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

Columns typically suits Large Enterprises and Medium Business. Microsoft Power BI tends to fit Large Enterprises and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.

Description

Columns is the ultimate task management tool designed to boost collaboration and productivity of teams and individuals. It creates an organized space for users to achieve their overall ... Read More about Columns

Power BI is a suite of analytics tools that works across a variety of devices. Power BI gives business users access to real-time data from systems, from spreadsheets and databases to SaaS ... Read More about Microsoft Power BI

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $75 , yearly
  • Starts from $4,995

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • Free Trial available

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

7.4/10

9.8/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews
Get pricing help
Get pricing help

Software Demo

Demo

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How do Columns and Microsoft Power BI Compare on Features?

Total Features

2 Features

8 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare Columns and Microsoft Power BI on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

      Starting From

      • $75 , yearly
      • $4,995

      Pricing Plans

      • Not Available
      • Not Available

      Pricing Page

      Columns pricing
      Microsoft Power BI pricing

      Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • Medium Business
      • Freelancers
      • Large Enterprises
      • Small Business
      • Individuals
      • Medium Business
      • Freelancers
      • Large Enterprises
      • Small Business
      • Individuals

      Platforms Supported

      • Mobile - Android
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Browser Based (Cloud)

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • Not Available
      • Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

      Security & Compliance

      Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

      SOC 2

      ✓ Yes

      HIPAA

      ✗ No

      Data Residency

      🌐 Global

      Columns User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      No reviews available for the product

      Rating Distribution

      No reviews available for this product

      105

      42

      3

      1

      0

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      What buyers like

      • Organized task management
      • Boosts team collaboration
      • Simple dashboard view

      Common complaints

      • Limited analytics features
      • May lack advanced project management tools
      • Not suitable for large teams

      Buyer sentiment

      Buyer sentiment is positive across 151 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction.

      What buyers like

      • Wide range of pricing models, offering flexibility for different budgets.
      • Can connect to almost any data source, enhancing data accessibility and analysis.
      • Offers extensive visual and add-on library, facilitating enhanced data visualization.

      Common complaints

      • Desktop version can feel clunky and may have bugs that need addressing.
      • Requires background knowledge in SQL and database management for efficient use.
      • Pricing models may limit accessibility to some features for non-pro users.

      Pros and Cons

      • Enhances team collaboration through organized task management.

      • Offers a simple and intuitive dashboard for project tracking.

      • Customizable lists help prioritize tasks effectively.

      • Limited features for larger teams or complex projects.

      • May lack advanced analytics or reporting capabilities.

      • Wide range of pricing models, offering flexibility for different budgets.

      • Can connect to almost any data source, enhancing data accessibility and analysis.

      • Offers extensive visual and add-on library, facilitating enhanced data visualization.

      • Desktop version can feel clunky and may have bugs that need addressing.

      • Requires background knowledge in SQL and database management for efficient use.

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      List of Customers

      Customers

      No Customers information available.

      Adobe

      Adobe

      GE Healthcare

      GE Healthcare

      Heathrow

      Heathrow

      Media and Screenshots

      Screenshots

      Columns AI  - Feature Highlights

      5 Screenshots

      Power BI service

      7 Screenshots

      Videos

      video-0

      2 Videos

      video-0

      5 Videos

      Top Alternatives to Columns and Microsoft Power BI in 2026

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      Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

      Frequently asked questions

      Which is better, Columns or Microsoft Power BI?
      Microsoft Power BI edges out the other on user ratings (4.4 vs -1.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
      Do Columns and Microsoft Power BI offer a free trial?
      Microsoft Power BI offers a free trial. Columns does not.
      What is the starting price of Columns vs Microsoft Power BI?
      Columns starts at $75 /year. Microsoft Power BI starts at $4,995 /Month.
      What are the top alternatives to Columns?
      Top alternatives to Columns include Entrinsik Informer, Microsoft Power BI, SAS Business Intelligence, Panintelligence, Reveal.
      What are the top alternatives to Microsoft Power BI?
      Top alternatives to Microsoft Power BI include Google Drive, Tableau, IBM Cognos Analytics, Dundas BI, SAS Business Intelligence.

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