Microsoft Power BI Desktop vs Columns Comparison
Microsoft Power BI Desktop
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Free Trial
- Enterprise
- Large Enterprises
Microsoft Power BI Desktop helps you uncover hidden business value by quickly accessing actionable insights. Streamline your data-preparation tasks with powerful modeling tools while regaining hours in your day through t…
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 Desktop leads on user satisfaction with a 4.3-star rating across 1,137 reviews.
Microsoft Power BI Desktop vs Columns — at a glance
| Feature | Microsoft Power BI Desktop | Columns |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | — |
| Reviews | 1,137 | — |
| Starting price | Contact for pricing | $75 /year |
| Free trial | Yes | No |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Enterprise, Large Enterprises | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business |
| Category | Business Intelligence Software | Business Intelligence Software |
| Platforms | — | SaaS/Web/Cloud |
| API | — | — |
| Support modes | — | Online |
| Certifications | SOC 2 | SOC 2 |
| Data residency | Global | Global |
Key differences between Microsoft Power BI Desktop and Columns
- Pricing: Columns starts at $75 /year. Microsoft Power BI Desktop pricing is not publicly listed.
- Free trial: Microsoft Power BI Desktop offers a free trial; Columns does not.
- Target audience: Microsoft Power BI Desktop is built for Enterprise and Large Enterprises, while Columns targets Large Enterprises and Medium Business.
Microsoft Power BI Desktop vs Columns — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
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.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Talk to an expert Talk to an expert | Talk to an expert Talk to an expert |
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Enterprise, Large Enterprises
Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
Microsoft Power BI Desktop typically suits Enterprise and Large Enterprises. Columns 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 | Microsoft Power BI Desktop helps you uncover hidden business value by quickly accessing actionable insights. Streamline your data-preparation tasks with powerful modeling tools while ... Read More about Microsoft Power BI Desktop | 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 |
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Entry Level Pricing |
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Free Trial Availability |
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Spotsaas ScoreWhat's this? ↗ | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 |
User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Software Demo
Demo |
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How do Microsoft Power BI Desktop and Columns Compare on Features?
Total Features | 5 Features | 2 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No unique features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Microsoft Power BI Desktop and Columns 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.
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Pricing Page | Pricing information not available |  |
Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Platforms Supported |
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Modes of support |
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API Support |
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
SOC 2 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
|---|---|---|
HIPAA | ✗ No | ✗ No |
Single Sign-On (SSO) | ✓ Yes | — |
Multi-Factor Auth (MFA) | ✓ Yes | — |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | — |
Audit Logs | ✓ Yes | — |
Data Residency | 🌐 Global | 🌐 Global |
Microsoft Power BI Desktop User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | No reviews available for the product | |
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Rating Distribution | No reviews available for this product | |
Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI | Buyer sentiment Buyer sentiment is positive across 25 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction. What buyers like
Common complaints
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Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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Positive Reviews | No reviews available for the product | No reviews available for the product |
List of Customers
Customers |  OSIsoft  Fordham University | No Customers information available. |
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Media and Screenshots
Screenshots |  3 Screenshots |  5 Screenshots |
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Videos |  1 Videos |  2 Videos |
Top Alternatives to Microsoft Power BI Desktop and Columns in 2026
Alternatives |
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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, Microsoft Power BI Desktop or Columns?
- Microsoft Power BI Desktop edges out the other on user ratings (4.3 vs -1.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Microsoft Power BI Desktop and Columns offer a free trial?
- Microsoft Power BI Desktop offers a free trial. Columns does not.
- What is the starting price of Microsoft Power BI Desktop vs Columns?
- Microsoft Power BI Desktop starts at Contact for pricing. Columns starts at $75 /year.
- What are the top alternatives to Microsoft Power BI Desktop?
- Top alternatives to Microsoft Power BI Desktop include Entrinsik Informer, Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, Dundas BI, QlikView.
- What are the top alternatives to Columns?
- Top alternatives to Columns include Entrinsik Informer, Microsoft Power BI, SAS Business Intelligence, Panintelligence, Reveal.