Mode Alternatives: 5 Better Options in 2025
Find modern alternatives to Mode for SQL analysis, Python notebooks, and interactive dashboards.
Overview
Mode is built primarily for SQL-based reporting and dashboard distribution, but teams often need more flexible notebook environments. Common reasons to seek alternatives include Python support for advanced analysis, AI assistance, faster local query performance, more interactive visualizations, better collaboration features, or pricing models that don't require enterprise commitments for essential capabilities.
Livedocs
Livedocs is the leading Mode alternative, combining SQL and Python in unified notebooks with DuckDB-powered performance that executes instantly rather than waiting on warehouse queries. Unlike Mode's SQL-only approach, Livedocs provides full Python support, AI agents with model choice, reactive execution, and flexible sharing.
Pros:
- SQL and Python in one platform
- DuckDB instant performance
- AI agents with model choice
- Reactive execution
- Generous free tier
- Modern collaboration features
- Transparent pricing
Cons:
- Newer platform than Mode
- Smaller enterprise presence
Best for:
Teams wanting Mode's SQL capabilities plus Python flexibility, faster performance, AI assistance, and affordable pricing.
Databricks
Databricks offers enterprise notebooks with Spark integration for massive-scale data processing. While more powerful than Mode for distributed computing, it comes with steep costs, complex infrastructure, and slow startup times.
Pros:
- Enterprise Spark integration
- Massive scale capability
- SQL and Python support
- Strong data engineering
- Enterprise features
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Complex setup
- Slow startup times
- Overkill for reporting
- Steep learning curve
Best for:
Large enterprises needing distributed computing at massive scale beyond Mode's SQL reporting focus.
Hex
Hex provides a modern data workspace combining SQL, Python, and no-code blocks for building data apps. It offers more flexibility than Mode's SQL-focused interface while maintaining similar dashboard capabilities.
Pros:
- SQL and Python combined
- No-code options
- More flexible than Mode
- Data app publishing
- Good visualization
Cons:
- Enterprise pricing
- Higher costs than Mode
- Features behind paywalls
- More complex interface
- Learning curve
Best for:
Teams wanting Mode's simplicity with Python flexibility, with budget for enterprise pricing and data app needs.
Jupyter
Jupyter is the foundational open-source notebook offering complete flexibility for Python and SQL analysis. Unlike Mode's cloud platform, Jupyter runs anywhere with full control over environments and data.
Pros:
- Completely free and open-source
- Full control
- SQL and Python support
- Runs anywhere
- No vendor lock-in
- Extensive ecosystem
Cons:
- Requires manual setup
- No polished sharing like Mode
- No collaboration features
- Local-first approach
- Need infrastructure management
Best for:
Teams wanting complete control over analytical stack without Mode's cloud platform or vendor constraints.
Power BI
Power BI focuses on no-code business intelligence dashboards and reports, serving business users who need visual analytics without programming. Unlike Mode's SQL-first approach, Power BI emphasizes drag-and-drop interfaces and Microsoft ecosystem integration.
Pros:
- No-code, easy for business users
- Strong visualization templates
- Microsoft ecosystem integration
- Good for BI dashboards
- Enterprise support
Cons:
- No SQL notebooks like Mode
- Limited Python support
- Requires Microsoft ecosystem
- Not for analysts who code
- Less flexible than Mode for SQL
Best for:
Business users needing no-code BI dashboards with Microsoft integration, not SQL analysts preferring Mode's code approach.
Feature Comparison
| Tool | Setup | Languages | Data | Visualization | Collaboration | AI Agent | Engine | Scheduling | Sharing | Terminal | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Livedocs | Zero-setup | Python, SQL, AI | All major DBs + files | Native + Python | Realtime | Yes, choose model | DuckDB + Polars | Yes + KV/secrets | Live/static/embed | Yes | $0 + $10 AI credits |
| Hex | Managed | SQL, Python | Enterprise only | No-code + libs | Team only | Limited, no choice | Cloud only | Workarounds | Apps only | No | Expensive |
| Jupyter | Manual setup | Python only | Libraries only | Code-based | File/Git | No | Sequential | No | Files only | External | Free OSS |
| Databricks | Cluster-based | Python, SQL | In-platform | Basic + libs | Team only | No | Slow starts | Enterprise jobs | Notebook only | Limited | Expensive |
| Power BI | Desktop/cloud | No-code + DAX | Broad | BI visuals | Workspace | Basic | Extracts | Report refresh | Reports/embeds | No | Per-user |
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