What users are saying about
Microsoft Power BI
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Top Rated
1343 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8.4 out of 100
Based on 1343 reviews and ratings
Top Rated
1505 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8.8 out of 100
Based on 1505 reviews and ratings
Feature Set Ratings
BI Standard Reporting
8.4
Microsoft Power BI
84%
Microsoft SQL Server
Feature Set Not Supported
N/A
Microsoft Power BI ranks higher in 3/3 features
Microsoft Power BI ranks higher in 3/3 features
Pixel Perfect reports
8.1
81%
120 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Customizable dashboards
9.0
90%
139 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Report Formatting Templates
8.2
82%
127 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Ad-hoc Reporting
8.4
Microsoft Power BI
84%
Microsoft SQL Server
Feature Set Not Supported
N/A
Microsoft Power BI ranks higher in 4/4 features
Microsoft Power BI ranks higher in 4/4 features
Drill-down analysis
8.7
87%
139 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Formatting capabilities
8.0
80%
138 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Integration with R or other statistical packages
8.1
81%
104 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Report sharing and collaboration
8.6
86%
135 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Report Output and Scheduling
8.4
Microsoft Power BI
84%
Microsoft SQL Server
Feature Set Not Supported
N/A
Microsoft Power BI ranks higher in 5/5 features
Microsoft Power BI ranks higher in 5/5 features
Publish to Web
9.0
90%
129 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Publish to PDF
8.9
89%
121 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Report Versioning
7.9
79%
101 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Report Delivery Scheduling
8.5
85%
104 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Delivery to Remote Servers
7.5
75%
76 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Data Discovery and Visualization
8.3
Microsoft Power BI
83%
Microsoft SQL Server
Feature Set Not Supported
N/A
Microsoft Power BI ranks higher in 3/3 features
Microsoft Power BI ranks higher in 3/3 features
Pre-built visualization formats (heatmaps, scatter plots etc.)
8.5
85%
131 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Location Analytics / Geographic Visualization
8.5
85%
122 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Predictive Analytics
8.0
80%
103 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Access Control and Security
8.8
Microsoft Power BI
88%
Microsoft SQL Server
Feature Set Not Supported
N/A
Microsoft Power BI ranks higher in 4/4 features
Microsoft Power BI ranks higher in 4/4 features
Multi-User Support (named login)
8.8
88%
121 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Role-Based Security Model
8.8
88%
104 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Multiple Access Permission Levels (Create, Read, Delete)
8.6
86%
112 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Single Sign-On (SSO)
9.0
90%
95 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Mobile Capabilities
8.4
Microsoft Power BI
84%
Microsoft SQL Server
Feature Set Not Supported
N/A
Microsoft Power BI ranks higher in 3/3 features
Microsoft Power BI ranks higher in 3/3 features
Responsive Design for Web Access
8.6
86%
113 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Mobile Application
8.3
83%
100 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Dashboard / Report / Visualization Interactivity on Mobile
8.3
83%
114 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Application Program Interfaces (APIs) / Embedding
8.0
Microsoft Power BI
80%
Microsoft SQL Server
Feature Set Not Supported
N/A
Microsoft Power BI ranks higher in 6/6 features
Microsoft Power BI ranks higher in 6/6 features
REST API
8.3
83%
73 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Javascript API
8.2
82%
57 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
iFrames
8.0
80%
56 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Java API
7.7
77%
47 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Themeable User Interface (UI)
7.9
79%
63 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Customizable Platform (Open Source)
7.9
79%
46 Ratings
N/A
0 Ratings
Attribute Ratings
- Microsoft Power BI is rated higher in 2 areas: Likelihood to Renew, Support Rating
- Microsoft SQL Server is rated higher in 2 areas: Likelihood to Recommend, Usability
Likelihood to Recommend
8.6
Microsoft Power BI
86%
141 Ratings
9.1
Microsoft SQL Server
91%
94 Ratings
Likelihood to Renew
10.0
Microsoft Power BI
100%
1 Rating
9.0
Microsoft SQL Server
90%
6 Ratings
Usability
8.6
Microsoft Power BI
86%
57 Ratings
9.8
Microsoft SQL Server
98%
10 Ratings
Availability
Microsoft Power BI
N/A
0 Ratings
10.0
Microsoft SQL Server
100%
2 Ratings
Performance
Microsoft Power BI
N/A
0 Ratings
9.0
Microsoft SQL Server
90%
2 Ratings
Support Rating
8.5
Microsoft Power BI
85%
53 Ratings
7.9
Microsoft SQL Server
79%
49 Ratings
In-Person Training
Microsoft Power BI
N/A
0 Ratings
9.0
Microsoft SQL Server
90%
1 Rating
Online Training
Microsoft Power BI
N/A
0 Ratings
9.0
Microsoft SQL Server
90%
1 Rating
Implementation Rating
Microsoft Power BI
N/A
0 Ratings
9.0
Microsoft SQL Server
90%
10 Ratings
Product Scalability
Microsoft Power BI
N/A
0 Ratings
9.0
Microsoft SQL Server
90%
1 Rating
Likelihood to Recommend
Microsoft Power BI
In operations we use the tool for many different topics, from factory quality systems to high level reviews.We have created kind of an internal "App Store" based on Power BI where you have a lot of different dashboards for different solutions (cost, cash, health and safety, sales, factories, distribution centers...) and you as an user just need to get in that "App Store" and enter in whatever tool can be useful for you. It is open to all the operations employees and can use on demand.Also it has raised the imagination of our colleagues, as they are not only working by themselves creating new reports, but also raising fantastic ideas that can be extended for the usage of all the community.
Global Digital Operations Manager - BA Electrification
ABBMechanical Or Industrial Engineering, 10,001+ employees
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server is a great RDBMS and meets all of our requirements. If you need a stable DB platform to support your line of a business application you'll be well served. Licensing costs are far cheaper, more portable and a lot more user friendly than Oracle. Product support and security patches from Microsoft are strong.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Information Technology & Services Company, 201-500 employeesPros
Microsoft Power BI
- Quickly filter and view granular data sets with easily configurable reporting figures.
- The ability to quickly switch between tabs allows for historical data comparisons and progress tracking.
- It's helpful to dive into the data and break it down from high levels to small.
- Achieve actionable insights faster by using real-time data. It's incredible to have online access to reports.
Information Technology Business Consultant
Alfa NET+Information Technology & Services, 11-50 employees
Microsoft SQL Server
- Easy to configure and use with Visual Studio and Dot Net
- Easy integration with MSBI to perform data analysis
- Data Security
- Easy to understand and use
- Very easy to export database and tables in the form of SQL query or a script
Project Engineer
Wipro LimitedInformation Technology & Services, 10,001+ employees
Cons
Microsoft Power BI
- The desktop app is great but needs a lot of performance improvements
- No MacOS Version for the Desktop app, this is a big limitation for business since executives prefer Macs
- Premium Cloud Version of Power BI is awfully expensive
- On-Premise Version of the Power BI Reports Server is bundled only with SQL Server Enterprise License and cannot be purchased separately and requires Software Assurance Subscription
- On-Premise Power BI Report Server doesn't support ADFS, AzureAD or any Claims-Based authentication platform, a sad disadvantage for enterprises

Verified User
C-Level Executive in Information Technology
Information Technology & Services Company, 201-500 employeesMicrosoft SQL Server
- The import/export process can be tricky to follow with lots of steps and could be better for importing flat files
- Obtaining help from Microsoft is cumbersome and often other internet sources are better and quicker
- The documentation is not great and again it's generally better to obtain help elsewhere if needed
Data Analyst / Scuba Dive Instructor
Haymarket PublishingMedia Production, 1001-5000 employees
Pricing Details
Microsoft Power BI
General
Free Trial
Yes
Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
$9.99 per month
Microsoft Power BI Editions & Modules
Edition
Power BI Pro | $9.991 |
---|---|
Power BI Premium | $20.001 |
Power BI Premium | $4,995.002 |
- Per User/Per Month
- Per Capacity/Per Month
Additional Pricing Details
—Microsoft SQL Server
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Starting Price
$0 Per License
Microsoft SQL Server Editions & Modules
Edition
Enterprise | $13,748.001 |
---|---|
Subscription | $1,418.001 |
- Per License
Additional Pricing Details
—Likelihood to Renew
Microsoft Power BI
Microsoft Power BI 10.0
Based on 1 answer
I find it helpful and easy to use
Freelance Photographer
j. paroly photoGraphic Design, 1-10 employees
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server 9.0
Based on 6 answers
We understand that the Microsoft SQL Server will continue to advance, offering the same robust and reliable platform while adding new features that enable us, as a software center, to create a superior product. That provides excellent performance while reducing the hardware requirements and the total cost of ownership of our solution.
Sr Database Administrator / Developer
Kapsch TrafficcomInformation Technology and Services, 51-200 employees
Usability
Microsoft Power BI
Microsoft Power BI 8.6
Based on 57 answers
At this point, I think we all know who has taken the lead in the business intelligence and analytics market worldwide. With fresh new updates every other day on top of an already robustly built product with all features that one can dream of is a no brainer, I feel. Microsoft will invariably be synonymous with quality and professionalism.
Marketing Associate
Mercer-MettlInformation Technology and Services, 501-1000 employees
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server 9.8
Based on 10 answers
SQL Server mostly 'just works' or generates error messages to help you sort out the trouble. You can usually count on the product to get the job done and keep an eye on your potential mistakes. Interaction with other Microsoft products makes operating as a Windows user pretty straight forward. Digging through the multitude of dialogs and wizards can be a pain, but the answer is usually there somewhere.
Senior Consultant
NavigantUtilities, 1001-5000 employees
Reliability and Availability
Microsoft Power BI
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server 10.0
Based on 2 answers
Its does not have outages.
Sr MS SQL BI Developer
Georgia-Pacific LLCConsumer Goods, 1001-5000 employees
Performance
Microsoft Power BI
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server 9.0
Based on 2 answers
SSAS data cubes may some time slow down your Excel reports.
Sr MS SQL BI Developer
Georgia-Pacific LLCConsumer Goods, 1001-5000 employees
Support Rating
Microsoft Power BI
Microsoft Power BI 8.5
Based on 53 answers
I can't really speak to the support overall, [but] I will say that in the almost three years I have used the system, I have only needed to contact their support team once. I think the team was helpful, but it did take some time for us to resolve the issues/ request that they had. I guess the good news is that the system is pretty stable, and I personally have rarely needed to contact their technical support team.
Senior Customer Success Manager (Strategic Accounts)
TipaltiFinancial Services, 201-500 employees
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server 7.9
Based on 49 answers
We managed to handle most of our problems by looking into Microsoft's official documentation that has everything explained and almost every function has an example that illustrates in detail how a particular functionality works. Just like PowerShell has the ability to show you an example of how some cmdlet works, that is the case also here, and in my opinion, it is a very good practice and I like it.
Software Engineer
King-ICTComputer Software, 501-1000 employees
In-Person Training
Microsoft Power BI
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server 9.0
Based on 1 answer
It was good
Sr MS SQL BI Developer
Georgia-Pacific LLCConsumer Goods, 1001-5000 employees
Online Training
Microsoft Power BI
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server 9.0
Based on 1 answer
very hands on and detailed training
Sr MS SQL BI Developer
Georgia-Pacific LLCConsumer Goods, 1001-5000 employees
Implementation Rating
Microsoft Power BI
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server 9.0
Based on 10 answers
Other than SQL taking quite a bit of time to actually install there are no problems with installation. Even on hardware that has good performance SQL can still take close to an hour to install a typical server with management and reporting services.
Database Administrator
AderantComputer Software, 201-500 employees
Alternatives Considered
Microsoft Power BI
[Microsoft] Power BI is practical and effective, like a hammer for a nail, it is easy to use and produces very quickly the results that in most cases are urgently required by clients (nice reports to share on the web). To start using [Microsoft] Power BI you need a business email address, with that you create an account in Power BI Service and in less than 1 hour you will have installed Power BI Desktop, a report will have been created and it will have been published on the web .
Lead Consultant - Solutions Architect - Software Engineer
Ghia & Associates Engineering and Consulting GroupComputer Software, 1-10 employees
Microsoft SQL Server
[Microsoft] SQL Server has a much better community and professional support and is overall just a more reliable system with Microsoft behind it. I've used MySQL in the past and SQL Server has just become more comfortable for me and is my go to RDBMS.

Verified User
Engineer in Information Technology
Non-Profit Organization Management Company, 201-500 employeesScalability
Microsoft Power BI
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server 9.0
Based on 1 answer
SQL server does handle growing demands of a mid sized company.
Sr MS SQL BI Developer
Georgia-Pacific LLCConsumer Goods, 1001-5000 employees
Return on Investment
Microsoft Power BI
- It helps us track and achieve company goals.
- It shows us [our] performance in areas we could not previously track and allows us to see and work on how to improve their performance.
- Quick easy access for executives to use in helping teams and addressing issues.
Process Manager
Okland ConstructionConstruction, 501-1000 employees
Microsoft SQL Server
- Increased accuracy - We went from multiple users having different versions of an Excel spreadsheet to a single source of truth for our reporting.
- Increased Efficiency - We can now generate reports at any time from a single source rather than multiple users spending their time collating data and generating reports.
- Improved Security - Enterprise level security on a dedicated server rather than financial files on multiple laptop hard drives.

Verified User
Analyst in Information Technology
Construction Company, 10,001+ employees