When it comes to making faster and accurate data-driven decisions, the right business intelligence (BI) tool can make all the difference. Have you ever wondered how top companies leverage vast amounts of data to streamline operations and boost profitability? For the 16th year straight, Gartner’s Magic Quadrant has acknowledged Microsoft and Qlik as Leaders in Analytics and BI Platforms. Qlik Sense vs Power BI: which one should your organization trust? Both tools offer powerful data visualization and analytics , but each excels in different areas
Whether it’s Qlik Sense’s unique associative model or Power BI’s seamless integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem, understanding the strengths and limitations of each can guide your choice. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision and ensure you’re equipped with the best tool for your business’s needs.
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Qlik Sense vs Power BI: Key Differences Between the Two 1. User Interface and Experience Qlik Sense offers a clean, minimalist interface built around its unique associative data model . The platform emphasizes self-service analytics through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that automatically highlights data relationships. What sets it apart is the dynamic exploration capability, where users can see both associated and unrelated data through green, white, and gray color coding.
Smart Search function allows users to search across all data within an app, making it easier to find specific insights without knowing exact locations Hub-based organization system that centralizes all apps, sheets, and stories in one location for easy access Responsive design automatically adjusts visualizations for different screen sizes and devices Advanced filtering options with a unique selection bar that shows current filters and their relationships
Power BI presents a familiar ribbon-style interface that Windows and Office users will instantly recognize. The platform integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, making it particularly appealing for organizations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. Its workspace-based organization provides a collaborative environment where teams can share and iterate on reports.
AI-powered Q&A feature allows users to ask questions in natural language and get instant visualizations Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with a comprehensive ribbon menu that categorizes all available functions Rich context menus that provide quick access to formatting and analysis options directly from visualizations Customizable navigation panes that can be personalized based on user preferences and common tasks
2. Data Handling Capabilities Qlik Sense employs its proprietary associative engine that maintains relationships between all data points automatically. This in-memory processing approach allows users to explore data from any angle without predefined hierarchies or relationships. The platform compresses data up to 10x its original size, enabling faster processing of large datasets.
Supports over 40+ direct data connectors, including databases, file systems, and cloud services Powerful ETL capabilities with built-in data profiling and smart data preparation Incremental loads feature that updates only changed data, optimizing refresh performance
Power BI utilizes a columnar database engine optimized for both memory and disk-based analytics . The platform leverages Microsoft’s extensive data ecosystem and offers robust data modeling through relationships and DAX (Data Analysis Expressions).
Over 120+ native data connectors with regular updates for new sources Power Query for visual ETL with M language for advanced transformations Dataflows for centralized data preparation and reuse across reports Direct Query mode for real-time data analysis without importing data 3. Visualization Features Qlik Sense focuses on interactive visualizations that respond dynamically to user selections. The platform’s associative model means every chart automatically updates to show related data, providing context for analysis.
Smart visualizations that automatically suggest best-fit chart types Custom themes and extension support for branded visualizations Advanced mapping capabilities with built-in GeoAnalytics
Power BI offers a rich library of visualizations with strong emphasis on aesthetics and interactivity. The platform provides both native and custom visuals through the AppSource marketplace.
50+ built-in visualization types plus hundreds available in marketplace AI-powered visualization recommendations based on data type Advanced formatting controls with pixel-perfect positioning Powerful cross-filtering and drill-through capabilities 4. Advanced Analytics Qlik Sense integrates advanced analytics capabilities directly into its associative engine, allowing for complex calculations and statistical analysis without leaving the platform.
Built-in statistical functions and advanced aggregations Advanced analytics integration with R and Python Set analysis expressions for complex cohort analysis
Power BI leverages Microsoft’s AI and machine learning capabilities to provide sophisticated analytics tools accessible to business users.
Native AI capabilities through AI Insights Quick Measures feature for common advanced calculations 5. Development and Customization Qlik Sense provides a robust development environment that balances ease of use with powerful customization options. The platform’s mashup and extension capabilities allow for significant customization.
Open APIs for custom development and integration Mashup web integration capabilities for embedded analytics Custom visualization extensions using standard web technologies
Power BI emphasizes development within the Microsoft ecosystem, offering deep integration with Azure services and development tools.
Custom visuals development using TypeScript Power BI Embedded analytics platform Integration with Azure DevOps for deployment DAX and M language for advanced customization 6. Integration and Compatibility Qlik Sense takes a platform-agnostic approach to integration, offering flexible deployment options and broad compatibility across different systems. Its open architecture enables seamless integration with existing enterprise systems .
Enterprise-grade APIs supporting REST and Websocket protocols Native connectors for major enterprise systems like SAP and Salesforce Supports both Windows and Linux environments for deployment Custom connectors can be developed using the Qlik Connector SDK
Power BI excels in Microsoft ecosystem integration, providing native connectivity with Azure services and Office 365 applications, though it also supports third-party integrations.
Seamless integration with entire Microsoft stack (Excel, Azure, SharePoint) Embedded analytics through Power BI Embedded Native integration with MS Teams and Office 365 7. Security and Compliance Qlik Sense implements a comprehensive security framework with granular controls and robust authentication options, making it suitable for highly regulated industries.
Section Access for row-level and column-level security Support for multiple authentication methods (SAML, JWT, LDAP) Detailed audit trails and security reporting ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II, and HIPAA compliance
Power BI leverages Microsoft’s enterprise-grade security infrastructure and provides extensive compliance certifications through Azure’s security framework.
Row-level security through DAX expressions Integration with Azure Active Directory Encryption at rest and in transit 8. User Community and Support Qlik maintains an active user community and provides comprehensive support options, though the community size is smaller compared to Power BI.
Qlik Community forum with active user participation Official training through Qlik Continuous Classroom Partner network for local support and implementation Direct support through Qlik Enterprise Support
This BI tooI benefits from Microsoft’s massive user base and extensive partner network, offering robust community support and learning resources.
Large global community with active forums Monthly updates and feature releases Extensive documentation and learning paths on Microsoft Learn Wide network of certified partners and consultants
Feature Qlik Sense Power BI Ease of Use Steep learning curve for new users User-friendly, easier for non-technical users Data Modeling Advanced associative data model Simple data modeling with less complex structure Cost Generally more expensive Affordable, with a free version available Integration Wide integration with various data sources Seamless integration with Microsoft tools Data Visualizations Highly customizable, but more complex Pre-built visuals, easy to use and customize Real-Time Data Supports real-time data analytics Real-time data updates with Power BI Premium Scalability Ideal for complex, large-scale data environments Scalable, but best for small to medium-sized businesses Deployment Available on-premise and cloud Primarily cloud-based, with on-premise options Security Strong security features, particularly in enterprise Strong security, especially with Azure integration Pricing Structure Subscription-based with higher cost for premium Subscription-based with flexible pricing tiers Mobile Support Supports mobile app, but less intuitive Strong mobile support with easy-to-use apps Collaboration Limited collaboration features Strong collaboration features with Microsoft 365 Advanced Analytics Excellent for advanced data analytics and AI Offers basic AI features with Power BI Premium Customization Highly customizable with extensions and scripting Custom visuals available, but less flexible than Qlik Performance High performance with large datasets Good performance, especially with Power BI Premium Training and Support Extensive support but requires technical expertise Extensive resources and community support
Qlik Sense vs Power BI: Pricing and Licensing Standard Plan :
This plan is designed for small teams or groups that need baseline analytics capabilities. It includes 25 GB of data and access for 20 full users, billed annually. Premium Plan (Most Popular):
This plan offers enhanced capabilities for organizations that need to scale analytics across larger teams. It includes 50 GB of data and access for 20 full users, billed annually. The Premium plan is designed to provide more robust features for companies that require advanced BI capabilities. Enterprise Plan
This plan offers maximum flexibility and scalability for large organizations. Pricing: Available upon request (Contact the company for a quote). Tailored to enterprises that require custom features, additional data storage , and support for a larger number of users. Free Account :
Ideal for individuals who want to create interactive reports and visual analytics. The free account is included in the Microsoft Fabric free account and allows users to create reports, but sharing them requires upgrading to a paid plan. No credit card is required to sign up.
Pro :
Price: $10 per user/month Designed for teams that need to access and share BI reports and dashboards. Includes the ability to publish and share reports and is also available with Microsoft 365 E5 and Office 365 E5 subscriptions. This plan is ideal for businesses looking to collaborate on shared reports. Premium :
Price: $20 per user/month This plan is designed for data professionals who need access to enterprise-level features and enhanced performance. Includes all Power BI Pro features, but with added benefits such as larger model sizes, more frequent data refreshes, and premium analytics capabilities. A good fit for organizations that require more robust BI tools. Power BI Embedded :
Pricing: Variable (Contact Sales for more details) Designed for businesses looking to embed Power BI reports into their own applications. Suitable for companies that want to integrate BI features into their customer-facing solutions. Data Visualization Tools: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right One Explore how to select the best data visualization tools to enhance insights, streamline analysis, and effectively communicate data-driven stories .
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Power BI 1. Cost-effectiveness
Power BI offers competitive pricing with a free version and affordable Pro licenses starting at $10/user/month. Enterprise features through Premium capacity enable organizations to scale analytics cost-effectively while maintaining advanced capabilities.
2. Ease of use
The familiar Microsoft Office-like interface reduces learning curves significantly. Intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, natural language queries, and AI-powered assistance help users quickly create reports without extensive technical knowledge.
3. Flexible pricing model
Multiple licensing tiers accommodate different needs: Free for basic users, Pro for collaboration features, and Premium for enterprise capabilities. Organizations can mix licenses and adjust capacity based on usage patterns.
4. Variety of customization options
Extensive visualization library with 100+ custom visuals from AppSource marketplace. Users can create custom visuals using TypeScript, implement custom themes, and develop tailored solutions using Power BI Embedded.
5. Strong Microsoft ecosystem integration
Seamless connectivity with Office 365, Azure services, and Microsoft Teams enables unified workflows. Native integration with Excel, SharePoint, and Azure AI services enhances data analysis capabilities across platforms.
Qlik Sense 1. Bigger Cloud Storage
Qlik Sense offers generous cloud storage limits with enterprise deployments, supporting large-scale data operations. Multi-cloud architecture enables flexible data storage options across different cloud providers and on-premises systems.
2. Associative-based Data Engine
The unique associative engine automatically maintains relationships between all data points, allowing users to explore data from any angle. Green/white/gray color coding instantly shows related, selected, and unrelated data.
3. Advanced augmented analytics
AI-powered insights automatically generate visualizations, reveal hidden patterns, and suggest analysis paths. Machine learning capabilities help users discover correlations and anomalies without advanced statistical knowledge.
4. Ability to uncover hidden insights
The associative engine reveals unexpected data relationships and patterns that traditional hierarchical models might miss. Users can explore both associated and unrelated data, leading to deeper insights and discovery.
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Top Companies Leveraging Qlik Sense and Power BI Qlik Sense Use Cases 1. ASICS
This multinational sportswear and accessories company uses Qlik Sense dashboards to efficiently structure large volumes of data, enabling employees to make data-driven decisions. Qlik Sense has empowered the organization to develop data literacy and gain efficiency.
2. Kendra Scott
The fashion-lifestyle brand Kendra Scott uses Qlik Sense SaaS to deploy cloud analytics across various departments, including Finance, Operations, Sales, Marketing, and Sourcing. The company can obtain near real-time insights across retail stores, eCommerce, and sales channels in a self-service environment. Kendra Scott was able to release their first apps to production within one week.
3. IndianOil
IndianOil migrated to Qlik Sense as its user-facing visualization window. With Qlik Sense, IndianOil has over 150 ‘power users’ and 10,000 regular users across a broad range of roles
Power BI Use Cases 1. Daimler AG
This automotive industry pioneer uses Power BI to gain insights into its supply chain, sales, and manufacturing operations. By using Power BI as a data visualization tool, the Daimler AG team monitors and evaluates KPIs to track production efficiency and make decisions that improve operations1 .
2. JetBlue Airways
This well-known American airline analyzes operational data and customer input using Power BI. They use interactive dashboards to track flight efficiency, on-time arrivals, and customer satisfaction1 . This data helps them make quick changes to their operations and ensure their customers have great travel experiences1 .
3. Coca-Cola
As one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, Coca-Cola uses Power BI to get actionable insights into sales and distribution1 . By closely tracking product performance, consumer trends, and distribution dynamics, they can refine their marketing strategies and optimize their supply chain.
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Qlik Sense vs Power BI: How to Chosse Between the Two 1. Ecosystem Power BI integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft ecosystem, including Azure and Office 365, which is advantageous for organizations already invested in Microsoft products. Qlik Sense, a standalone product, connects to various data sources without the same level of Microsoft integration.
2 . Storage Capacity Power BI offers scalable cloud storage options ranging from 10 GB to 100 TB depending on the subscription plan. Qlik Sense provides 500 GB of cloud storage. The best option will depend on your business intelligence initiative.
3 . User Interface Power BI has an intuitive, user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop capabilities, making it accessible to both technical and non-technical users. Qlik Sense also offers a clean, modern interface with drag-and-drop functionality, but it may have a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with its associative data model .
4 . Data Modeling Power BI incorporates Power Query for data transformation and ETL processes, enabling efficient data manipulation. Qlik Sense utilizes a unique associative data model that allows users to explore data without predefined hierarchies, enhancing data discovery.
5 . Pricing Power BI offers both free and paid versions, with paid versions like Power BI Pro and Power BI Premium. Qlik Sense primarily offers a paid licensing model , which can vary in cost depending on the number of users and required features.
6 . Data Discovery Qlik Sense’s associative data model enhances data discovery by allowing users to explore data freely, potentially uncovering insights missed with a structured approach. Power BI has a strong focus on data modeling, transformation, and ETL capabilities.
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