Data Studio vs Google Charts: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this Markdown code, we will discuss the key differences between Data Studio and Google Charts.

1. Data Connectivity: Data Studio offers a wide range of data connectors, which allows users to connect directly to various data sources like Google Analytics, Google Ads, and many others. On the other hand, Google Charts provides the flexibility to connect with any data source using JavaScript or JSON, making it more versatile in terms of data connectivity.

2. Customization Capabilities: Data Studio provides a drag-and-drop interface with limited customization options. Although it allows users to apply filters, create custom dimensions, and add calculated fields, the level of customization is somewhat limited. In contrast, Google Charts provides extensive customization capabilities with complete control over the chart's appearance, styles, and formatting, allowing users to create highly customizable visualizations.

3. Collaboration: Data Studio excels in collaborative aspects, allowing multiple users to simultaneously work on a single report, making real-time edits and comments. It also provides secure sharing options and the ability to embed reports in websites. On the other hand, Google Charts is primarily focused on individual use and lacks built-in collaboration features, making it better suited for standalone applications or personal use.

4. Interactivity: Data Studio supports interactivity features such as filtering, date range control, and drill-down options. It allows users to manipulate the data and explore different dimensions and metrics interactively. In comparison, Google Charts provides a high level of interactivity through user interaction, where users can hover over data points or click on elements to trigger actions like displaying tooltips or navigating to other pages.

5. Real-time Data Updates: Data Studio offers real-time data updates for certain data sources, which means the reports can automatically refresh to reflect the latest data. On the other hand, Google Charts relies on manually triggering data updates by refreshing or reloading the page. So, the visualizations may not always display the most up-to-date information without the user manually initiating a data refresh.

6. Pricing: Data Studio is a free tool offered by Google, allowing users to create and share reports at no cost. In contrast, Google Charts is free to use for personal and non-commercial purposes, but it requires a Google Cloud Platform (GCP) account and may incur charges for specific usage beyond certain limits.

In Summary, Data Studio offers extensive data connectivity, collaboration capabilities, and real-time data updates, while Google Charts provides more customization options, interactivity, and is more suitable for individual use.