Amazon Quicksight vs Google Datastudio: What are the differences?

Introduction: Amazon QuickSight and Google Data Studio are both powerful data visualization tools that allow users to create interactive dashboards and reports. However, there are several key differences between the two platforms that set them apart in terms of features and capabilities.

1. Data Sources and Integration: One of the key differences between Amazon QuickSight and Google Data Studio is their approach to data sources and integration. While QuickSight primarily focuses on integrating with AWS data sources such as Amazon S3, RDS, and Redshift, Data Studio offers a wide range of connectors to various data sources including Google Sheets, BigQuery, and more. This difference in data integration capabilities makes it easier for users to connect and visualize their data from different platforms.

2. Advanced Analytics and Calculations: Another significant difference between QuickSight and Data Studio is their support for advanced analytics and calculations. QuickSight provides a powerful set of analytical capabilities including calculated fields, filters, and advanced calculations. On the other hand, Data Studio offers limited support for advanced calculations and lacks some of the advanced features provided by QuickSight.

3. Collaboration and Sharing: When it comes to collaboration and sharing, QuickSight and Data Studio offer different approaches. QuickSight allows users to invite collaborators, share dashboards, and control access permissions. It also enables embedding dashboards in other applications. In contrast, Data Studio provides more collaborative features such as real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on a dashboard simultaneously. Additionally, Data Studio makes it easier to share dashboards with others through simple sharing links.

4. Customization and Branding: QuickSight and Data Studio also differ in terms of customization and branding capabilities. QuickSight provides a range of customization options such as custom themes, styles, and branding, allowing users to create a consistent look and feel across their dashboards and reports. Data Studio, on the other hand, offers limited customization options and lacks the ability to apply custom themes or branding to dashboards.

5. Data Refresh and Real-time Updates: Data refresh and real-time data updates are important factors to consider when choosing a data visualization tool. QuickSight supports both manual and scheduled data refreshes, allowing users to keep their dashboards up-to-date with the latest data. It also supports real-time streaming data for immediate updates. Data Studio, on the other hand, provides limited support for data refresh and does not offer real-time data updates out of the box.

6. Cost and Pricing Model: Lastly, the cost and pricing models of QuickSight and Data Studio differ. QuickSight offers a pay-per-session pricing model, where users are charged based on the number of sessions and duration. Data Studio, on the other hand, is a free tool offered by Google with no additional costs. However, additional features and services may require payment, such as using BigQuery as a data source.

In Summary, Amazon QuickSight and Google Data Studio differ in terms of data sources and integration, advanced analytics capabilities, collaboration and sharing features, customization options, data refresh and real-time updates, as well as cost and pricing models.