Google Datastudio vs Qlik Sense: What are the differences?

Introduction

Here we will discuss the key differences between Google Datastudio and Qlik Sense.

1. Data Visualization Capabilities: Google Datastudio provides a wide range of pre-built data visualization options with drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to create visually appealing dashboards and reports. Qlik Sense, on the other hand, offers more advanced data visualization capabilities with the ability to interactively explore data using its associative data model. It allows users to create dynamic visualizations and drill down into data for deeper insights.

2. Data Connectivity: Google Datastudio primarily focuses on connecting to Google-owned data sources, such as Google Analytics, Google Ads, and Google Sheets. It also supports connections to a limited number of third-party data sources. Qlik Sense, on the other hand, offers a wide range of data connectors including those for databases, spreadsheets, cloud-based data sources, and popular APIs. It provides more flexibility in accessing and integrating data from various sources.

3. Collaboration and Sharing: Google Datastudio is part of the Google Workspace suite of tools, which makes it easy to collaborate and share dashboards with other Google users. It allows real-time collaboration, where multiple users can work on the same dashboard simultaneously. Qlik Sense also offers collaboration features but requires separate licenses for each user. It provides more advanced sharing and security options for controlling access to dashboards and reports.

4. Data Preparation and Modeling: Google Datastudio is primarily focused on data visualization and lacks advanced data preparation and modeling capabilities. While it provides basic data transformation features, Qlik Sense offers more powerful data preparation capabilities with its built-in data profiling, cleansing, and transformation tools. It also supports data modeling to create associations between different data tables for advanced analysis.

5. Customization and Extensions: Google Datastudio allows limited customization options by providing predefined themes and style options. It also supports the use of custom formulas and aggregation functions. Qlik Sense, on the other hand, offers extensive customization options with the ability to create custom visualizations and extensions using JavaScript and HTML. It provides more flexibility for tailoring the appearance and functionality of dashboards according to specific requirements.

6. Collaborative Analytics: Qlik Sense is designed around the concept of collaborative analytics, allowing users to explore and analyze data together in a shared environment. It provides features like data storytelling, collaborative sessions, and data exploration using its associative engine. Google Datastudio focuses more on creating static dashboards and reports, which can be shared with others but lacks the interactive and collaborative features provided by Qlik Sense.

In summary, Google Datastudio and Qlik Sense differ in terms of their data visualization capabilities, data connectivity options, collaboration and sharing features, data preparation and modeling capabilities, customization and extensions, and collaborative analytics functionalities. While Google Datastudio offers a user-friendly interface and easy integration with Google-owned data sources, Qlik Sense provides more advanced analytics capabilities, flexibility in data connectivity, and powerful data preparation and modeling functionalities.