About Mode
Mode is a BI & Dashboards tool that data teams at scale-ups + enterprise rely on day-to-day. On the strengths side, Best-in-class SQL + Python workflow; on the depth side, modern data-team-first design. The things you'll actually touch most days are SQL editor and Dashboards. Pricing is quote-based; expect a hands-on onboarding call before you can price it. A reasonable SQL-first BI pick for data teams.
Available on
Integrates with
Who it's for
A quick filter before you spend time on Mode — read both sides before committing.
Use it if…
- Data teams at scale-ups + enterprise
- Analysts who think in SQL
- Companies with modern data stacks
Skip it if…
- Non-technical marketing teams
- SMBs on tight budgets
- Teams wanting drag-and-drop first (Tableau wins)
Pros and cons
Pros
- Best-in-class SQL + Python workflow
- Modern data-team-first design
- Deep integration with data warehouses
- Hits the core BI & dashboards workflow without forcing a hunt for second tools
- Pricing lands in the right band for its target buyer
Cons
- Opaque pricing after ThoughtSpot acquisition
- Not for non-technical users
- Smaller user community than Tableau
- Not the cheapest option in the category — the free alternatives cover basics
- Advanced features sit behind higher-tier plans most small teams won't need
Features
The capabilities you actually get when you sign up for Mode.
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01
SQL editor
Advanced SQL IDE with autocomplete
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02
Dashboards
Shareable dashboards from SQL queries
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03
Python notebooks
Run Python alongside SQL
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04
Core workspace
The main editor or dashboard where day-to-day BI & dashboards work happens
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05
Integrations hub
Connects to the tools your stack already uses so data doesn't live in silos
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06
Reporting and dashboards
Built-in reports and exportable dashboards for stakeholder reviews
Pricing
A free plan to start, then paid tiers for the full set of features.
Studio
Free
- Individual + small team
Business
Contact sales
- Pro features + collaboration
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Advanced governance + SSO
Frequently asked questions
What people usually want to know before signing up for Mode.
Mode vs. Looker?
Mode is SQL-notebook-first; Looker is governed semantic layer.
Did ThoughtSpot buy Mode?
Yes, in 2023. Pricing + roadmap in flux.
Do I need SQL to use this?
Readers don't. Builders mostly do — some tools layer a drag-and-drop builder, but SQL is the fallback for anything non-trivial.
Does it work directly on top of my SaaS tools?
Modern BI tools connect to warehouses, not SaaS tools directly. Use Fivetran or Hightouch to ELT the data in first.
How does licensing scale with viewers?
Most vendors charge per editor seat and bundle unlimited viewers — but 'viewers' is defined narrowly, so read the fine print.
Bottom line
Should you use Mode?
A reasonable SQL-first BI pick for data teams. Non-technical teams should pick Tableau or Looker Studio.