What it is: SQL-first analytics platform. Write queries, create visualizations, share dashboards.

What It Does Best

SQL-focused. No drag-and-drop UI. You write SQL, it visualizes results. Perfect for analysts.

Query library. Save and share queries. Fork others' queries. Collaboration built-in.

Scheduled queries. Run queries on schedule, email results. Simple alerts.

Key Features

SQL editor: Write queries, visualize results instantly

Query library: Browse, fork, and share queries across team

Scheduled refreshes: Auto-update dashboards on schedule

Alerts: Email/Slack notifications when values change

API: Programmatic access to queries and dashboards

Pricing

Open source: Free (self-hosted)

Cloud (discontinued): Now self-host only

When to Use It

✅ Team writes SQL comfortably

✅ Simple visualization needs

✅ Want query sharing/collaboration

✅ Budget for self-hosting only

✅ Need lightweight, fast setup

When NOT to Use It

❌ Non-technical users (need no-code tool)

❌ Complex visualizations (limited chart types)

❌ Want managed service (cloud offering ended)

❌ Need advanced transformations

❌ Require enterprise features

Common Use Cases

Data team dashboards: Quick SQL-based reporting for analysts

Operational monitoring: Scheduled queries for system health

Query collaboration: Share and reuse SQL across team

Simple BI: Lightweight alternative to complex BI platforms

Alerts and monitoring: Automated notifications for data changes

Redash vs Alternatives

vs Metabase: Metabase better for non-technical users; Redash cleaner for SQL-first teams

vs Superset: Superset more features; Redash simpler, faster setup

vs Mode: Mode better collaboration, versioning; Redash simpler, open source

Unique Strengths

Simplicity: Easiest SQL-to-dashboard tool to set up

Query library: Best query sharing and forking experience

Lightweight: Minimal overhead, fast performance

Open source: Free, self-hosted, community-driven

Visit Redash →

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