Best AI Tools for Analytics (2025)
1. Tableau (with Einstein Discovery)
A powerful analytics and visualisation platform. AI features like Ask Data let you query datasets using natural language, while Explain Data helps reveal the underlying reasons behind key trends. It integrates seamlessly with Azure Machine Learning for advanced predictive insights.
2. Microsoft Power BI
A user-friendly business intelligence tool that supports rich data visualisation, dashboard creation, and AI-enhanced analytics. Works particularly well within Microsoft’s ecosystem and supports predictive modelling, natural language queries, and integration with tools like Azure AI.
3. DataRobot
An enterprise-grade AutoML platform, ideal for automatically building, deploying, and managing sophisticated machine learning models. It enables teams to select, tune, and explain predictive models swiftly.
4. H2O.ai
An open-source AI and machine learning platform (Driverless AI) that automates feature engineering, model tuning, and deployment. Combines accessibility with the power needed by expert data scientists.
5. Akkio
A no-code platform designed for business users to build and deploy AI models quickly. Ideal for tasks like predicting lead conversions or sales outcomes.
6. Polymer
Transforms spreadsheets into interactive, web-based dashboards and explorers. Great for analysing and presenting data without coding, ideal for intuitive data interaction.
7. Alteryx
A workflow-based tool that blends data preparation, blending, and predictive analytics in a drag-and-drop interface—excellent for automating repeatable processes.
8. KNIME
An open-source, node-based analytics platform. Offers extensive data connectors, visual workflows, and integration with machine learning libraries while requiring minimal coding.
9. Databricks
A unified analytics platform leveraging the lakehouse architecture and Apache Spark. Enables seamless collaboration among data engineers, scientists, and analysts on large-scale AI and data projects.
10. AnswerRocket
A search-driven analytics tool made for business users. Utilises natural language processing to allow users to ask questions and get data insights—no technical knowledge required.
11. ThoughtSpot
A self-service analytics platform with a newly introduced AI agent (Spotter) that assists in spotting trends and delivering insights. Enables non-technical users to drive analytics independently.
12. Sisense (Fusion)
A business intelligence platform that incorporates AI and machine learning. Customisable dashboards, anomaly detection, and flexible visualisations make it a strong solution for delivering role-specific analytics.
13. Qlik (Qlik Sense, Qlik Answers)
Offers AI-powered analytics with natural language querying, AutoML features, and dynamic visualisations. Designed for speedy insights from unstructured and structured data alike.
14. SAS Viya
An AI and analytics suite for enterprise-level needs. Offers predictive modelling, fraud detection, visual data exploration, and integration with open-source tools like Python and R. Available as a scalable cloud-native solution.
Choosing the Right Tool
| Objective | Recommended Tools |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use & Visualisation | Tableau, Power BI, AnswerRocket, ThoughtSpot |
| Automated Machine Learning | DataRobot, H2O.ai, Akkio |
| Workflow Automation | Alteryx, KNIME |
| Handling Big Data & Collaboration | Databricks |
| Advanced Enterprise Needs | SAS Viya, Qlik, Sisense |
Think About This:
- Technical Capacity: Do you prefer no-code tools or do you have a data science team?
- Integration Needs: Are you already within ecosystems like Microsoft or AWS?
- Scale & Infrastructure: Need support for large datasets or real-time analysis?
- Budget and Pricing: Some tools are open-source or free tiers, others are enterprise-grade and priced accordingly.
gorf's top five
Canva
Designs.ai
ImagineArt
Designhill
Pixlr
| Criteria | Hotjar | Databox | Amplitude | Fathom Analytics | Simple Analytics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - User-friendly, intuitive UI; drag & drop dashboards | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Setup is pretty clean; templates make dashboards fast | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ - Steeper learning curve; powerful but more complex | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Very minimal interface; easy to understand at a glance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Slick and minimal; ideal for non-technical users |
| Features / Depth of Analytics | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Session recordings, heatmaps, feedback polls | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Aggregated dashboards, integrates many sources, good KPI tracking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Product analytics, cohort analysis, funnels, real-time data | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ - Focuses more on privacy & simple site metrics | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ - Same emphasis: privacy + essential metrics only |
| Real‐Time Data / Speed | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ - Some data lag; feedback not real-time always | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Fairly quick refreshes, depending on integrations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Real-time events, fast insights | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ - Basic refresh; minimal overhead | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ - Prioritises privacy, so some trade-offs in refresh speed |
| Privacy & Compliance Focus | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ - User feedback features may involve PII; some privacy tools included | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Depends on integrations; can be configured to be privacy compliant | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ - Not its primary messaging; depends on implementation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Privacy-first by design; minimal tracking, no user-identifiable data | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Strong privacy focus; GDPR-friendly, simple data collection |
| Customization & Dashboarding | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Moderate customization; good visualization options | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A lot of dashboard customisation; many integrations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Highly flexible with advanced custom tracking | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ - More limited: simple dashboards, fewer options | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ - Minimal dashboards; fewer bells & whistles but clean |
| Integrations / Source Data | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Works with many platforms; custom events | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Many data sources, good connector ecosystem | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Event APIs, data lake integrations, SDKs | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ - Limited integration; more basic setup | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ - Fewer integrations; focused on simplicity |
| Cost Efficiency | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ - Free plan / lower tiers good; costs can increase for high usage | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Good value given many data sources; pricing scales | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ - High cost for enterprise / high usage; steep charges | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Transparent & affordable plans; good for smaller sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ - Very clear pricing; good value if you only need essentials |
| Best Use-Cases | UX optimization, session replay, behavior insights, feedback from users | Executive dashboards; consolidating multiple metrics; monitoring KPIs across tools | Product teams; deep funnel, retention, feature usage analytics | Blogs, small-to-medium websites wanting privacy + simple metrics | Privacy-conscious sites, minimalism, speed & compliance, basic site analytics |
