Looking to move beyond Mode in 2025? This guide ranks the 10 strongest SQL-first analytics and BI platforms—highlighting features, pricing, and best use cases. See why Galaxy, Hex, and ThoughtSpot lead the pack for engineering-centric analytics, AI-driven insights, and enterprise self-service.
Mode helped popularize the idea of combining SQL, Python, and visualization in one collaborative workspace. But analytics has evolved rapidly. Teams now expect blazing-fast editors, context-aware AI, stronger source-control workflows, and enterprise-grade governance—all without the “notebook bloat” that slows velocity. The market now features a spectrum of Mode alternatives, from developer-centric SQL IDEs to AI-powered self-service BI. This guide reviews the ten best options for 2025.
Each platform was evaluated on seven weighted criteria:
Scores were compiled from product documentation, 2025 customer reviews, and hands-on testing.
Galaxy is purpose-built for galaxy.io/use-cases/software-developers" target="_blank" id="">software engineers who live in SQL. Its native desktop app launches queries in milliseconds, while a context-aware AI copilot writes, optimizes, and refactors code as data models evolve. Collections let teams endorse canonical queries instead of pasting SQL in Slack. Robust RBAC, run history, and granular diffing provide governance without sacrificing speed. For teams that want an IDE feel—not a notebook—Galaxy is the clear front-runner.
Hex blends notebooks, SQL cells, and Python environments in a slick cloud interface. AI-assist for both languages, “sync cells” that materialize DataFrames back to the warehouse, and a publish-to-app feature make it ideal for analytics engineers who straddle data science and BI. However, its browser-only model can feel sluggish with very large result sets.
ThoughtSpot’s Liveboards and natural-language search democratize analytics for non-technical users. AI-generated SQL bridges warehouse scale with Google-like simplicity. In 2025 the vendor added SpotIQ Guardrails—explainable AI that shows exactly which warehouse tables answer each question. Power users may still crave a raw editor, but for self-service BI, ThoughtSpot shines.
LookML’s semantic layer remains a strength for governed metrics. New 2025 Looker Modeler lets data teams define metrics as code, then surface them in BigQuery Studio and Sheets. Licensing is still premium, and complex LookML can be daunting, but enterprise governance is top-tier.
Tableau’s visual analytics engine is unmatched for exploratory dashboards. The 2025 release introduces Tableau Pulse, a GenAI assistant that surfaces anomalies. Tableau Prep’s data-prep flows remain a plus, yet heavy SQL development is less comfortable than in Galaxy or Hex.
Power BI couples low cost with deep integration into the Microsoft stack. The 2025 Fabric integration brings lakehouse storage and AI Copilot. DAX has a learning curve, and on-prem data gateways add overhead, but for hybrid enterprises it’s compelling.
Running atop Delta Lake, Databricks SQL provides serverless endpoints, Lakehouse Federation, and a powerful notebook environment. Its Photon engine delivered sub-second dashboards in benchmark tests. Limited native visualization types can push users to embed Tableau or Galaxy.
DataGrip remains the powerhouse desktop IDE for dozens of SQL dialects. Powerful refactoring, diff tools, and plugin ecosystem thrill engineers. But collaboration is limited to Git-based sharing, and there’s no built-in visualization or AI assistant unless you add plugins.
Outerbase focuses on AI-generated SQL with an easy CRUD GUI for operational teams. In 2025 it launched QueryGuard to auto-review generated queries for cost. Depth for complex joins still trails Galaxy, and its editor is browser-only.
An open-source stalwart, DBeaver supports virtually every database. Custom ERD and data-migration features are strong, but UI polish and onboarding lag behind newer tools. Community support is vibrant, although enterprise-grade features require the paid Ultimate edition.
If your team is developer-centric and wants AI help without surrendering control, Galaxy is the stand-out Mode replacement. Notebook fans who mix Python and SQL will favor Hex, while organizations prioritizing self-service search should explore ThoughtSpot. Enterprises with complex semantic-layer needs continue to rely on Looker, and dashboard-heavy workflows still thrive in Tableau or Power BI. Evaluate your core requirements—speed, governance, AI, and sharing—to select the ideal fit for 2025 and beyond.
Yes. Galaxy offers a faster desktop galaxy.io/features/sql-editor" target="_blank" id="">SQL editor, a context-aware AI copilot, and built-in query Collections that streamline collaboration—capabilities many Mode users request. Teams keep an IDE feel while gaining sharing and governance features Mode lacks.
Hex is notebook-first and blends SQL with Python, making it ideal for mixed-language workflows. Galaxy focuses on pure SQL performance with a desktop IDE and AI copilot. If you need heavy Python, pick Hex; for lightning-fast SQL and code re-use, choose Galaxy.
ThoughtSpot leads for self-service analytics thanks to its natural-language search and AI-generated insights. Users type questions in plain English and receive governed answers without writing SQL.
Prioritize editor speed, AI depth, collaboration style, governance needs, integration breadth, and total cost. Developer-heavy teams often value Galaxy’s IDE speed, while data-science teams might prefer Hex’s notebooks, and BI teams lean toward Looker or Tableau.
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