Metabase

Analyzing or organizing large datasets is one of those things that has to potential to offer you with a massive headache. Fortunately, you can make your life a bit easier, at least in this respect, with the help of specialized tools for data visualization, such as Metabase.

Put simply, Metabase is a stylish and well-rounded piece of software that allows you to analyze, organize and filter collections of data without having to undergo complicated procedures like manually having to write queries or other database-related commands.

Before anything, you should know that this a very versatile tool as it not only works on all major operating systems out there, but it also comes with support for some of the most popular database management systems, namely MySQL, Postgres, MongoDB, SQL Server, AWS RedShift, Google BigQuery, Druid, H2 and SQLite.

Getting started with Metabase is not what you would call a walk in the park but it's not awfully difficult either. Before anything, please note that you need to make sure that Java is present on your computer's system.

Once you launch the application, it should automatically fire-up a Metabase server which can be easily accessed via any modern web-browser by entering the following address: http://localhost:3000/.

The next step requires you to undergo a straightforward log-in process, logging in and connecting Metabase to your database. If simply want to explore the app's capabilities, feel free to use the available sample datasets.

If the connection process is successful, it is only at this point that you will be greeted by the app's web-based interface. Since we are on the subject, we should point out that this tool boasts one of the most attractive, modern and smooth-running interfaces found in this category.

Getting to the primary focus of the utility, you can rest assured that Metabase has what it takes for data analyzing and organizing data. This said, start off by 'asking questions' and continue by exploring the app's numerous ways to visualize data, including maps and some beautiful pie, line and bar charts.

Of course, the Dashboard is the place where most of the work will take place. You and your team can create, organize and share results, datasets and even save visualizations for easier future access.

Metabase manages to tick all the right boxes by allowing users to simplify the whole process of organizing, sharing and analyzing large datasets.

Considering that it's open source and the fact that it looks good and packs a set of very useful features, we can safely say that this one of the best alternatives for other similar tools for data visualization out there that require payment.