# Microsoft Power BI vs SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Microsoft Power BI excels in **ease of use** , with users appreciating its intuitive interface that allows for quick data access and report generation. In contrast, while SAS Augmented Analytics offers a user-friendly experience, it has received mixed feedback regarding its setup process, which some users found less straightforward.
- **Users say** that Microsoft Power BI's ability to **connect to various data sources** seamlessly enhances its functionality. Reviewers highlight the ease of linking data from systems like SQL servers and SharePoint, making it a versatile tool for data integration. SAS, while also capable of data manipulation, has not been noted for the same level of connectivity in recent reviews.
- **Reviewers mention** that Microsoft Power BI provides a wide array of **prebuilt charts and visualizations** , which significantly streamline the reporting process. Users have praised its flexibility in creating dynamic reports, whereas SAS Augmented Analytics, despite offering a variety of graphical presentations, has not received the same level of enthusiasm for its visualization capabilities.
- **According to verified reviews** , Microsoft Power BI's **implementation speed** is a standout feature, with many users noting a quick onboarding experience. In contrast, SAS Augmented Analytics has been described as having a more complex setup, which may require additional time and resources to fully implement.
- **G2 reviewers report** that both products offer solid **support quality** , but Microsoft Power BI edges out slightly with a higher satisfaction rating. Users have expressed appreciation for the responsive support team, while SAS users have noted that while support is good, it may not always meet their expectations in terms of timeliness.
- **Users say** that Microsoft Power BI's **collaboration features** are particularly strong, allowing teams to work together effectively on data projects. This is a crucial aspect for many organizations, whereas SAS Augmented Analytics, while functional, has not been highlighted for its collaborative capabilities in recent feedback.



| | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 1,633 | 70 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Enterprise (42.3% of reviews) | Enterprise (59.7% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | Free 1 User | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Microsoft Power BI

Pros:
- Ease of Use (137 reviews)
- Data Visualization (125 reviews)

Cons:
- Learning Curve (75 reviews)
- Slow Performance (65 reviews)

### SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence

**Not enough data**

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 9.0 (1303 reviews) | 8.7 (64 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.5 (1330 reviews) | 7.8 (63 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.8 (761 reviews) | 6.8 (29 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.5 (420 reviews) | 7.2 (26 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.5 (1156 reviews) | 8.4 (60 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.8 (401 reviews) | 8.6 (27 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.3 (1265 reviews) | 7.6 (63 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Microsoft Power BI

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Power BI in Microsoft Fabric

Price: Free 1 User

Description: Power BI in Microsoft Fabric

Key Features:
- Sign Up for A Fabric Account

[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-microsoft-power-bi/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Business Intelligence

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft Power BI** | 8.9/10 | 1250 |
| **SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence** | N/A | N/A |

#### Reports

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Reports Interface** | 8.9 (1082 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (48 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Steps to Answer** | 8.4 (973 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.8 (46 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Graphs and Charts** | 9.1 (1077 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (47 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Score Cards** | 8.8 (691 reviews) | 7.8 (30 reviews) | 
| **Dashboards** | 9.1 (1074 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.2 (45 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Self Service 

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Calculated Fields** | 8.6 (908 reviews) | 8.6 (49 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Data Column Filtering** | 8.9 (899 reviews) | 8.7 (49 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Data Discovery** | 8.7 (981 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.2 (48 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Search** | 8.5 (856 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 
| **Collaboration / Workflow** | 8.4 (973 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.9 (43 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Automodeling** | 8.2 (882 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.1 (38 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Advanced Analytics

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Predictive Analytics** | 8.3 (742 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.7 (34 reviews) | 
| **Data Visualization** | 9.2 (1069 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.8 (47 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Big Data Services** | 8.4 (765 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.7 (34 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Building Reports

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Transformation** | 8.8 (588 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (26 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Data Modeling** | 8.7 (594 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (26 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **WYSIWYG Report Design** | 8.5 (517 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.8 (23 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Integration APIs** | 8.5 (506 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.9 (20 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Platform

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mobile User Support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customization ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **User, Role, and Access Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Internationalization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Sandbox / Test Environments** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Performance and Reliability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Breadth of Partner Applications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Analytics Platforms

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft Power BI** | 8.5/10 | 1264 |
| **SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence** | 8.5/10 | 55 |

#### Reports

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Reports Interface** | 8.9 (1082 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (48 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Steps to Answer** | 8.4 (973 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.8 (46 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Graphs and Charts** | 9.1 (1077 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (47 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Score Cards** | 8.8 (691 reviews) | 7.8 (30 reviews) | 
| **Dashboards** | 9.1 (1074 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.2 (45 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Data Preparation

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Connectors** | 9.0 (686 reviews) ✓ Verified | 9.2 (12 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Data Governance** | 8.8 (627 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (13 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Data Modeling and Blending

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Querying** | 8.9 (658 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.8 (13 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Data Filtering** | 9.1 (673 reviews) ✓ Verified | 9.0 (13 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Data Blending** | 8.8 (685 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.9 (12 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | 7.6 (304 reviews) | 8.9 (12 reviews) | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | 7.7 (303 reviews) | 8.6 (11 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Analytics Platforms

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | 7.6 (146 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | 8.0 (149 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | 8.4 (151 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | 8.2 (149 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | 7.9 (149 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | 8.1 (147 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | 8.5 (154 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Self Service 

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Calculated Fields** | 8.6 (908 reviews) | 8.6 (49 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Data Column Filtering** | 8.9 (899 reviews) | 8.7 (49 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Data Discovery** | 8.7 (981 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.2 (48 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Search** | 8.5 (856 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 
| **Collaboration / Workflow** | 8.4 (973 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.9 (43 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Automodeling** | 8.2 (882 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.1 (38 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Deployment & Integration - Analytics Platforms

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **No-code Dashboard Builder** | 8.9 (129 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Report Scheduling and Automation** | 8.7 (136 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Embedded Analytics and White-labeling** | 8.4 (115 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Source Connectivity** | 9.2 (165 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Advanced Analytics

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Predictive Analytics** | 8.3 (742 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.7 (34 reviews) | 
| **Data Visualization** | 9.2 (1069 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.8 (47 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Big Data Services** | 8.4 (765 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.7 (34 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Performance & Scalability - Analytics Platforms

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Large data handling and Query Speed** | 7.6 (167 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Concurrent User Support** | 8.6 (114 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Advanced Analytics & Modeling - Analytics Platforms

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Modeling and Governance** | 8.8 (122 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Notebook and Script Integration** | 8.6 (114 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Built-in Predictive and Statistical Models** | 8.4 (110 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI Capabilities - Analytics Platforms

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Auto-generated Insights and Narratives** | 8.1 (109 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Queries** | 8.1 (116 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive KPI Monitoring and Alerts** | 8.3 (110 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Agents for Analytical Follow-ups** | 7.8 (107 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Personalized Intelligence - Analytics Platforms

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Behavioral Learning for Contextual Query Refinement** | 8.0 (110 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Role-based Insight Personalization** | 8.3 (113 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Conversational and Prompt-based Analytics** | 8.1 (111 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Building Reports

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Transformation** | 8.8 (588 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (26 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Data Modeling** | 8.7 (594 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (26 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **WYSIWYG Report Design** | 8.5 (517 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.8 (23 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Integration APIs** | 8.5 (506 reviews) ✓ Verified | 7.9 (20 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

### Semantic Layer Tools

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Microsoft Power BI** | 8.2/10 | 8 |
| **SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence** | N/A | N/A |

#### Deployment & Integration - Semantic Layer Tools

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Multi-Environment & Multi-Cloud Support** | 8.9 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Open API & SDK Integration** | 8.6 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Data Connectivity & Federation - Semantic Layer Tools

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Cross-Source Query Federation** | 9.3 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Dynamic Schema & Metadata Adaptation** | 8.9 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Data Modeling & Metrics - Semantic Layer Tools

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Derived & Calculated Metrics** | 9.3 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Time Intelligence Functions** | 9.3 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Performance Optimization - Semantic Layer Tools

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Query Caching & Acceleration** | 8.1 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Adaptive Query Optimization** | 8.1 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Governance - Semantic Layer Tools

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Governance & Observability** | 7.4 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Metric Lineage for AI Training Data** | 7.5 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Version Control & Change Impact Analysis** | 7.4 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Advanced Intelligence - Semantic Layer Tools

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Natural Language Query Interface** | 7.9 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Semantic Layer for AI/ML Models** | 7.5 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Recommendation Engine** | 8.1 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI Enablement - Semantic Layer Tools

| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Agentic Query Orchestration** | 7.2 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Contextual Reasoning Layer** | 7.2 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Workflow Automation via Semantic Agents** | 7.9 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Analytics Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/analytics-platforms)

**Unique to Microsoft Power BI (1):** [Semantic Layer Tools](https://www.g2.com/categories/semantic-layer-tools)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Microsoft Power BI | SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 20.9% | 16.4% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 36.8% | 23.9% | 
| **Enterprise** | 42.3% | 59.7% | 

### By Industry

#### Microsoft Power BI

- **Information Technology and Services:** 16.2%
- **Computer Software:** 6.8%
- **Financial Services:** 4.7%
- **Telecommunications:** 3.2%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 3.2%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 2.8%
- **Education Management:** 2.5%
- **Retail:** 2.4%
- **Automotive:** 2.4%
- **Construction:** 2.4%
- **Other:** 53.4%

#### SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence

- **Information Technology and Services:** 14.9%
- **Banking:** 11.9%
- **Financial Services:** 11.9%
- **Insurance:** 6.0%
- **Retail:** 4.5%
- **Pharmaceuticals:** 4.5%
- **Government Administration:** 4.5%
- **Higher Education:** 4.5%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 4.5%
- **Accounting:** 3.0%
- **Other:** 29.9%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Microsoft Power BI

- [Tableau](https://www.g2.com/products/tableau/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (3658 reviews)
- [Oracle Analytics Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-analytics-cloud/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (333 reviews)
- [ThoughtSpot](https://www.g2.com/products/thoughtspot/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (333 reviews)
- [Looker](https://www.g2.com/products/looker/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1643 reviews)
- [Sisense](https://www.g2.com/products/sisense/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (1063 reviews)
- [Domo](https://www.g2.com/products/domo/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (1005 reviews)
- [Qlik Sense](https://www.g2.com/products/qlik-sense/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (928 reviews)
- [SAP Analytics Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-analytics-cloud/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (911 reviews)
- [Alteryx](https://www.g2.com/products/alteryx/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (815 reviews)
- [Amazon QuickSight](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-quicksight/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (692 reviews)

### Alternatives to SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence

- [Looker](https://www.g2.com/products/looker/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1643 reviews)
- [Sisense](https://www.g2.com/products/sisense/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (1063 reviews)
- [Domo](https://www.g2.com/products/domo/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (1005 reviews)
- [Alteryx](https://www.g2.com/products/alteryx/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (815 reviews)
- [GoodData.AI](https://www.g2.com/products/gooddata-ai/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (603 reviews)
- [Strategy One (formerly MicroStrategy ONE)](https://www.g2.com/products/strategy-one-formerly-microstrategy-one/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (600 reviews)
- [IBM Cognos Analytics](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-cognos-analytics/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (471 reviews)
- [Spotfire Analytics](https://www.g2.com/products/spotfire-analytics/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (362 reviews)
- [Oracle Analytics Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-analytics-cloud/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (333 reviews)
- [SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence (BI)](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-businessobjects-business-intelligence-bi/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (254 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Microsoft Power BI

- Title: [Is Power BI a Microsoft tool?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-power-bi-a-microsoft-tool) — 5 comments, 3 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Yes it is"
- Title: [What is Microsoft Power BI Desktop used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-microsoft-power-bi-desktop-used-for) — 4 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Microsoft Power BI Desktop is a data visualization tool, creating interactive reports and dashboards. It connects to diverse data sources, facilitating..."
- Title: [What are some of the top features of Microsoft BI?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-some-of-the-top-features-of-microsoft-bi) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Data Visualization: Microsoft Power BI excels in creating interactive and visually compelling data dashboards and reports, making ramified data easy to..."
- Title: [HOW DO I START MY CAREER IN IT?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-start-my-career-in-it) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "-Research roles and positions. The IT field is a diverse industry with many specialties.
-Create a short list.
-Learn to code.
-Work on an open-source..."
- Title: [What can Microsoft Power BI do?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-can-microsoft-power-bi-do) — 2 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Power BI has an excellent query engine with Power Query that provides a great way to transform, mine, aggregate, and perform analyses that would typically be..."

### SAS Augmented Analytics & Business Intelligence

- Title: [What is SAS Business Intelligence?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-sas-business-intelligence) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "SAS Business Intelligence (BI) is a suite of software tools and applications provided by SAS Institute, a leading analytics software and services company...."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/microsoft-microsoft-power-bi-vs-sas-augmented-analytics-business-intelligence)