# Best Data Visualization Tools - Page 26 *By [Bijou Barry](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/bijou-barry)* Data visualization tools and software translate data and metrics into charts and graphs to help companies track business metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) in real time so they can better understand performance and goals. These can be delivered and displayed in various formats, including charts, graphs, reports, and dashboards. These tools help translate quantitative data and metrics into easy-to-understand visualizations. In regards to dashboards, there are various forms of visuals that one can create and view, such as scorecards and easy-to-interpret visualizations of company data to follow the trends and KPIs. Many data visualization software provides drag-and-drop functionality and other non-technical capabilities, so the average business user can build necessary dashboards. However, some do offer the ability to create dashboards using code. [Data visualization](https://www.g2.com/glossary/data-visualization-definition) software can consume data from many sources, including file uploads, databases, and business applications. Connecting certain applications or databases may require some IT involvement or coding knowledge. Dashboards with real-time data are particularly helpful to allow business users to understand business applications and systems, such as [ERP systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/erp-systems) and [CRM software](https://www.g2.com/categories/crm). However, in some cases, one might want to export these visualizations to share them as reports via email or other communication channels. This can be helpful if one is looking to send a targeted overview of data to busy executives or clients. In addition, these tools can be used to craft visualizations, such as charts and graphs, that can be exported in various formats, such as PNG and JPEG, to create content with visualizations of data. This content creation can often be accomplished collaboratively, allowing users to collaborate across devices and device types. Users looking for tools solely focused on diagramming can look to [diagramming software](https://www.g2.com/categories/diagramming) to build flow charts, floor plans, and more. The [best data visualization tools](https://learn.g2.com/best-data-visualization-software) are specifically designed to benchmark and visualize important metrics and are not intended to be used for robust, complicated data analysis. While some data visualization products may offer drill-down or data-joining functionality, their primary purpose is to provide dashboards and visualizations to monitor business-critical data. Users looking for analysis-specific tools should look to [analytics platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/analytics-platforms). Analytics platforms, specifically of the self-service variety, can help businesses query and visualize their data without the need for IT support. Finally, business users and developers who are interested in embedding their visualizations in applications can use [embedded business intelligence software](https://www.g2.com/categories/embedded-business-intelligence) to accomplish this goal. To qualify for inclusion in the Data Visualization Tools category, a product must: - Consume data from a variety of sources through file uploads, database querying, and application connectors - Provide visual representation of key performance indicators ## Top Data Visualization Tools at a Glance | # | Product | Rating | Best For | What Users Say | |---|---------|--------|----------|----------------| | 1 | [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) | 4.7/5.0 (6,432 reviews) | No-code visual storytelling with brand-consistent templates | "[Canva: My Go-To for Fast, Trendy Templates, Brand Kit & Magic Resize](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/canva-review-13050709)" | | 2 | [Looker](https://www.g2.com/products/looker/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (1,582 reviews) | Governed self-service dashboards with LookML modeling | "[Transforms Data, But Challenging for Beginners](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/looker-review-12784757)" | | 3 | [Domo](https://www.g2.com/products/domo/reviews) | 4.3/5.0 (997 reviews) | Multi-source data unification with no-code ETL visualization | "[Interactive Real-Time Dashboards That Make Complex Data Easy](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/domo-review-13003120)" | | 4 | [Data Studio](https://www.g2.com/products/data-studio/reviews) | 4.4/5.0 (456 reviews) | Google-native multi-source dashboard reporting | "[Looker Studio Makes Real-Time, Interactive Dashboards Effortless](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/data-studio-review-12779274)" | | 5 | [Elastic Stack](https://www.g2.com/products/elastic-stack/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (105 reviews) | Centralized log visualization with real-time search | "[Powerful Centralized Log Management with Elastic Stack](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/elastic-stack-review-12951407)" | | 6 | [SAP HANA Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews) | 4.3/5.0 (521 reviews) | Real-time analytics on SAP-native in-memory data | "[Blazing-Fast In-Memory Performance with Seamless SAP Integration](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sap-hana-cloud-review-12419032)" | | 7 | [AgencyAnalytics](https://www.g2.com/products/agencyanalytics/reviews) | 4.7/5.0 (445 reviews) | Multi-client dashboard reporting with cross-platform consolidation | "[AgencyAnalytics Makes Trend Reporting and SEO Insights Fast and Client-Friendly](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/agencyanalytics-review-13032470)" | | 8 | [SAP Analytics Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-analytics-cloud/reviews) | 4.2/5.0 (750 reviews) | SAP-native BI, planning, and predictive dashboards | "[SAP Analytics Cloud Clean Dashboards and Powerful Real Time Analytics in One Place](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/sap-analytics-cloud-review-12817514)" | | 9 | [Hurree](https://www.g2.com/products/hurree/reviews) | 4.8/5.0 (74 reviews) | Multi-source KPI dashboards with AI-driven insights | "[Game-Changer for Data-Driven Marketing Teams](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/hurree-review-12533440)" | | 10 | [MongoDB Atlas](https://www.g2.com/products/mongodb-atlas/reviews) | 4.5/5.0 (848 reviews) | Native MongoDB data visualization and dashboarding | "[Flexible Document Model and Fast Development with MongoDB Atlas](https://www.g2.com/survey_responses/mongodb-atlas-review-12863051)" | --- ## What Are the Most Common Questions About Data Visualization Tools? *AI-generated · Last updated: May 26, 2026* ### What is the best platforms for creating real-time visualization dashboards? Based on G2 reviews, buyers looking for real-time visualization dashboards most often mention fast updates, centralized data access, and dashboards that are easy to share across teams. According to verified users, Looker is frequently used for live dashboards, real-time reporting, and centralized metric definitions that help teams stay aligned. G2 reviewers mention that users value the ability to refresh reports quickly, explore current data, and share dashboards with stakeholders without relying on manual reporting workflows. Reviewers also note some tradeoffs, including learning curve and occasional performance slowdowns with large or complex datasets, but recent feedback consistently highlights real-time visibility and operational reporting as core strengths for dashboard creation. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Looker](https://www.g2.com/products/looker/reviews/looker-review-12865135) – used for shareable dashboards, live reporting, and self-serve data exploration - [Data Studio](https://www.g2.com/products/data-studio/reviews/data-studio-review-12779274) – supports real-time dashboard refreshes and interactive filtering across sources - [Domo](https://www.g2.com/products/domo/reviews/domo-review-12844071) – helps teams monitor business performance with automated real-time dashboards ### Which visualization platform is best for non-technical users? Based on G2 reviews, Canva stands out for non-technical users because reviewers consistently describe it as intuitive, beginner friendly, and quick to learn. According to verified users, Canva helps people without design expertise create presentations, infographics, flowcharts, and other visuals using templates and drag-and-drop tools. G2 reviewers mention that it reduces dependence on specialist designers and makes it easier for teams to create polished materials quickly. Reviewers also highlight collaboration features, brand kits, and ease of sharing as practical benefits for business teams. Some users note limits around advanced customization and large, complex projects, but the overall pattern in recent reviews strongly favors Canva for accessibility and ease of adoption. ### What is the top tools for visualizing big data? Based on G2 reviews, tools used for big data visualization are most often praised for handling large datasets, connecting to warehouses, and keeping reporting centralized. G2 reviewers mention that Looker is commonly used when teams need to work with large historical data, complex reporting, and governed metrics across departments. According to verified users, it helps centralize reporting, make data more accessible, and support business users with shareable dashboards and self-service exploration. Reviewers also mention performance depends on data setup and that heavy dashboards can load slowly, but recent feedback still points to Looker as a strong option when organizations need scalable reporting tied to larger data environments. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Looker](https://www.g2.com/products/looker/reviews/looker-review-12563951) – centralizes large-scale reporting and supports analysis across warehouse data - [Domo](https://www.g2.com/products/domo/reviews/domo-review-12276368) – used to process large volumes of data and deliver dashboards to end users - [SAP HANA Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews/sap-hana-cloud-review-12674293) – supports real-time analytics on massive datasets with fast in-memory processing ### Which is the best data visualization software for business intelligence? Based on G2 reviews, Looker is the strongest fit for business intelligence because reviewers repeatedly describe it as a centralized analytics platform for dashboards, governed metrics, and self-service reporting. According to verified users, it helps organizations unify inconsistent reporting, create trusted definitions for metrics, and share dashboards across teams. G2 reviewers mention its strengths in data modeling, integrations, and reporting automation, especially for organizations that want one source of truth for analytics. Users also note tradeoffs, including a learning curve and occasional latency with large datasets, but the recurring theme in recent reviews is that Looker supports business intelligence workflows well by making data more consistent, shareable, and actionable. ### What is the best data visualization platforms for enterprise analytics? Based on G2 reviews, enterprise analytics buyers often prioritize scalability, centralized reporting, and the ability to connect multiple systems. According to verified users, Looker, Domo, and SAP HANA Cloud are all used in enterprise settings to support reporting, dashboard sharing, and cross-functional visibility. G2 reviewers mention Looker for governed analytics and self-service exploration, Domo for centralizing data and enabling collaboration across departments, and SAP HANA Cloud for real-time processing and unifying large data environments. Reviewers also mention that implementation complexity and cost can be considerations for enterprise tools, but recent reviews consistently show these products helping larger teams move away from fragmented reporting and toward more reliable decision-making. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Looker](https://www.g2.com/products/looker/reviews/looker-review-12355012) – supports governed self-service analytics and centralized metric definitions - [Domo](https://www.g2.com/products/domo/reviews/domo-review-12802484) – centralizes data from multiple business systems for enterprise reporting and collaboration - [SAP HANA Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/sap-hana-cloud-2025-10-01/reviews/sap-hana-cloud-review-12644611) – unifies large-scale data and enables real-time analytics for enterprise operations ### What is the top-rated data visualization software for self-service analytics? Based on G2 reviews, self-service analytics tools are valued when business users can explore data without waiting on technical teams. G2 reviewers mention Looker for helping non-technical users explore trusted data through centralized models and dashboards, while Data Studio is often praised for simple dashboard creation and flexible sharing. According to verified users, these tools reduce manual reporting work and make it easier for teams to answer recurring questions on their own. Reviewers also call out learning curve and performance considerations depending on setup, but the common pattern is that self-service works best when dashboards are shareable, filters are easy to use, and reporting is centralized rather than scattered across files and platforms. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Looker](https://www.g2.com/products/looker/reviews/looker-review-12280633) – lets non-technical users explore governed data safely and build reports faster - [Data Studio](https://www.g2.com/products/data-studio/reviews/data-studio-review-12560231) – helps users create and share dashboards with automated updates and multi-source reporting - [Omni Analytics](https://www.g2.com/products/omni-analytics-inc-omni-analytics/reviews/omni-analytics-review-12334498) – supports self-service analysis with consistent metrics for analysts and business users ### Which platform offers the most advanced visualization types? Based on G2 reviews, Looker reviewers frequently point to the breadth of charting and data exploration options, including graphs, maps, pivots, filters, and interactive dashboard components. According to verified users, it supports a wide range of visualization needs for analytics teams that want to move beyond basic charts and into more detailed exploration. G2 reviewers mention value in being able to customize views, compare metrics, and work with diverse reporting elements from one platform. At the same time, some users note that visualization customization still has limits and that more flexibility would be welcome. Even with those caveats, recent reviews suggest Looker offers one of the broadest visualization ranges in this review set. ### What is the top tools for creating interactive data dashboards? Based on G2 reviews, interactive dashboard tools are usually described in terms of filters, sharing, customization, and live exploration. According to verified users, Data Studio is widely used for interactive dashboards that let teams adjust date ranges, apply filters, and explore multiple views in one report. G2 reviewers mention that it helps combine data sources into clear, shareable dashboards and reduces manual reporting by keeping reports updated. Reviewers also note that performance may slow with larger datasets or more complex blends, but recent feedback consistently highlights ease of interaction, flexibility, and collaborative sharing as key strengths for dashboard creation and ongoing reporting workflows. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Data Studio](https://www.g2.com/products/data-studio/reviews/data-studio-review-12779274) – creates interactive dashboards with filters, date controls, and multi-source reporting - [Looker](https://www.g2.com/products/looker/reviews/looker-review-12773945) – supports interactive dashboards for exploration and client-facing reporting - [Domo](https://www.g2.com/products/domo/reviews/domo-review-12676104) – offers interactive dashboards and real-time visibility across connected data sources ### What is the best tools for combining data visualization with storytelling? Based on G2 reviews, Canva is frequently used when teams need visuals that communicate information clearly rather than just display data. According to verified users, it helps turn reports, presentations, and investor or leadership updates into more polished visual stories through templates, brand controls, and easy editing. G2 reviewers mention use cases such as annual reports, investor updates, roadmap visuals, presentations, and content creation, all of which suggest a strong storytelling fit. Reviewers also note collaboration benefits and ease for non-designers, while acknowledging that advanced customization can be limited. Overall, recent reviews position Canva as a practical choice for combining visual communication, presentations, and storytelling-oriented content. **Here are some of the top-rated products on G2:** - [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews/canva-review-12701529) – helps teams create polished reports and investor updates with easy visual editing - [Visme](https://www.g2.com/products/visme/reviews/visme-review-11314830) – supports reports, presentations, and data visuals with built-in charts and templates - [Count](https://www.g2.com/products/count/reviews/count-review-12337355) – combines analysis, collaboration, and storytelling for guided data exploration ### Which data visualization tool integrates with the most data sources? Based on G2 reviews, Looker is one of the strongest options when broad data connectivity matters. According to verified users, it is used with Google products, marketing platforms, data warehouses, APIs, and multiple reporting sources to centralize information in one place. G2 reviewers mention integrations with marketing channels, sheets, warehouse environments, and broader cloud ecosystems, along with the ability to combine disconnected reporting into shareable dashboards. Reviewers also note that setup quality matters and that some connectors or blended datasets can be challenging, but recent reviews consistently describe Looker as a practical hub for bringing multiple data sources together for analytics, reporting, and visualization workflows. ## How Many Data Visualization Tools Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 469 ### Category Stats (Jul 2026) - **Average Rating**: 4.43/5 The average rating of products in this category, based on all submitted ratings - **Top Trending Product**: UniFi (+1.49%) - Among all products in this category, UniFi recorded the largest rating increase compared to last month *Last updated: July 01, 2026* ## How Does G2 Rank Data Visualization Tools Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 24,500+ Authentic Reviews - 469+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Which Data Visualization Tools Is Best for Your Use Case? - **Leader:** [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [Swydo](https://www.g2.com/products/swydo/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [Abacum](https://www.g2.com/products/abacum/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) --- **Sponsored** ### Huwise Huwise is a SaaS data product marketplace developed by a French company based in Paris, with over 15 years of experience. Recognized as a leading European player in data marketplace solutions by independent analyst firms, Huwise powers more than 3,000 data marketplaces across 25 countries. The platform is widely adopted across key industries including Banking & Insurance, Utilities and Energy, Transportation, Retail, Manufacturing and Central & Local Government. Huwise is a leading data product marketplace designed to transform raw data into AI-ready, business-ready data products. Unlike traditional data catalogs that primarily focus on metadata management and data discovery, Huwise actively drives data usage across organizations by converting data into actionable products. The platform is designed for business users, data product owners, data teams, and AI agents, providing a self-service, e-commerce-like experience that makes data more accessible, understandable, and usable across the organization. By enabling secure, governed, and scalable access to trusted data products, Huwise helps Chief Data Officers (CDOs) and Chief Data & AI Officers (CDAIOs) accelerate their data governance strategy, increase data adoption, and maximize the business impact of data and AI initiatives. Targeted at organizations seeking to enhance their data utilization, Huwise stands apart from conventional data platforms such as data lakes and cloud data warehouses. While these technologies are primarily focused on storing and processing large volumes of raw data, Huwise operates on top of the data stack to activate and distribute data. It ensures that data is not only understandable but also governed and directly usable throughout the organization. By complementing existing data catalog solutions, Huwise offers a business-facing access layer that integrates with raw, curated and certified data products, leveraging existing metadata and governance frameworks. The platform is built on data product principles, enabling organizations to publish and manage trusted, ready-to-use data products. Huwise facilitates self-service access to data without the need for technical expertise, ensuring that governance, security, and traceability are maintained across all data usage. Furthermore, it promotes data adoption through collaboration, feedback, and usage analytics, which are essential for driving engagement and maximizing the value of data within the organization. Huwise accelerates AI and analytics use cases by providing high-quality, contextualized data that enhances decision-making processes. Huwise also plays a crucial role in modern data architectures by supporting both the semantic layer and the emerging context layer. The semantic layer standardizes data definitions into business-friendly terms, while the context layer enriches this foundation with usage intelligence, lineage, governance, and real business interactions. This dual-layer approach enables both humans and AI to interpret and trust data accurately, reducing risks associated with misinterpretation or bias. As organizations increasingly adopt data mesh, data product strategies, and AI-driven operations, Huwise offers a modern approach for data sharing that is dedicated to drive data value and enhance business performance. It offers a data marketplace platform that not only organizes data but also activates it to deliver measurable business value. For companies aiming to maximize the potential of their data ecosystem, Huwise provides a future-proof, interoperable layer that bridges storage, governance, and consumption, ultimately accelerating data adoption and AI success at scale. [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=208&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=208&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=page_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=208&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=82788&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=208&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fdata-visualization-tools&secure%5Btoken%5D=7a67be9cdc77d12eea6038f94de6161b00c8f5b6ffc87ad600b37eadb8c53f2c&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huwise.com%2F&secure%5Burl_type%5D=company_website) --- ## What Is Data Visualization Tools? [Business Intelligence Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/business-intelligence) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Data Visualization Tools? - [Analytics Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/analytics-platforms) - [Embedded Business Intelligence Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/embedded-business-intelligence) - [Marketing Analytics Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/marketing-analytics) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right Data Visualization Tools? ### What You Should Know About Data Visualization Tools ### What are Data Visualization Tools? Data visualization tools are basic analytics platforms for business users to easily consume and interpret data, KPIs, and other critical metrics using dashboards. These dashboards can pull data from a number of sources, including databases and spreadsheets and other applications, such as [CRM](https://www.g2.com/categories/crm) systems and [digital analytics](https://www.g2.com/categories/digital-analytics) tools. Users can build a variety of visuals based on the data sets to easily track and measure important metrics. Such chart types include column charts, bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, tables, general tracking meters, maps for geographical data, and even just raw numbers. Data visualization software is the most simplistic in the business intelligence category of software. They are built to display data in one central location instead of forcing employees to dig through different solutions to find important metrics. Business intelligence platforms, self-service business intelligence software, and embedded business intelligence software all contain more in-depth analytics features, such as drill-downs, and are most often used by analysts or data scientists. But for companies interested in displaying visual analytics dashboards, data visualization tools are the proper applications. Setting up and implementing data visualization tools are relatively straightforward compared to implementing other business intelligence tools. It may require a bit of development knowledge to connect the product to a database or third-party application. However, if a non-developer is interested in building a visualization using a spreadsheet, implementation is basic. Key Benefits of Data Visualization Tools - Turn complex data into easily understandable graphics - Track and visualize live and static metrics - Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) - Visualize and compare related metrics - Provide various options to communicate complex information ### Why Use Data Visualization Tools? The main reason for using data visualization is to track real-time data, metrics, goals, and KPIs. Businesses frequently set high goals, so tracking each metric as teams and companies progress is essential. By displaying data visualizations of each KPI, businesses can reinforce the importance of these goals and even help prioritize work based on which metrics need the most attention. General business metrics may include web traffic, revenue, and customer acquisition, among others. With data visualization products, it is easy to pull those business metrics from data sources such as digital analytics and CRMs, so that employees do not need to find them on their own. Outside of this initial benefit of using data visualization software, another advantage is that data visualization tools help users easily understand critical business data. By using data visualization solutions, employees and businesses can easily interpret data. It makes the purpose of the information very evident to all users. If employees understand the business data, they can align around long-term goals and improve overall company growth. Critical business data differs among every company and industry, so allowing for extensive customization is beneficial. There is no one-size-fits-all business dashboard; therefore, pulling data from a variety of sources is useful and necessary. When new employees start, it is helpful to understand said critical business data, and with the help of data visualization tools, that understanding is simplified. Data visualization software also allows users to quickly and easily identify trends in business metrics. If certain metrics are not on pace to hit month-end, quarter-end, or year-end goals, companies can see that up front with data visualization tools. Businesses can adjust their strategies and methods for attaining goals based on how KPIs are tracked. Being able to react to data is an important overall strategy for greater business modernization and digital transformation. ### Who Uses Data Visualization Tools? All employees have an opportunity to utilize data visualization tools; however, there are a number of roles that can use the solutions in different ways. For example: **C-level executives –** C-suite employees utilize data visualization software such as KPI dashboards to keep a holistic view of all company goals and how they are progressing. Instead of checking in with every team or digging into disparate software for each KPI, a CEO can track all company metrics in one location. If a CFO wants to observe all financial metrics, data visualization is an option instead of going through accounting and CRM products to find necessary information. Additionally, C-level executives may take dashboards into board meetings to help illustrate how the company is performing as a whole. [**Sales teams**](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/sales) **–** There are many use cases for sales teams when it comes to data visualization solutions, and not just to track revenue numbers or how many deals they have closed. Business development teams often connect [sales acceleration](https://www.g2.com/categories/sales-acceleration) tools as a data source to track how many calls each rep is making or how many meetings they are setting up. Sales managers can track individual account representatives’ performances to see how much revenue and deals each of their employees are closing, and how much they have in the pipeline. They may also set goals and determine how they are tracking on a quarterly or yearly progression. Displaying personal metrics with data visualization tools is one method to help motivate sales employees to hit their quotas. [**Marketing teams**](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/marketing) **–** For marketers, data visualization solutions are ideal for recording real-time data regarding customer and prospect interactions. Users can pull specific digital analytics metrics, such as web traffic, and easily visualize progress. Additionally, marketers can see how email campaigns or advertising campaigns are progressing, whether that be open rates or how many impressions Facebook, Twitter, and other social advertisement campaigns are receiving. Businesses benefit by quickly visualizing conversion rates and cost-per-customer acquisition, among many other key marketing metrics. **Customer service teams –** There are a variety of different instances where data visualization software is helpful for customer support teams, whether they be in a [contact center](https://www.g2.com/categories/contact-center) or receiving customer inquiries via a [help desk](https://www.g2.com/categories/help-desk), among other scenarios. Representatives at call centers can visualize the number of calls they have taken that day, how many calls are waiting to be answered, and how long the average call has been, among many other business-critical data points. For support teams that use a help desk, users benefit from data visualization by tracking how many tickets they have resolved and how many are still in their queues. [Customer success](https://www.g2.com/categories/customer-success) teams may choose to measure KPIs such as customer retention or churn rates to ensure they are maintaining the appropriate number of customers. **Human resources teams –** Data is aplenty for recruiters and human resources professionals, so having a single dashboard to display the information is advantageous. [Recruiting](https://www.g2.com/categories/recruiting) coordinators can track how many applications have been submitted for specific roles or monitor how often the career page has been viewed. Other general human resources professionals use it to display [employee engagement](https://www.g2.com/categories/employee-engagement), whether that is an overall satisfaction of work life within a company or a gamification of certain tasks. Even third-party services such as Glassdoor may be a data source for businesses interested in tracking their rating at all times. **Development teams –** If a business is responsible for running multiple applications and needs to track performance in real time, data visualization tools are an excellent way to keep tabs on all of them simultaneously. This allows development teams to react quickly to potential bugs or issues and ensure that performance is trending in the correct direction. Some data sources valuable to development teams include databases, public cloud [infrastructure as a service](https://www.g2.com/categories/infrastructure-as-a-service-iaas) offering, and [application performance monitoring](https://www.g2.com/categories/application-performance-monitoring-apm) software. ### Data Visualization Tools Features While data visualization software might seem fairly straightforward, there are some features that impact the user experience with these tools. The main feature, and often most critical component buyers should look for when purchasing data visualization software, is which data sources the tool can integrate with and pull from. Most solutions can pull from SaaS applications, cloud and on-premise databases, and even solutions built in-house. But, if one of the main reasons for a company purchasing a data visualization software is to track marketing campaigns, but the tool cannot integrate with the marketing automation tool the business is already using, then it defeats the purpose. Tracking real-time data is another important feature of data visualization software. Observing progress and trends in a business’ KPIs in real time ensures that employees can react and improve on strategies and methods. Data visualization vendors often offer mobile functionality, so users can observe and track business metrics regardless of their physical location. In today’s business world, employees are often on the go, so the ability to see dashboards from mobile phones or tablets is convenient. This is important for C-level employees who might not always be in the office. The ability to share [dashboards](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/dashboards) is another important feature of data visualization software. If a sales leader needs to send numbers to a company’s board of directors, easily emailing an entire dashboard is quick and easy. It is also beneficial to be able to share metrics internally with teams via email, if employees are unaware of how metrics are progressing. Other features of data visualization software:[Charts and Graphs](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/charts-and-graphs), [Contact Center](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/contact-center), [Education](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/education), [Finance](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/finance), [IT & Development](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/it-and-development), and [Reports](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/reports). ### Kinds of Data Visualization Tools Some data visualization solutions target specific industries or teams within a company, making them more unique than general data visualization software. A marketing team may opt to use a marketing analytics solution since they only want to visualize and track progress for specific marketing metrics. There are also sales analytics tools that only track sales metrics. Additionally, many software products have some data visualization within them. For example, a CRM or help desk tool might have data visualization features, but they differ in the sense that these are simply features, not the product's main function. ### Software and Services Related to Data Visualization Tools For business users interested in advanced analytics tools that contain more robust features, business intelligence tools are a step up from data visualization. Data analysts or data scientists most often utilize business intelligence platforms. These platforms often require a good amount of coding or query language knowledge to access necessary data and transform it into visualizations. Self-service business intelligence solutions are aimed more at roles outside of analyst or data scientist, and allow users to perform analysis without a deeper knowledge of the back end. [Embedded business intelligence](https://www.g2.com/categories/embedded-business-intelligence) solutions may have self-service aspects, but these solutions embed the business intelligence capabilities within a third-party application. The difference between business intelligence products and data visualization tools is that you can perform drill-downs and dig further into the data, right there in the business intelligence product with interactive data visualizations. Business intelligence tools focus more on exploratory data representations than just the raw data or metrics. Data visualization software is really just to see goals and track metric progress, not to dig into the data further and conduct deeper analysis. For businesses that need to consume large data sets, [big data analytics](https://www.g2.com/categories/big-data-analytics) solutions may be the best option. These products pull mostly unstructured data from [big data processing and distribution](https://www.g2.com/categories/big-data-processing-and-distribution) systems, such as Hadoop, before putting them into big data analytics tools. These products require heavy development knowledge and are mostly utilized by data scientists at larger companies.