Microsoft Power BI vs ExcelDashboard AI
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. ExcelDashboard AI has the lower starting price: about $10 a month, against $14 for Microsoft Power BI.
AI workspace that turns spreadsheets into reports and dashboards
Freemium · $9.90/moAt a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Power BI Desktop
- Copilot report creation
- DAX measures
- Scheduled refresh
- Microsoft Fabric integration
- AI data analysis
- Charts and dashboards
- Editable PPT, Word and XLSX export
- Unlimited data files
- Monthly AI credits
| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | ExcelDashboard AI |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Microsoft's BI tool with Copilot for reports and data questions | AI workspace that turns spreadsheets into reports and dashboards |
| Category | Data & analytics | Data & analytics |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $14/mo | $9.90/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Microsoft | ExcelDashboard AI |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
ExcelDashboard AI has the lower starting price: about $10 a month, against $14 for Microsoft Power BI.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Free
Free
- Power BI Desktop
- Personal reports
Pro
$14/mo
- Per user
- Share and collaborate on reports
Premium Per User
$24/mo
- Per user
- Larger models and AI features
- Paginated reports
Fabric capacity
Usage-based
- Organization-wide capacity
- Pay as you go or reserved
4 plans
Free
Free
- 150 AI credits at signup
- Unlimited data files and columns
- One editable Office export
Standard
$9.90/mo
- 600 AI credits a month
- Watermark-free image export
Plus
$19/mo
- 1,500 AI credits a month
- For client and team reporting
Pro
$49/mo
- 6,000 AI credits a month
- Priority support
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Microsoft Power BI
- Low cost per user
- Deep Microsoft integration
- Free desktop authoring
- Copilot needs higher capacity licenses
- DAX has a learning curve
- Desktop app is Windows only
ExcelDashboard AI
- Exports editable Office files
- Free plan needs no credit card
- No cap on data files or columns
- Free credits are a one-time grant
- Credit limits apply per month
- Watermarks on free image exports
Which one should you choose?
Choose Microsoft Power BI if you want:
- Low cost per user
- Deep Microsoft integration
- Free desktop authoring
Watch out: copilot needs higher capacity licenses.
Choose ExcelDashboard AI if you want:
- Exports editable Office files
- Free plan needs no credit card
- No cap on data files or columns
Watch out: free credits are a one-time grant.
Microsoft Power BI vs ExcelDashboard AI FAQ
What is the difference between Microsoft Power BI and ExcelDashboard AI?
Microsoft Power BI: Microsoft's BI tool with Copilot for reports and data questions. ExcelDashboard AI: AI workspace that turns spreadsheets into reports and dashboards. Both are data & analytics tools.
Is Microsoft Power BI or ExcelDashboard AI cheaper?
ExcelDashboard AI has the lower starting price: about $10 a month, against $14 for Microsoft Power BI.
Do Microsoft Power BI and ExcelDashboard AI have free plans?
Microsoft Power BI: Yes. ExcelDashboard AI: Yes.
Who makes Microsoft Power BI?
Microsoft Power BI is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes ExcelDashboard AI?
ExcelDashboard AI is made by ExcelDashboard AI.
Which should I choose, Microsoft Power BI or ExcelDashboard AI?
Choose Microsoft Power BI if you value low cost per user and deep microsoft integration. Choose ExcelDashboard AI if you value exports editable office files and free plan needs no credit card.