Overview
Lightdash is an open-source BI tool built specifically for dbt users. It uses your dbt project as the semantic layer—metrics, dimensions, and documentation defined in dbt YAML files power your dashboards. No duplicate definitions needed.
Key Features
- ✓ dbt Native: Uses dbt models and metrics
- ✓ Explore from dbt: Start from any dbt model
- ✓ Metrics Layer: dbt metrics as source of truth
- ✓ Self-hosted: Full control of your data
- ✓ Scheduling: Automated dashboard delivery
- ✓ Spaces: Organize content by team
Pros
- 👍 Perfect dbt integration
- 👍 Single source of truth (dbt YAML)
- 👍 Open-source with self-hosting
- 👍 Good UX for analysts
- 👍 Active development
- 👍 UK-based (GDPR friendly)
Cons
- 👎 Requires dbt (not standalone)
- 👎 Smaller feature set than Looker
- 👎 Self-hosting needs resources
- 👎 Cloud pricing adds up
Best For
dbt shops who want BI that leverages their existing dbt definitions. Ideal for teams tired of metric drift between dbt and BI tools.
Founded: 2021 HQ: London, UK