Scoop vs. Power BI

Choosing the right business intelligence tool can be overwhelming. For SMBs looking for a streamlined, intuitive solution, Scoop offers a powerful alternative to Power BI without the complexity. This guide compares both tools, helping you decide which fits your business needs best.
Tour Scoop Now

Scoop vs.

Power BI

: The Comparison

Scoop

Power BI

Comprehensive Data Preparation

Scoop

  • No-code data transformation with spreadsheet-based logic.
  • Directly connects to apps without requiring a full data stack.
  • Simple data structuring without complex relationships.
  • Users can prepare and analyze data without IT dependency.

    Power BI

    • Requires knowledge of Power Query and DAX for transformations.
    • Heavy reliance on IT teams for data modeling.
    • Data preparation can take up 60-80% of project time.
    • Works best when integrated into Microsoft’s full stack.
    AI Data Analytics

    Scoop

    • AI-driven insights that interpret trends and suggest actions.
    • No need for machine learning expertise.
    • Natural language queries for quick answers.
    • AI augments data storytelling instead of requiring manual analysis.

    Power BI

    • AI features require additional configuration.
    • Co-Pilot assists but does not generate full insights.
    • Focuses on machine learning for advanced users rather than business analysts
    Intelligent Data Blending

    Scoop

    • Seamlessly blends data from multiple sources without SQL.
    • Easily integrates real-time insights without complex pipelines.
    • Supports direct data connections without database setup.
    • Designed for business users, not just data engineers.

    Power BI

    • Requires knowledge of Power Query and DAX for transformations.
    • Heavy reliance on IT teams for data modeling.
    • Data preparation can take up 60-80% of project time.
    • Works best when integrated into Microsoft’s full stack.
    Advanced Data Visualization

    Scoop

    • Auto-generated, interactive visualizations with minimal setup.
    • Drag-and-drop customization without scripting.
    • Simple UI that mirrors familiar spreadsheet interfaces.
    • Designed for quick insights, not complex report building.

    Power BI

    • Requires users to configure visuals with DAX and filters.
    • Learning curve for adjusting and customizing dashboards.
    • Best for pre-planned, structured reporting rather than quick analysis.
    Interactive Data Presentation

    Scoop

    • Data is always live and interactive.
    • Can be embedded directly into presentations with full interactivity.
    • Users can update and refresh reports instantly.
    • Works across multiple platforms without proprietary add-ons.

    Power BI

    • Requires PowerPoint add-ons for embedding reports.
    • Shared reports often require Microsoft ecosystem access.
    • Static snapshots limit flexibility.
    • Collaboration is limited without Microsoft accounts.
    Robust Snapshotting Capabilities

    Scoop

    • Automatically captures historical snapshots without extra setup.
    • Tracks trends and changes in real time.
    • Users can analyze past data without IT involvement.
    • Built-in snapshotting avoids manual data exports.

    Power BI

    • Snapshotting requires setup through Azure or SQL-based solutions.
    • No built-in way to track historical changes over time.
    • Requires data engineers to configure and maintain snapshot reports.

    What Do Scoop and 

    Power BI

     Do?

    Scoop

    Scoop is a modern business intelligence platform designed for fast, user-friendly data analysis. Built with spreadsheet logic, it empowers teams to analyze and visualize data without requiring a deep technical background. Scoop simplifies analytics, making real-time insights accessible to business users without IT dependencies.

    Power BI

    Power BI is Microsoft’s business intelligence tool, offering deep data analytics, interactive visualizations, and integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem. While it provides extensive capabilities, Power BI requires significant setup, technical knowledge, and an IT-driven approach to data preparation and management.

    What is

    Power BI

    Good At?

    • Enterprise-Grade BI – Power BI is well-suited for organizations with large-scale data needs and dedicated data teams.
    • Deep Integration with Microsoft – Seamlessly connects with Azure, SQL Server, and Microsoft 365.
    • Advanced Customization – Users can create complex reports with DAX and Power Query.
    • Robust Data Governance – Ideal for organizations needing strict security and compliance measures.

    What is Scoop Better At?

    • Simple, Spreadsheet-Based Logic – No need to learn a proprietary language like DAX.
    • Faster Setup & Deployment – Get started in minutes, not months.
    • Self-Service Analytics – Business users can create reports without IT involvement.
    • Real-Time Data & Insights – No waiting on scheduled refreshes or delayed reporting.
    Loved by business users

    Everyone from line-of-business leaders to CEOs should be able to solve problems with the most complete and current data available, but that hasn’t been possible until now, Scoop combines the power of traditional tools with the ease of use of spreadsheets, enabling our operations teams and execs to immediately work with any data in our business using only the spreadsheet skills they already have.

    Scott Whitaker
    Head of Finance
    , .
    Codesmith

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What if I already have a data warehouse?

    That's great! If you already have a data warehouse, Scoop has a connector to grab data straight from there. Scoop can also blend data from different systems with your data from the data warehouse. We're always happy to hop on a call and determine the best ways to get the data for your use case.

    What if I want to delete all my data from Scoop?

    No problem. Just reach out to our support team and we’ll immediately wipe out.

    What if I already have analytics / BI tools?

    No need to replace them (unless you want to). Chances are, you’re unable to carry out all the day-to-day tasks that you need in your existing analytics / BI tools. You probably find yourself frequently exporting data into spreadsheets, just to be able to work with it. Scoop lets you do all your spreadsheet exploration within our platform using data that stays up-to-date. No more rebuilding the same spreadsheets over and over or wondering if the data they show is correct.

    How does my data get “scooped” into the platform?

    Scoop’s revolutionary data scoop process is the first of its kind. Unlike traditional data platforms, you will not need data extraction, transformation, or loading tools (ETL) to move your data into Scoop. Instead, Scoop fetches your data directly using the operational reports you are already familiar with, pulling them directly from your applications like Salesforce or NetSuite, snapshotting them, and stacking them over time to create a time series dataset that is ready for analysis and presentation without any additional technical overhead​​ .

    Do I need to have SQL and database skills to use Scoop?

    Never. Unlike other analytics tools, Scoop is designed entirely for business users without a technical skill set. All it takes to use Scoop are some basic spreadsheet skills.

    Can I import my own spreadsheets into Scoop?

    Absolutely. You can upload any spreadsheet and join it together with other data you’ve brought into Scoop.

    Does my company need to have a data warehouse?

    Scoop does not require you to have a data warehouse. Data warehouses are a tool used by IT to store raw data. Scoop, by contrast, operates on consumer-readable reports. Scoop “understands” your reports and creates its own behind-the-scenes columnar data store where data inferred from your reports is stored securely. However, that data store is entirely managed by Scoop and does not require maintenance or interaction by your IT department.

    Will I need a data team to set up Scoop for me?

    Nope. Unlike other data platforms, there is zero technical setup. Every feature in Scoop is designed for users who don’t have a technical background so you’ll never run into things you can’t do.