Shortlist by what you need
Start here if you know why you are leaving Columns.
Want the closest match?
GraphyMost similar to Columns in what it does, its category and its price.
Visit (opens Graphy in a new tab)Need a free plan?
SourcetableHas a free plan, rated 5.0 out of 5.
Visit (opens Sourcetable in a new tab)Want the best rated?
Julius AIRated 4.3 out of 5 in our review, against 3.9 for Columns.
Visit (opens Julius AI in a new tab)
At a glance
Green means better than Columns, red means worse. Prices are starting prices per month.
| Tool | Our rating | Starts at | Free plan | Best for | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 ColumnsBaseline | 3.9 | $6.25/mo | Yes | Columns AI connects to spreadsheets and databases to auto-generate interactive data stories and dashboards without SQL. | |
| Graphy | 4.0+0.1 | Free | Yes | An AI graph maker that turns raw data into interactive, shareable charts. | vs Columns |
 Bricks | 4.2+0.3 | $20/mo$13.75 more | Yes | The middle ground between plain Excel and full Tableau complexity | vs Columns |
 ChartPixel | 3.8−0.1 | $15/mo$8.75 more | Yes | No-code AI data analysis tool turning spreadsheets into charts and written insights within seconds. | vs Columns |
| Sourcetable | 5.0+1.1 | $20/mo$13.75 more | Yes | AI built into a real spreadsheet grid, not a separate chat window | vs Columns |
| Julius AI | 4.3+0.4 | $16/mo$9.75 more | Yes | Chat directly with an uploaded spreadsheet or CSV file | vs Columns |
 ChartBrick | 3.4−0.5 | Free | Yes | Connect your data and AI picks the best chart type automatically - no manual chart selection, with 20+ types and auto-updating live visualizations. | vs Columns |
 Livedocs | 4.1+0.2 | $15/mo$8.75 more | Yes | Upload a file, ask a question in English, get the chart and the SQL behind it. | vs Columns |
 Airbook | 3.9Same | $99/mo$92.75 more | Yes | A GTM data platform that lets revenue and operations teams query business data in plain English or SQL. | vs Columns |
The alternatives in detail
In order of how closely each one matches Columns.
Graphy
4.0Free
vs Columns+0.1
An AI graph maker that turns raw data into interactive, shareable charts.
- AI suggests chart types based on the structure of uploaded data
- Automated chart generation from spreadsheets, CSVs, and connected data sources
- Interactive, embeddable visualizations for sharing outside the platform
AI chart-type suggestions cut down manual formatting decisions for common data shapes
Less suited to statistical or scientific analysis than dedicated BI tools
Bricks
4.2$20/mo
vs Columns$13.75 more+0.3
The middle ground between plain Excel and full Tableau complexity.
- Combined spreadsheet, dashboard, report, and presentation generation
- One-click theming and drag-and-drop layout adjustment
- Data refresh without rebuilding visualizations from scratch
Genuinely different middle-ground positioning between simple and complex tools
Less powerful than dedicated enterprise BI platforms for complex analysis
ChartPixel
3.8$15/mo
vs Columns$8.75 more−0.1
No-code AI data analysis tool turning spreadsheets into charts and written insights within seconds.
- AI-generated charts and written insights from raw spreadsheet data
- No-code interface requiring no formulas or BI training
- Combined AI and rules-based statistical modeling
Turns raw data into board-ready charts and narrative insights within seconds
Consumer pricing listed in Australian dollars, adding currency friction for other markets
Sourcetable
5.0$20/mo
vs Columns$13.75 more+1.1
AI built into a real spreadsheet grid, not a separate chat window.
- AI assistance built directly into a spreadsheet grid interface
- AI-generated formulas and chart suggestions within cells
- Database and file connections for live data
Familiar grid interface suits spreadsheet-first thinkers directly
Less suited to users who prefer a pure conversational interface
Julius AI
4.3$16/mo
vs Columns$9.75 more+0.4
Chat directly with an uploaded spreadsheet or CSV file.
- Direct upload and chat with spreadsheet or CSV files
- No database connection setup required
- Visible underlying code alongside generated results
No database setup required, works directly with uploaded files
Less suited to live, continuously updating data sources than database-connected tools
ChartBrick
3.4Free
vs Columns−0.5
Connect your data and AI picks the best chart type automatically - no manual chart selection, with 20+ types and auto-updating live visualizations.
- AI automatically selects the best chart type for your data
- 20+ supported chart types
- Broad data source connectivity (Notion, Airtable, SQL databases, APIs)
Removes the chart-selection guesswork for non-specialists
Paid tier pricing isn't detailed on the homepage
Livedocs
4.1$15/mo
vs Columns$8.75 more+0.2
Upload a file, ask a question in English, get the chart and the SQL behind it.
- Natural-language questions answered from an uploaded file
- SQL query builder alongside the AI layer
- Interactive dashboards and time series analysis
Exposes the SQL, so an answer can be checked rather than trusted
Named use cases are templates, not a promise your schema fits
Airbook
3.9$99/mo
vs Columns$92.75 moreSame
A GTM data platform that lets revenue and operations teams query business data in plain English or SQL.
- Connects CRM, product, marketing, and support data into one workspace
- Natural-language querying alongside a SQL IDE and no-code builder
- AI-generated dashboards and visualizations from connected data
Free tier covers a single analyst working across connected databases at no cost
Jump from Starter ($99/mo) to Growth ($599/mo) is steep for scaling teams
FAQ
Questions people ask
Is Columns free?
Columns has a free plan, and paid plans start from $6.25/mo.
What is the best free alternative to Columns?
Sourcetable is the highest-rated alternative here with a free plan (5.0 out of 5). Other free options: Julius AI, Bricks, Livedocs.
What is the cheapest alternative to Columns?
Among paid plans, ChartPixel has the lowest starting price (from $15/mo). If you need it free, start with Sourcetable.
How did you pick these alternatives?
We match tools on what they do, their category and their price, using the details in our directory. Ratings come from our reviews and reader reviews.