Reporting tools solve a key problem for businesses by enabling them to communicate data in a way that is accessible, easy to understand, and useful for both frontline staff and management teams. 

These tools take raw data and turn it into tables, charts, and graphs ready for consumption, turning complicated data into visuals that better enable users to spot patterns and trends. These reports help frontline staff perform their role better, for example, by enabling managers to get weekly snapshots of sales across different categories or regions. 

The best reporting tools contain all the features users need to simplify the creation of great-looking reports. In particular, businesses should consider the following:

  • Output - How do the reports look? Are they easy to understand? How many different ways can you display the data?
  • Formats - Can your tool output reports in the formats your teams require? You may need PDF, HTML, or images, or even to input your reports into other tools your business uses.
  • Ease-of-use - How easy is it for teams to create the reports they need? Can non-technical users use them?
  • Integrations - How easy is it to get data into the tool? How does it connect with your other systems?
  • Security & compliance - Does the tool comply with regulations that affect your use of data? How secure is your data?

To make your choice easier, we’ve selected the seven best reporting tools that we believe businesses should be using in 2025:

  1. Tableau
  2. AnswerRocket
  3. Zoho Analytics
  4. Whatagraph
  5. Windward Hub
  6. SAP Crystal Reports
  7. Yellowfin

Before you get started, you may also want to have your data prepared and aggregated in a data warehouse (check out our 17 Best Data Warehousing Tools and Resources article if you need information about that). If that is something you need, Integrate.io can help you extract, transform, and load your data ready for reporting. 

What Are the Top Reporting Tools for Transforming and Loading Data from Multiple Sources?

Tableau, Yellowfin, and Zoho Analytics are among the best tools for reporting workflows. Integrate.io complements these tools by transforming and loading data from multiple sources with its low-code pipeline builder and 200+ native connectors, enabling you to extract, transform, and load data from SaaS platforms, databases, APIs, and more, directly into analytics destinations. Its real-time sync, schema handling, and built-in monitoring make it ideal for delivering clean, refreshed data for reporting without engineering overhead.

1. Tableau

Tableau is one of the most popular data visualization and business intelligence tools on the market. It provides a wide range of reporting features that enable teams to quickly get actionable insights from their data.

Features:

  • The easy-to-use interface enables non-technical users to quickly create reports with just a few clicks.
  • Tableau connects to hundreds of different data sources, including databases, spreadsheets, and cloud apps.
  • Users can quickly build reports using a wide range of charts and dive deeper with regressions, correlations, and trend analysis.
  • Responsive dashboards display data well on a wide range of devices and screen sizes, including mobile devices.
  • Update reports using live data, or define an automated schedule.

What the users say:

Users highly recommend Tableau as a data visualization tool for its strong features and visually appealing charts. However, some users mention that its data analytics tools don’t quite keep up with its visualization tools, and some users report experiencing slowdowns when working with large datasets.

Pros:

  • Powerful, sleek drag-and-drop visualizations for self-service analytics.

  • Supports real-time data and a wide range of data sources for deep insights.

  • Well-designed dashboards with accelerators streamline analysis.

Cons:

  • High cost and licensing complexity for full functionality.

  • Steep learning curve for advanced features and custom scripting.

  • Performance can suffer when working with very large datasets.

Pricing$12-$70 per user

User Reviews: Average 4.5 out of 5.0 on Capterra

Trial: 14-day trial

Documentation: Getting Started Guide

2. AnswerRocket

AnswerRocket is a business intelligence and reporting tool that uses natural language processing (like a search engine) to enable users to type in a question in plain English and instantly receive a report. Still relatively new to the market, AnswerRocket is quickly gaining a reputation for good reports and ease of use for non-technical users. 

Features:

  • Forget complex queries - users can type or speak questions in their own words and quickly receive an answer.
  • Drill down for more information with AnswerRocket’s interactive reports.
  • AnswerRocket’s AI picks out analyses from reports that employees might miss.
  • Insights include correlations, outliers, forecasts, trends, and more.

What the users say:

AnswerRocket is popular with users, most of whom love the ability to ask questions in plain English, which reduces the learning curve and the need for training, making reporting easy for non-technical users.

AnswerRocket is also popular for its excellent support, although some users comment that it is not uncommon for the occasional bug to crop up after a large update.

Pros:

  • Natural-language search lets users ask questions in plain English to get insights.

  • Fast, AI-generated visualizations require minimal technical skills.

  • High user satisfaction in ease-of-use, support, and functionality ratings.

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for effective use if unfamiliar with query terms or features.

  • Users may struggle to discover advanced capabilities without training.

PricingContact AnswerRocket for pricing information

User Reviews: Average 4.6/5.0 on Capterra

Trial: Request a Demo

3. Zoho Analytics

Zoho Analytics (formerly Zoho Reports) is a popular reporting, analytics, and business intelligence software that uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing technologies. Boasting many enterprise customers, including HP, Philips, and Hyundai, Zoho Analytics can turn large volumes of raw data into useful, visually pleasing reports.

Features:

  • Zoho Analytics enables businesses to blend data from different sources to create advanced dashboards.
  • The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for non-technical users to create reports.
  • Type out questions and receive answers from Zia, Zoho Analytic’s AI assistant.
  • Secure online collaboration tools help businesses share reports quicker.
  • Zoho Analytics integrates out-of-the-box with a wide range of databases, CRMs, analytics tools, and helpdesk tools, with a total of more than 100+ connectors.

What the users say:

Customers are overall satisfied with Zoho Analytics, citing its competitive pricing relative to its powerful feature set and the ease with which new users can understand and start using it as a, particularly popular aspect. Feedback on customer support is positive, although many users mention that Zoho could improve its documentation. 

Pros:

  • Intuitive, user-friendly interface ideal for quick dashboard creation.

  • Excellent value, affordable and integrates smoothly with Zoho suite.

  • Strong visualization, live dashboards, and report-sharing capabilities.

  • Seamless data sync and scheduling; supports AI assistant (“Zia”) for insights.

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve for advanced formulas or custom SQL.

  • Limited customization options and fewer chart types.

  • Occasional syncing delays with external data sources.

Pricing$25 per month (2 users) to $495 per month (50 users)

User Reviews: Average 4.3/5.0 on Capterra

Trial: 15-day free trial

Documentation: Zoho Analytics Help Center

4. Whatagraph

Whatagraph is a reporting platform designed primarily for digital marketing agencies, enabling them to create detailed visual reports on a wide range of marketing activities, including PPC, SEO, email marketing, and social media. These features enable agencies to quickly create stylish, high-quality reports to show clients the value of their work.

Features:

  • Scheduled marketing reports automatically update clients with key metrics every day, week, quarter, or year.
  • Users can combine data from multiple sources into one simple, easy-to-read brandable report that they can share with clients and team members.
  • Add data using the Whatagraph API or upload using CSV/Excel file import, plus add images where needed.

What the users say:

Customers love the great-looking reports and the ease with which they can create them. Because of its specialized nature, it has a greater limitation on sources than other solutions; users should check that Whatagraph supports their favorite tools before using it as a reporting platform.

Pros:

  • Simplifies report building with templates and drag-and-drop design.

  • Excellent for aggregating marketing data from multiple sources.

  • Fast setup and intuitive interface, ideal for agency use.

  • Noted for responsive and helpful customer support.

Cons:

  • Customization flexibility is limited compared to advanced tools.

  • Occasionally buggy integrations; some niche sources may lack support.

PricingContact for pricing information

User Reviews: Average 4.5/5.0 on Capterra

Trial: 7-day free trial

Documentation: Whatagraph Help Center

5. Windward Hub by Windward Studios

Windward Hub is an enterprise-grade reporting tool that enables users to create detailed reports from within the Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Word and MS PowerPoint, before sharing them with other users.

Features:

  • Turnkey solution - Windward Hub enables businesses to create, manage, and share all of their reports quickly and easily.
  • Windward Hub supports native integration with Salesforce, with support for Jira, MS Dynamics, NetSuite, and SharePoint coming soon.
  • It integrates easily with more than 150 other apps.
  • SaaS, but also available as dedicated hosting (Windward Core)

What the users say:

Windward Studios comes highly recommended by users. Highlights include the integration with Microsoft Word and the speed and power of its reporting tools. However, although Windward Studios markets Windward Hub as a low/no code solution, many users report a learning curve to take advantage of its most powerful features.

Pros:

  • Centralizes document template management with version control.

  • Integrates easily with tools like Salesforce and Excel.

  • Intuitive template builder with rapid report generation capabilities.

  • Responsive support helps with setup and troubleshooting.

Cons:

  • Formatting capabilities are constrained, less flexibility in design.

  • Relatively high pricing may be a drawback for smaller teams.

Pricing$20 to $50 per user for SaaS solution (Hub)

User Reviews: Average 4.8/5.0 on Capterra

Trial: 14-day free trial

Documentation: Windward Documentation

6. SAP Crystal Reports

SAP Crystal Reports is a robust reporting solution that enables users to create detailed dynamic business reports. This Windows-based, on-premises tool, has many powerful features and can output reports in 28 languages and across more than a dozen different formats.

Features:

  • Combine data from a wide variety of data sources to create print-ready reports.
  • Add a wide range of charts, including bar, line, funnel, histogram, radar, and bubble.
  • Secure data with single sign-on, user access controls, and secure mobile access features. Use auditing features to track the use and modification of your reports.
  • Crystal Reports connects to almost any data source, including a wide range of databases (including SAP HANA, MS SQL Server, MySQL, and PostgreSQL).

What the users say:

Users choose SAP Crystal Reports for its sophisticated functionality, advanced reporting tools, and ability to create professional reports. In the right hands, this software is very powerful; however, as a more traditional reporting tool, Crystal Reports has a steeper learning curve and maybe less suitable for non-technical users.

Pros:

  • Robust reporting tool that links to virtually any data source.

  • Offers dynamic parameters, drag-and-drop report creation, and multi-format export.

  • No development framework needed, use it directly.

  • Well-integrated within the SAP ecosystem and highly customizable.

Cons:

  • Older interface with a noticeable learning curve for new users.

  • Exported reports (e.g., to Excel) can have formatting issues.

  • Graphics editing and image support are limited in the template.

Pricing: One-time $495 payment

User Reviews: Average 4.3/5.0 on Capterra

Trial: 30-day free trial

Documentation: SAP Crystal Reports 2016 User Guide

7. Yellowfin

Yellowfin is a modern business intelligence platform that combines analytics, dashboards, and reporting. Businesses can create complex operational and management reports with a wide range of visualizations that enable stakeholders to better engage and understand data.

Features:

  • Simplify complex data stories with Yellowfin’s data storytelling tools. Yellowfin Stories allows users to embed charts and reports, add images and videos, and then publish them securely.
  • Embedded data in reports are dynamic, enabling users to drill down further if they need to.
  • Easily build management presentations using Yellowfin Present.
  • Easy to use for non-technical users. Drag and drop to bring your data to life.
  • Build powerful dashboards to help monitor changes to your data and enable better decision-making.

What the users say:

Yellowfin is popular for its wide variety of data visualization options, storytelling features, and easy-to-understand interface. It integrates easily, including with big data processing tools, and users consider it to be more cost-effective for multiple users than other competing tools with similar functionality.

Pros:

  • Intuitive interface that enables quick creation of reports and dashboards.

  • Powerful visual analytics with built-in storytelling and collaboration.

  • Seamless data integration with strong governance and mobile support.

  • Scales well from small teams to enterprise deployments.

Cons:

  • Initial report authoring can be slow, formula editing needs improvement.

  • Lacks some advanced charting or mapping options (e.g., GIS integration).

  • Limited flexibility in formula creation and report customization.

PricingContact for pricing

User Reviews: Average 4.6/5.0 on Capterra

Trial: Request free demo

Documentation: Yellowfin Wiki

Comparison of Best Reporting Tools

Tool Type/Category Core Focus Data Connectors Data Transformation Visualization & Analytics Deployment Options Ease of Use Collaboration & Sharing Security & Compliance Pricing Model Ideal Users
Tableau BI & Data Visualization Advanced data visualization & self-service BI 100+ connectors (DBs, SaaS, files, APIs) Strong (Tableau Prep, calculated fields, blending) Industry-leading dashboards, interactive visuals, advanced analytics, AI features Desktop, Server, Cloud (Tableau Online) Moderate (learning curve but intuitive for analysts) Strong (sharing, collaboration, embedded analytics) SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, enterprise-grade Subscription (Creator, Explorer, Viewer) Data analysts, BI teams, enterprises
AnswerRocket Augmented Analytics AI-driven analytics & natural language queries Connects to DBs, cloud DWs, spreadsheets Automated data prep & modeling Natural language query, AI-powered insights, automated narratives Cloud & on-prem Very easy (NLQ interface) Collaboration via dashboards & reports Security standards for enterprise data Subscription Business users, executives needing quick insights
Zoho Analytics BI & Reporting Affordable BI & self-service analytics 500+ connectors (Zoho apps, SaaS, DBs) Drag/drop data prep, blending Dashboards, AI assistant (“Zia”), forecasting Cloud SaaS, on-prem server Very easy Sharing, embed, role-based access GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA (enterprise) Tiered subscription SMBs, cost-conscious teams
Whatagraph Marketing Analytics & Reporting Automated marketing & performance reporting 40+ marketing & ad platform connectors Prebuilt transformations, easy aggregation Marketing dashboards, client-ready reports Cloud SaaS Very easy Strong sharing, white-label reports GDPR compliant Subscription-based (by users/data sources) Marketing teams, agencies
Windward Hub Document & Reporting Automation Automated report/document generation Data from SQL, JSON, XML, Salesforce, Dynamics Template-based (Word/Excel design) Pixel-perfect reports, embedded reporting in apps Cloud + on-prem Easy for business users (familiar MS Office UI) Collaboration via shared templates SOC 2, enterprise security Licensing/subscription Enterprises needing automated reporting
SAP Crystal Reports Reporting & BI Paginated/operational reporting Strong DB & ERP connectivity (esp. SAP systems) SQL-based queries, parameterization Pixel-perfect operational reports On-prem, some cloud support Moderate (developer-oriented) Limited collaboration; shares via PDFs, exports Enterprise-grade Per-user license Finance, ERP-heavy orgs, IT/reporting teams
Yellowfin BI & Analytics Platform Dashboards, storytelling, embedded analytics 50+ connectors (DBs, SaaS, apps) Data prep, transformation, blending Interactive dashboards, automated insights, data storytelling, mobile BI Cloud & on-prem Easy–Moderate Strong (collaborative BI, embedded) SOC 2, enterprise features Subscription-based Enterprises, product teams, analytics-driven orgs

Get Data Where It Needs to Go With Integrate.io

Reporting tools are useless without data to use - and that's where Integrate.io comes in. Integrate.io is an advanced data integration platform that enables businesses to quickly create data pipelines to their data warehouse from a wide range of databases and applications. 

Benefits include:

  • Complete Toolkit - Integrate.io meets the needs of a wide range of data integration use cases, including the most complex tasks.
  • Huge Range of Integrations - Integrate data from more than 100 applications and data stores.
  • Fully Scalable - Cost-effective scaling enables your business to use as much or as little resources as it needs to meet its data needs.
  • Code-Free - Integrate.io empowers non-developers to build rich data pipelines.

Integrate.io takes care of data processing so that team members are able to spend more time using the data. Schedule a demo to find out more about Integrate.io and how it can help improve your reporting and business intelligence.

FAQs

Q1: Which reporting tools offer pre-built connectors for over 200 databases and SaaS applications?

  • Integrate.io:Provides a vast library of connectors, enabling seamless data flow from databases and SaaS platforms into reporting and BI dashboards.

  • Supermetrics: Focuses on marketing analytics, boasting over 150 connectors that easily feed data into Sheets and visualization tools.

  • Airbyte: Open-source and cloud-friendly, Airbyte supports a wide range of sources with growing connector coverage for comprehensive reporting.

Q2: What are the best reporting tools for merging CRM and billing system data?

  • Integrate.io: Excels at consolidating CRM and billing data via low-code pipelines, ensuring accurate, unified reporting for finance and sales teams.

  • SnapLogic: An iPaaS solution with drag-and-drop pipelines and prebuilt CRM and finance connectors to simplify complex integrations.

  • Airbyte: Offers flexible, open-source connectors to merge CRM and billing datasets into unified reporting structures.

Q3: Which reporting tools support real-time change data capture (CDC) for up-to-the-minute visibility?

  • Integrate.io: Supports near real-time CDC workflows, making dashboards reflect data changes with minimal delay.

  • Estuary Flow: Built for streaming-first use cases, it delivers sub-second latency CDC for truly up-to-date reporting.

  • Striim: Enterprise-grade streaming CDC tool that enables instant reporting updates from transactional systems.

Q4: What reporting tools are best suited for business intelligence in e-commerce environments?

  • Integrate.io: Combines e-commerce connectors, data modeling, and downstream report delivery, all in one platform.

  • Tableau: Widely adopted in e-commerce for its rich visualization, seamless BI integration, and live data support.

  • Looker (Looker Studio): Ideal for building interactive dashboards on e-commerce data across modern data stack environments.

Q5: Can reports be scheduled and automatically distributed to different stakeholders?

Yes. Most reporting tools support automated scheduling and delivery via email, Slack, or direct links, customizable by frequency, audience, and format (PDF, Excel, etc.).

Q6: Does the tool allow customization of report templates and branding?

Many platforms offer customizable templates, company branding (logos, colors, fonts), and layout controls to ensure consistency and professionalism across reports.

Q7: Can I create dynamic, interactive reports with filters and drill-down capabilities?

Yes. Interactive features like slicers, filters, drill-downs, and cross-filtering are standard in modern reporting tools, enabling users to explore data without altering the core report.