Best Semantic Layer Software in 2026
Updated
In short: Cube is ranked #1 of 28 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of Starburst Enterprise Context Layer and dbt Semantic Layer. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Starburst Enterprise Context Layer. The lowest first paid tier on this page is Kyvos at $0.41/mo.
When analytics work depends on consistent definitions, semantic layer software provides tools to compare for how those definitions and access are handled. Check governed metrics, certified models, dimensions and joins, and row-level security. Deployment model and query API can help you assess fit with your data setup, while free plans and paid-from prices show additional options to weigh. The ranking opens with Cube, Starburst Enterprise Context Layer, and GoodData, followed by Strata and dbt Semantic Layer. Consider which capabilities matter for defining shared metrics and controlling how people or systems query them.
28 semantic layer software ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
Recognised 40% · Phone app 26% · Documented 20% · Free plan 14% of the score
- 1 Cube No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3$40/mo Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: YesRow-level security: Yes
- 2 Starburst Enterprise Context Layer No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: YesRow-level security: Yes
- 3 dbt Semantic Layer No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.2$100/mo Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: Yes
- 4 Definite No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.2$250/mo
- 5 Sema No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.2$49/mo Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: YesRow-level security: Yes
- 6 Strata No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.2Free Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: YesRow-level security: Yes
- 7 Tableau No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.9$15/mo Row-level security: Yes
- 8 Kyvos No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.5$0.41/mo Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: YesRow-level security: Yes
- 9 AtScale No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.4 Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: YesRow-level security: Yes
- 10 Quaeris Semantic Layer No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.4$1,000/mo Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: YesRow-level security: Yes
- 11 GoodData No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: YesRow-level security: Yes
- 12 Holistics No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3$960/mo Row-level security: Yes
- 13 Kyligence No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: YesRow-level security: Yes
- 14 Looker No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Row-level security: Yes
- 15 Zenlytic Metrics Layer No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: YesRow-level security: Yes
- 16 Axiome Semantic Layer No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: Yes
- 17 CData Semantic Layer No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Governed metrics: YesRow-level security: Yes
- 18 Malloy No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: Yes
- 19 MetricFlow No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Dimensions and joins: Yes
- 20 Metriql No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: Yes
- 21 Omni Analytics No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Row-level security: Yes
- 22 Sidemantic No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: Yes
- 23 Synmetrix No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: Yes
- 24 Xophia AI Headless BI No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: YesRow-level security: Yes
- 25 Honeydew No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.0 Governed metrics: YesDimensions and joins: YesRow-level security: Yes
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which semantic layer software is ranked first on Samsung Mobile US Press?
Cube is ranked #1 of 28 with a score of 6.3. Starburst Enterprise Context Layer is second and dbt Semantic Layer third.
How many of these have a free plan?
6 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, Kyvos has the lowest first paid tier we found: $0.41/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked mobile-first: a phone app alongside the web or desktop product, a free tier and the depth of its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.