Replacement Guide

How to Build Your Own Power BI

Replace Power BI with a custom build. Uncover powerful insights and turn them into impact

Weekend Project
30 features11 integrationsOne weekend

Estimated Timeline

Based on 30 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.

1
Setup & scaffolding
2 hours
2
Core features
4-6 hours
3
Polish & deploy
2 hours

Recommended Tech Stack

Next.js 14

Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components

Supabase

PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions

Tailwind CSS

Utility-first styling for rapid UI development

Key Features to Replicate

Top features across 8 categories. See all 30 features

Data Management(6 features)

Advanced DataflowsPremium

Create and manage data preparation pipelines with advanced dataflow capabilities

Advanced DatamartsPremium

Create and manage advanced datamarts for structured data organization

Data Cataloging

Organize and catalog data with integrated cataloging features

Data Discovery

Easy data discovery capabilities with unified data exploration

Dataset Endorsement

Mark datasets as endorsed to establish trusted data sources

+1 more in this category

AI(5 features)

AI-Powered Report GenerationAI

Quickly create and tailor reports by describing what you want or asking questions about your data

Automated InsightsAI

Get AI-powered answers and insights from your data

Copilot in Power BIAI

Create reports in seconds, generate DAX calculations, create summaries, and get answers in conversational language

Natural Language SummariesAI

Understand data faster by adding insightful text summaries with customizable tone, scope, and style

Pattern RecognitionAI

Use AI features to find patterns in data automatically

Security & Governance(3 features)

Data GovernancePremium

Gain end-to-end visibility with Microsoft governance, security, and compliance features

Data Security and EncryptionPremium

Built-in security features and encryption for data protection

Sensitivity Labeling

Apply and manage sensitivity labels for data classification

Advanced Analytics(2 features)

DAX Query WritingAI

Write and explain DAX queries using Copilot in the DAX query view and explore feature

XMLA Endpoint AccessPremium

Read and write access to XMLA endpoints for advanced integration scenarios

Collaboration(2 features)

Cross-Service Sharing

Easily embed and share reports in Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, and Power Platform

Self-Service BI

Enable users to create reports and publish them to share with coworkers

Enterprise(2 features)

Data Mesh SupportPremium

Enable data mesh architecture with control over data access and distribution

Enterprise-Grade ScalabilityPremium

Transform petabytes with enterprise-grade ingestion and semantic modeling that scales across thousands of users

Tools(2 features)

Power BI Desktop

Free desktop application to connect, model, and visualize data with hundreds of visuals

Report Templates

Browse and use hundreds of pre-built report templates to get started quickly

UI/UX(2 features)

Accessibility Features

Built-in assistive technology support for accessible data exploration

Drag-and-Drop Canvas

Simplify report building with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface

Cost Calculator

Keep Paying Power BI

Monthly$14/mo
Yearly$168/yr
5-Year Total$840

Build It Yourself

Est. Build Time~2 hrs
Hosting$20/mo
DifficultyVery Easy

Total Cost Comparison

1 Year
SaaS
$168
DIY
$240
3 Years
SaaS
$504
DIY
$720
5 Years
SaaS
$840
DIY
$1.2k

DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 30 features at very easy complexity.

Ready to Build?