Mode
SQL, Python, and R analytics with governed self-serve dashboards
What is Mode?
Mode is a collaborative BI platform now owned by ThoughtSpot, blending SQL editing, Python/R notebooks, visual exploration, and governed datasets in one tool. It serves both data teams writing complex analysis and business users self-serving from trusted reports. The $200M ThoughtSpot acquisition is positioning Mode as the AI-enhanced intelligence layer of the modern data stack.
Knowledge bases, internal search, operations, data, finance, HR, and back-office tools with AI workflows.
See the full Knowledge & Ops guide to compare more tools, buyer criteria, and related workflows.
Use cases to evaluate
Run ad-hoc SQL investigations and share results as polished reports
Build Python-based statistical models alongside the dashboards that present them
Schedule recurring reports to email and Slack with permissioned access
Curate governed datasets so non-technical users self-serve from trusted metrics
Fit to evaluate
Data-mature companies with analysts comfortable in SQL, Python, and R
Teams transitioning from spreadsheets to repeatable, version-controlled analysis
Organizations already in the ThoughtSpot ecosystem wanting collaborative BI
Mid-market product and growth teams needing scheduled reporting at scale
Business fit
Right for you if your analysts want a real SQL+notebook IDE, not just drag-and-drop, and your business team needs polished reports off the same datasets. Skip if you need a pure no-code BI tool or if your team has standardized on the broader ThoughtSpot search-driven platform already. Pro tier is gated behind a sales call so timeline-sensitive buyers should plan for that. Strongest fit for analyst-heavy organizations.
How to evaluate Mode
Use this category when operational data, policies, tasks, or internal requests are spread across disconnected systems.
Confirm the exact workflow
Map Mode to one concrete workflow first, such as run ad-hoc sql investigations and share results as polished reports. Avoid buying before the owner, trigger, output, and success metric are clear.
Check category fit
Compare internal search, permissions, workflow support, and reporting.
Compare practical alternatives
Shortlist Mode against Glean, Guru, Slite so the decision is based on fit, effort, and workflow ownership rather than brand recognition alone.
Validate cost and rollout effort
Studio free for up to 3 users with 10MB/query limit. Pro pricing not published, requires demo. Enterprise custom with 50-user minimum. All paid tiers require contacting sales for quotes. Also confirm implementation time, support needs, and whether the medium setup matches your team.
Compare Mode with alternatives
Use this quick comparison before booking demos or moving data into a new system.
| Primary workflow | Run ad-hoc SQL investigations and share results as polished reports, Build Python-based statistical models alongside the dashboards that present them |
|---|---|
| Best-fit team | Data-mature companies with analysts comfortable in SQL, Python, and R, Teams transitioning from spreadsheets to repeatable, version-controlled analysis |
| Implementation effort | Medium setup and maintenance profile |
| Pricing check | Free plan + paid plans |
| Closest alternatives | GleanGuruSliteSlab |
Mode pricing
| Model | Free plan + paid plans |
|---|---|
| Snapshot | Studio free for up to 3 users with 10MB/query limit. Pro pricing not published, requires demo. Enterprise custom with 50-user minimum. All paid tiers require contacting sales for quotes. |
| Checked |
Common questions about Mode
What is Mode?
Mode is a collaborative BI platform now owned by ThoughtSpot, blending SQL editing, Python/R notebooks, visual exploration, and governed datasets in one tool. It serves both data teams writing complex analysis and business users self-serving from trusted reports. The $200M ThoughtSpot acquisition is positioning Mode as the AI-enhanced intelligence layer of the modern data stack.
What is Mode used for?
Common use cases: Run ad-hoc SQL investigations and share results as polished reports; Build Python-based statistical models alongside the dashboards that present them; Schedule recurring reports to email and Slack with permissioned access; Curate governed datasets so non-technical users self-serve from trusted metrics.
How much does Mode cost?
Studio free for up to 3 users with 10MB/query limit. Pro pricing not published, requires demo. Enterprise custom with 50-user minimum. All paid tiers require contacting sales for quotes.
Who is Mode best for?
Mode fits Data-mature companies with analysts comfortable in SQL, Python, and R, Teams transitioning from spreadsheets to repeatable, version-controlled analysis, Organizations already in the ThoughtSpot ecosystem wanting collaborative BI, Mid-market product and growth teams needing scheduled reporting at scale. Right for you if your analysts want a real SQL+notebook IDE, not just drag-and-drop, and your business team needs polished reports off the same datasets. Skip if you need a pure no-code BI tool or if your team has standardized on the broader ThoughtSpot search-driven platform already. Pro tier is gated behind a sales call so timeline-sensitive buyers should plan for that. Strongest fit for analyst-heavy organizations.
What are alternatives to Mode?
Common alternatives to Mode include Glean, Guru, Slite, Slab, Tettra, Sana.