Canvas-based analytics vs data notebooks. Compare pricing, collaboration, data privacy, and AI capabilities for modern data teams.
| Feature | Flowframe | Hex |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / $49/mo Pro (workspace) | Free / $49/user/mo Team |
| Pricing Model | Per workspace (flat) | Per seat (scales with team size) |
| Data Privacy | Query results never stored | Data stored on US-based servers |
| Interface | Node-based visual canvas | Notebook-based (cells) |
| Learning Curve | Low — visual, drag-and-drop | Medium — notebook paradigm |
| Target User | Analysts, PMs, and mixed-skill teams | Data scientists and engineers |
| Real-time Collaboration | Figma-style live cursors | Real-time multiplayer editing |
| No-Code Builder | Yes — visual query builder | No — SQL/Python required |
FlowFrame is a collaborative analytics platform with a visual, node-based canvas. Instead of notebooks, you build data workflows by connecting nodes — queries, charts, parameters, and text — on an infinite canvas. FlowFrame prioritizes accessibility for mixed-skill teams with a no-code query builder alongside a full SQL editor.
Flowframe is great if you:
Want a visual, canvas-based approach instead of notebooks
Have mixed-skill teams (analysts, PMs, engineers working together)
Need a no-code query builder for non-technical team members
Prefer flat pricing over per-seat models that punish team growth
Hex is a collaborative data workspace built for data science teams. It combines a notebook interface (similar to Jupyter) with a visual layer for sharing insights. Hex is known for its "Hex Magic" AI features and strong Python/SQL integration. Pricing is per-seat at $49/user/month on the Team plan.
Hex is great if you:
Have data scientists who are comfortable with the notebook paradigm
Need advanced Python integration for data science workflows
Want a mature AI assistant for code generation (Hex Magic)
Build complex, multi-step analyses with Python and SQL
FlowFrame
Query results are transient — they pass through servers but are never persisted
Database credentials encrypted with AES-256
Client-side file encryption for uploaded files before storage
All data encrypted at rest (AES-256) and in transit (TLS 1.3)
Hex
Data is processed and stored on Hex's US-based infrastructure
SOC 2 Type II certified — strong enterprise security posture
Encryption at rest and in transit with standard protocols
Data can be accessed by Hex staff for debugging and support purposes
FlowFrame if data privacy is your top concern — query results are never stored. Hex if you need SOC 2 Type II certification for compliance.
FlowFrame
Node-based infinite canvas — non-linear, visual data workflow
Drag queries, charts, parameters, and text nodes onto the canvas
Visual dependency tracking — see how data flows between queries
Share interactive dashboards via public links
Hex
Notebook interface with sequential cells (familiar to Jupyter users)
Mix SQL and Python in the same notebook
Linear top-to-bottom execution model
App publishing layer for stakeholder consumption
Different paradigms. Hex's notebooks suit data scientists who think in cells. FlowFrame's canvas suits teams who think visually and want to see the full picture.
FlowFrame
Free: Unlimited personal projects, all chart types, file uploads
Pro: $49/month per workspace — 5 editor seats included, unlimited viewers
Additional editor seats: $10/user/month
Example: 10-person team (5 editors + 5 viewers) = $49/month
Hex
Free: 1 user, limited features and compute
Team: $49/user/month (per-seat — costs scale linearly with team size)
Enterprise: Custom pricing with SSO and advanced features
Example: 10-person team = $490/month, 20-person team = $980/month
FlowFrame is dramatically more affordable for teams. A 10-person team costs $49/month on FlowFrame vs $490/month on Hex.
FlowFrame
Visual, canvas-based interface — intuitive for visual thinkers
No-code query builder lets non-technical users participate
SQL editor available for power users who prefer writing queries
Accessible to business analysts, product managers, and engineers alike
Hex
Notebook interface requires familiarity with cells and execution order
Python/SQL knowledge needed for advanced use cases
Powerful but complex — best for technically proficient users
Steeper onboarding for non-data-science team members
Depends on your team composition. Hex is built for data scientists. FlowFrame is built for broader, mixed-skill data teams.
FlowFrame
Figma-style real-time collaboration with live cursors and presence
CRDT-based conflict-free editing (powered by Yjs)
Comments and annotations directly on the canvas
Invite stakeholders with workspace roles for secure access, or share via public links for open distribution
Hex
Real-time multiplayer editing within notebooks
Comments and inline discussions on cells
Version history with rollback capabilities
App publishing for stakeholders to interact with results
Both tools excel at collaboration. Hex has app publishing. FlowFrame has Figma-style live cursors and flexible sharing (workspace invites or public links).
FlowFrame
PostgreSQL, MySQL, MS SQL Server, MongoDB, BigQuery, Snowflake, Redshift, Databricks
File uploads: CSV, Parquet, JSON — analyzed in-browser with DuckDB-WASM
Browser-based SQL execution for uploaded files (no server round-trips)
Growing connector library with new integrations added regularly
Hex
15+ database connectors including all major data warehouses
File uploads: CSV, Parquet formats
Native dbt integration for metrics and models
Python package support for custom data transformations
Hex has more connectors and dbt/Python integration. FlowFrame covers the most popular databases and adds unique browser-based file analysis.
Your team includes non-technical members who need a no-code query builder
You want a visual, canvas-based workflow instead of notebooks
You need predictable, flat pricing — $49/month vs $49/user/month
You care about data privacy — query results are never stored on servers
You want Figma-style collaboration with live cursors and co-editing
You need fast onboarding — connect a database and start querying in minutes
Your team is primarily data scientists who are comfortable with notebooks and Python
You need Python integration for machine learning, statistical analysis, or custom transformations
You use dbt and want native integration with your data models
You need to publish data apps for stakeholder consumption
Budget is less of a concern — you're comfortable with per-seat pricing
Growing startup with a 15-person analytics team
| Hex | Flowframe | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $735/mo ($49 x 15 users) | $149/mo ($49 + 10 extra editors x $10) |
| Annual Cost | $8,820/year | $1,788/year |
| Annual Savings | — | $7,032/year with FlowFrame |
Choose Hex if your team is primarily data scientists who need Python, notebooks, and dbt integration — and per-seat pricing fits your budget.
Choose FlowFrame if you want visual, canvas-based analytics that's accessible to mixed-skill teams, with flat pricing and Figma-style collaboration.
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