SaturnSQL vs Mode
Last updated May 19, 2026 · By the SaturnSQL team
Mode (now part of ThoughtSpot) is a mature analytics platform with a strong SQL editor at its core, Python notebooks on top, and a reporting and visualization layer built for sharing with stakeholders. SaturnSQL is the lightweight version of that picture: a focused team SQL workspace with scheduled queries to Google Sheets and a shared query library.
This is an honest side-by-side. Mode is genuinely more powerful for analyst-led reporting; SaturnSQL is genuinely simpler and cheaper if you do not need the reporting layer.
TL;DR
Choose Mode if you need a real analyst reporting tool: rich HTML reports, charts, Python notebooks alongside SQL, and a delivery model built for executive distribution. Expect enterprise pricing.
Choose SaturnSQL if you want the team SQL editor part of Mode without the BI suite around it, and you want results pushed to Google Sheets on a schedule. Lower price, self-serve, less to learn.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| SaturnSQL | Mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-serve signup | ✓ | ✓ |
| Browser-based | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full SQL editor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Schema-aware autocomplete | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shared query library | ✓ | ✓ |
| Python notebooks | — | ✓ |
| Charts & reports | — | ✓ |
| HTML / custom reports | — | ✓ |
| Scheduled queries | ✓ | ✓ |
| Google Sheets sync (native) | ✓ | — |
| Email / Slack delivery | — | ✓ |
| AI SQL assistant | ✓ | ✓ |
| PostgreSQL | ✓ | ✓ |
| MySQL / MariaDB | ✓ | ✓ |
| SQL Server | ✓ | ✓ |
| Redshift | ✓ | ✓ |
| DynamoDB | ✓ | — |
| BigQuery / Snowflake | — | ✓ |
| Starting price | Free / €19/user/mo | Free Studio / Sales |
Where Mode is better
Mode is a serious tool used by serious data teams. Be honest about what you actually need before downgrading.
- SQL + Python notebooks in one workflow. Run SQL, pull the result into a Python cell, do statistical modeling, visualize. SaturnSQL does not have Python.
- Reports and visualizations. Polished, shareable reports designed for non-technical stakeholders. SaturnSQL has no report layer.
- Mature delivery model. Scheduled report delivery via email, Slack, and webhooks, with rich charts inline.
- BigQuery, Snowflake, Databricks. Mode covers the modern warehouse stack SaturnSQL does not currently support.
- Models and parameters. Define reusable parameters and templates across reports.
- Ecosystem and longevity. Mode has been around since 2013 with a large analyst user base, now backed by ThoughtSpot.
Where SaturnSQL is better
- Self-serve pricing. €19/user/mo with a free tier and a public credit-card signup. Mode's Business and Enterprise plans go through sales.
- Focused SQL workspace. No reports, notebooks, or visualizations to maintain. Open the app and write SQL.
- Native Google Sheets sync. Scheduled query, scheduled Sheet update, done. Mode does not natively write to Sheets.
- Lower onboarding cost. New analysts are productive immediately because the surface area is small.
- DynamoDB. SaturnSQL queries DynamoDB; Mode does not.
- No ThoughtSpot bundling. If you are wary of building on a product that may get rolled into a wider suite, SaturnSQL is an independent SaaS.
Pricing comparison
| Tier | SaturnSQL | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free tier for small teams | Studio (limited users) |
| Starter / Business | €19/user/mo (Starter) | Business: contact sales |
| Pro / Enterprise | €29/user/mo (adds AI) | Enterprise: contact sales |
| Purchase flow | Self-serve, card | Sales conversation |
Pricing accurate as of May 2026. Mode does not publish per-seat pricing for Business or Enterprise; check directly for current numbers.
Switching from Mode
Audit your Mode workspace first. If most of what you ship is plain SQL reports with a table at the top, migrating is straightforward: copy each query into SaturnSQL, save to the shared library, set up a scheduled run to a Google Sheet. If you have a heavy investment in HTML reports, custom charts, or Python notebooks, keep those in Mode and use SaturnSQL alongside it for day-to-day SQL work. See pricing for plan details.
Frequently asked questions
Is SaturnSQL a Mode alternative?
For teams that mainly use Mode as a collaborative SQL editor with scheduled reports, yes. SaturnSQL covers shared queries, scheduling, and Google Sheets export at lower cost. If you rely on Mode's Python notebooks, reports for executives, or HTML-based dashboards, Mode covers more surface area.
How much does Mode cost?
Mode has a free Studio tier with limited users and connections. Mode Business and Enterprise plans are sold via sales and are priced for analyst teams at growing companies, typically several thousand dollars per year and up. SaturnSQL starts at €19/user/month with a free tier.
Is Mode owned by ThoughtSpot?
Yes. ThoughtSpot acquired Mode in 2023. Mode continues to operate as a product but is part of the broader ThoughtSpot lineup, which also owned the now-sunset SeekWell. It is worth checking the long-term roadmap before standardizing on it.
Does SaturnSQL support Python notebooks like Mode?
No. SaturnSQL is intentionally a SQL-only editor with scheduling and team features. Mode has Python notebooks as a first-class feature for analysts who blend SQL with statistical or ML analysis.
Can Mode push results to Google Sheets on a schedule?
Mode supports scheduled report delivery via email, Slack, and webhook. Direct write to a Google Sheet typically requires a custom integration. SaturnSQL has native scheduled Google Sheets sync.
Should I look at other comparisons first?
If you are weighing notebook-style workspaces, see SaturnSQL vs Hex. If you want a true BI platform, see SaturnSQL vs Metabase.
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