Flashboard vs Basedash
Even though Basedash used to be an admin panel creator, Flashboard and Basedash serve different primary purposes today. Basedash is an AI-native business intelligence platform for analytics and data exploration across many data sources. Flashboard is an instant admin panel and CMS focused on managing data in PostgreSQL databases. This page documents the differences and trade-offs to help you choose.
Quick comparison
| Aspect | Flashboard | Basedash |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Instant admin panel and CMS | AI-native BI platform |
| Primary purpose | Data management through a UI | Business intelligence and analytics |
| Setup time | Under 2 minutes | Longer (more data sources to configure) |
| Database support | PostgreSQL only | 600+ data sources |
| AI features | None | AI SQL generation, natural language queries |
| CMS features | Built-in Notion-like editor | None |
| Pricing model | Free tier, unlimited seats on higher plans | Per-seat, enterprise-focused |
| Seats | Unlimited on higher tiers | 2-50 depending on plan |
| SOC 2 Type II | No | Yes |
What Flashboard does well
Instant setup. Connect your PostgreSQL database and get a working admin panel in under 2 minutes. No configuration files, no complex onboarding. Flashboard reads your schema and generates the interface automatically.
Accessible pricing. Flashboard has a free tier and paid plans with unlimited seats on higher tiers. Basedash is priced for enterprise teams with per-seat billing. For teams that don't need analytics or multi-source data, Flashboard offers significant cost savings.
Unlimited seats on higher tiers. Add your entire team without per-user costs. Basedash charges based on seat count, which adds up as your team grows.
CMS built in. Write and edit rich text content with a Notion-like editor. Upload images and files to your storage service. Basedash focuses on analytics and doesn't include content management features.
Simpler for non-technical users. The interface is designed for operations and support teams who need to look up records, not write queries. No SQL knowledge required for day-to-day use.
End-to-end credential encryption. Your database credentials are encrypted with a key only you own. Even Flashboard's team cannot access them.
What Basedash does well
600+ data sources. Connect to PostgreSQL, MySQL, Snowflake, BigQuery, Stripe, Shopify, HubSpot, Google Analytics, and hundreds more. If you need to query and visualize data across multiple platforms, Basedash handles it from one interface.
AI-powered queries. Ask questions in natural language and Basedash generates the SQL. For teams exploring data who don't want to write queries manually, this removes friction.
Business intelligence focus. Basedash is built for analytics: dashboards, charts, reports, and data exploration. If your primary goal is understanding trends and metrics rather than managing individual records, Basedash is designed for that workflow.
SOC 2 Type II certified. For organizations that require specific compliance certifications, Basedash has them. Flashboard does not currently have SOC 2 certification.
Multiple data sources in one view. Join data across different platforms without ETL pipelines. See Stripe payments alongside your PostgreSQL customers alongside your Shopify orders.
Enterprise features. SSO, advanced permissions, audit logs, and custom SLAs for larger organizations with specific requirements.
When to choose Flashboard
- You need an admin panel now, not a BI platform
- You're working exclusively with PostgreSQL
- You want predictable pricing without per-seat costs
- Non-technical users need to manage data without training
- You need CMS features for content management
- Budget is a constraint (Flashboard has a free tier, Basedash is enterprise-priced)
When to choose Basedash
- You need to query multiple data sources from one interface
- Your primary goal is analytics and business intelligence
- You want AI-generated SQL and natural language queries
- You need SOC 2 Type II compliance certification
- You have budget for enterprise tooling
- You need to combine data from SaaS tools like Stripe, Shopify, or HubSpot
Frequently asked questions
Is Basedash worth the cost for an early-stage startup?
It depends on your needs. Basedash is priced for enterprise teams. If you're querying multiple data sources and need analytics dashboards, the investment may be justified. If you primarily need to manage records in a PostgreSQL database, tools like Flashboard provide that functionality at a fraction of the cost. Many startups start with simpler tools and upgrade to BI platforms as their analytics needs grow.
What are the best Basedash alternatives?
For business intelligence and analytics: Metabase (open source), Mode, Looker, and Tableau. For admin panels focused on data management: Flashboard, Retool, Forest Admin, and Appsmith. The right alternative depends on whether you need analytics or operational data management.
Can I use Basedash as an admin panel for my team?
Basedash can handle CRUD operations, but it's primarily designed for analytics and data exploration. If your team mostly needs to search, view, and edit individual records, a dedicated admin panel may provide a more focused experience. If they need to explore data, run reports, and build dashboards, Basedash is well-suited for that.
When do I need a BI platform vs an admin panel?
Admin panels are for operational data management: looking up customer records, updating order status, managing content. BI platforms are for analytical questions: what are our sales trends, which products perform best, how is churn changing over time. Many teams use both: an admin panel for day-to-day operations, and a BI platform for strategic analysis.
Can I migrate from Basedash to Flashboard?
If you're using Basedash primarily for PostgreSQL CRUD operations, you can connect Flashboard to the same database. Flashboard doesn't require migration since it reads from your existing schema. However, dashboards, charts, and queries built in Basedash won't transfer since Flashboard doesn't offer those features.
Can I migrate from Flashboard to Basedash?
Yes. Since Flashboard doesn't modify your database schema, you can connect Basedash to the same database at any time. If your needs grow to require multi-source analytics or AI-powered queries, Basedash can take over. Note that Basedash doesn't have CMS features, so content editing workflows would need a different solution.
Which is better for non-technical team members?
Both tools are designed for non-technical users, but for different purposes. Flashboard provides a simple interface for viewing and editing database records without SQL. Basedash lets users ask questions in natural language and generates SQL automatically. If your team needs to manage individual records, Flashboard is more focused. If they need to explore data and build reports, Basedash's AI features help with that.
Still not sure?
If you need an admin panel for managing data in a PostgreSQL database, try Flashboard for free. If you need business intelligence across multiple data sources with AI-powered queries, explore Basedash. Both offer ways to evaluate before committing.
