Best Semantic Layer Software in 2026
Updated
In short: Starburst Enterprise Context Layer is ranked #1 of 28 as of 3 October 2026, ahead of Cube and dbt Semantic Layer. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Cube. The lowest first paid tier on this page is Kyvos at $0.41/mo.
When teams need consistent definitions for metrics and business concepts, semantic layer software can provide a shared foundation for queries and analytics. Compare governed metrics, certified models, and dimensions and joins, along with row-level security, to assess how definitions and access are handled. Deployment model and query API offer further ways to consider fit with your data environment; free plans and paid-from prices are also included. The first entries are Cube, Starburst Enterprise Context Layer, and Sema, with Kyvos, Quaeris Semantic Layer, GoodData, Strata, and dbt Semantic Layer also near the top. Use the listed criteria to focus on how your team wants to model, govern, and expose data.
28 semantic layer software ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
| # | Platform | Score | Why | From | Free plan | Paid from | Governed metrics | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Starburst Enterprise Context Layer | 7.3 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | Free | Yes | — | Yes | View |
| 2 | Cube | 7.2 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | $40/mo | Yes | 40 /mo | Yes | View |
| 3 | dbt Semantic Layer | 7.2 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | $100/mo | Yes | — | Yes | View |
| 4 |  Sema | 7.2 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | $49/mo | Yes | — | Yes | View |
| 5 | Strata | 7.2 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | Free | Yes | — | Yes | View |
| 6 | Kyvos | 6.7 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | $0.41/mo | No | — | Yes | View |
| 7 |  Quaeris Semantic Layer | 6.7 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | $1,000/mo | No | 1,000 /mo | Yes | View |
| 8 |  Tableau | 6.0 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | $15/mo | Yes | — | — | View |
| 9 | AtScale | 5.6 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | — | Yes | View |
| 10 |  Definite | 5.3 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | 250 /mo | — | View |
| 11 |  Verdonz | 5.3 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | Yes | 199 /mo | — | View |
| 12 | GoodData | 5.2 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | No | — | Yes | View |
| 13 |  Holistics | 5.2 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | $960/mo | No | 800 /mo | — | View |
| 14 | Kyligence | 5.1 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | — | — | Yes | View |
| 15 | Looker | 5.1 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | No | — | — | View |
| 16 |  Zenlytic Metrics Layer | 5.1 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | — | — | Yes | View |
| 17 | Axiome Semantic Layer | 5.0 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | — | — | Yes | View |
| 18 |  CData Semantic Layer | 5.0 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | — | — | Yes | View |
| 19 |  Malloy | 5.0 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | — | — | Yes | View |
| 20 |  MetricFlow | 5.0 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | — | — | — | View |
| 21 |  Metriql | 5.0 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | — | — | Yes | View |
| 22 | Omni Analytics | 5.0 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | No | — | — | View |
| 23 |  Sidemantic | 5.0 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | — | — | Yes | View |
| 24 |  Synmetrix | 5.0 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | — | — | Yes | View |
| 25 |  Xophia AI Headless BI | 5.0 | RecognisedAPIDocumented | — | — | — | Yes | View |
Is your platform on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which semantic layer software is ranked first on Inferse?
Starburst Enterprise Context Layer is ranked #1 of 28 with a score of 7.3. Cube is second and dbt Semantic Layer third.
How many of these have a free plan?
5 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, Kyvos has the lowest first paid tier we found: $0.41/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked on what each maker publishes, open and connectable first: a public API, open-source code, the depth of its documentation and a free tier to try it on. Model lists are sorted by the figure in their title, exactly as each provider publishes it. Paid placements never change a rank.