Mode review (2026): verdict, pros & cons
Analyst-centric platform combining SQL, Python/R notebooks and visualization in one workflow; owned by ThoughtSpot, aimed at advanced data teams.
This review trims Mode down to the essentials: its strengths, its trade-offs and the buyer it really suits.
Verdict: As a bi platform tool, Mode stands out most for data-analysts. Our editorial rating is 4.1/5 — an editorial assessment from sourced research and feature comparison, not an average of user reviews.
Who Mode is for
You'll get the most from Mode if you're focused on data-analysts and sql-python-teams. If that matches how you'll use it, value comes quickly; if your needs sit outside that core, a more focused or cheaper tool may serve you better.
Notable features
A few capabilities do the heavy lifting in Mode:
- SQL editor combined with Python/R notebooks in one workflow
- Visualization and report builder on query results
- Collaborative analysis and shareable reports
- Now delivered as ThoughtSpot 'Analyst Studio'
- Definitions/data-modeling layer for reusable logic
Code-first SQL+Python/R analysis, now living inside ThoughtSpot's Analyst Studio.
Pros & cons
What we like
- + Strong code-first workflow (SQL + Python + R together)
- + Good for advanced, analyst-led exploration
- + Notebook + BI in one tool
Trade-offs
- - Mode no longer exists as an independent product; folded into ThoughtSpot
- - New buyers go through ThoughtSpot enterprise sales (six-figure typical)
- - Less suited to non-technical business users
Bottom line
The short version: Mode rewards anyone whose work leans on data-analysts, and paid plans start around $6/mo, so run a quick trial on a live project before committing.
Alternatives to consider
Not sure Mode is the one? We compare the strongest options side by side in our Mode alternatives roundup — useful if pricing or a specific feature is a sticking point.
FAQ
Is Mode good?
In our assessment, yes for its core use case: data-analysts. We rate it 4.1/5 editorially. As a bi platform tool, Mode stands out most for data-analysts.
Is Mode worth the money?
Paid plans start around $6/mo. For data-analysts it generally justifies the cost; if that is not your main need, weigh it against cheaper alternatives first.
What are the downsides of Mode?
Mode no longer exists as an independent product; folded into ThoughtSpot; New buyers go through ThoughtSpot enterprise sales (six-figure typical); Less suited to non-technical business users.
Sources
Our read on Mode draws on these independent reviews and vendor pages: