Side by side
Datastory vs TimelineJS
Both stand on data storytelling tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Web
Datastory combines data-driven charts and stories with publishing options and AI assistance. Its free Starter tier has limits on visualizations and team size; Professional costs $15 a month per user.
Visit Datastory Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb
Choose TimelineJS if you want a free, open-source way to present a chronological story with interactive media, using either a spreadsheet or a custom JSON installation. Look elsewhere if your site is on WordPress.com or your workflow requires keeping spreadsheet data private without setting up the JSON and JavaScript route.
Visit TimelineJSThe facts
| Datastory | TimelineJS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web | API, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Professional: $15 per user a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | datastory.tech | timeline.knightlab.com |
| On data storytelling tools | #8 of 22 | #12 of 22 |
Datastory: what it does well
- AI suggests visualizations from uploaded data
- Chart picker reads data columns
- Publish as links, embeds, or images
- Open Data catalog includes international sources
- Starter includes unlimited open data downloads
What to know first
- Starter allows 10 data visualizations
- Starter is limited to three team members
- Accessibility support is on the roadmap
TimelineJS: what it does well
- Free to use, including commercially, under MPL 2.0.
- Spreadsheet workflow is aimed at beginners.
- Supports embedding and self-hosting.
- Includes media integrations across social, mapping, audio and video services.
- Users can adjust fonts, navigation position and initial zoom.
What to know first
- Standard spreadsheet workflow requires publishing data to the web.
- Does not work with WordPress.com sites.
- Known not to work with Internet Explorer versions before IE10.
- Knight Lab has no dedicated technical support staff.
Alternatives to Datastory Alternatives to TimelineJS The whole list