Side by side

Datawrapper vs Matplotlib

Both stand on data visualization software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Datawrapper

Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5

Datawrapper provides chart, map, and table creation alongside website embedding and presentation tools. The free plan supports unlimited publishing with attribution; Pro removes it and adds export formats and longer edit history.

Visit Datawrapper

Matplotlib

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2

Matplotlib offers flexible plotting and export options for Python-based visualization work. Check its Python requirement and whether your chosen GUI or export features need extra dependencies.

Visit Matplotlib

The facts

	Datawrapper	Matplotlib
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Not published
Runs on	Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows	Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Pro: $21 per user a month	Free or on request
Plans published	5	1
Maker	Datawrapper	Matplotlib
Website	datawrapper.de	matplotlib.org
On data visualization software	#1 of 98	#5 of 98

Datawrapper: what it does well

Free plan allows unlimited publishing.
Offers more than 20 chart types.
Tables support search, sorting, and pagination.
PowerPoint add-in can create and update visualizations.
Embeds have no trackers, cookies, or third-party scripts.

What to know first

Free visualizations retain Datawrapper attribution.
Pro costs $21 per user per month, excluding VAT.
Export formats depend on plan.

Matplotlib: what it does well

Creates static, animated, and interactive visualizations
Interactive figures can zoom, pan, and update
Exports figures to many file formats
Embeds in JupyterLab and graphical user interfaces
Free plan listed as free

What to know first

Documented runtime dependencies require Python 3.11 or newer
Some features may need additional dependencies

Alternatives to Datawrapper Alternatives to Matplotlib The whole list