Latest blog post: How to Manage Field Service Operations with Google Sheets
Sales, marketing, finance, support, and operations teams use data extensively to make decisions every day and create reports that help them understand the business. One of the biggest challenge they face is to get the right data efficiently and in a timely manner. Today that means getting help from devs or engineers to get data exports from the database. A common process at companies today is to manually export data as CSVs or submit requests for data that usually take days.
To solve this problem, you can use database connectors to integrate databases to Google Sheets, search through tables, filter and order data, create beautiful dashboards and reports, and share these insights with teams or customers. Bringing data to analyze or process in Google Sheets is a lot easier because most teams know how to use spreadsheets. To further improve the process, you can set auto-refresh schedules using these tools to automatically update your spreadsheet data. Depending on the product you use, you could get down to a 1 minute auto-refresh frequency to make sure that your spreadsheet captures data changes in the database in near real time.
We did some research and compiled 10 tools that help you quickly and easily connect Google Sheets to databases and automate your reports, without the need to constantly get data exports from your engineering or data teams. In alphabetical order:
Blendo automates and syncs data from SaaS applications into your data warehouse with ready-made connectors. Integrate any data source with your data warehouse in a few minutes.
No scripts or coding is required for users to simplify their reporting and analysis. The data is fresh with data pipelines maintained by Blend's platform.
As an ETL service, Blendo has a wide array of integrations that syncs with the five databases and data warehouses offered. Among the integrations is the ability to connect Google Sheets to PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Amazon Redshift, Snowflake, and Google BigQuery.
You can start a 14-day free trial after you have created an account. A credit card is not required when inputting your contact information. The plans range from $150/month to $500/month, depending on the volume needed.
Blendo's Sync Schedule feature allows the user to automate data daily, hourly and on a 15-minute interval.
The integration process is simple without requiring much familiarity or a dedicated data engineer. Blendo also has a user-friendly web interface.
However, users have reported that it is not as flexible to change the parameters of the integration after the initial setup. The pipelines also need occasional maintenance. Blendo does not bring data from databases to Google Sheets. Data only flows from Google Sheets to databases.
Blockspring integrates over hundreds of pre-built connections and apps together that would otherwise be difficult to compile in one place. Blockspring also provides add-ons for Google Sheets, Excel, and Tableau to automate reporting.
They offer low to no-code integrations to make the product more accessible for different types of users.
Blockspring offers database integrations with PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server and MongoDB.
After creating an account and paying a subscription, a user can start a free trial before committing to Blockspring's plans. Plans start at $29/month for each of their add-ons. There are three add-ons available:
To automate data reporting, you can auto-refresh your data on a daily, hourly, weekly, monthly basis with Blockspring's scheduling system.
Overall, Blockspring is a great automation tool for users looking to integrate multiple apps. Users are also satisfied with the scheduling system as well.
However, it can be difficult using Blockspring to script your own connection if you are unfamiliar with computer programming or code. Furthermore, it is not compatible with every website.
Castodia is a Google Sheets add-on that lets you connect to your database and pull data directly into Google Sheets. User can also auto-refresh data on a custom schedule, with a 1-minute frequency.
The add-on is designed for teams in sales, marketing, finance and operations who prefer working directly on Google Sheets. Instead of manually exporting data, asking developers for CSV files, or waiting days or weeks to get data, users can get data quickly and more frequently.
The 1-minute auto-refresh frequency is available across all plans, starting at the basic level. Castodia's scheduler provides flexibility for users, allowing them to create nearly any kind of auto-refresh schedule.
Castodia offers database and data warehouse integrations with PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Snowflake and Amazon Redshift.
You can try a 14-day free trial with no credit card required. Before committing to any pricing plans, users can explore all its features by installing the add-on on the G Suite Marketplace. Plans start from $50/month at the basic level. Plans also come available in Pro, Teams, Enterprise and On-prem versions.
The Castodia Database Connector simplifies data visualization, automation, and analysis. Castodia's Advanced Scheduling system allows custom and flexible scheduling that could be set for daily, on specific days of the week, month or year. Castodia auto-refreshes can be scheduled with down to 1 minute frequency in all plans. Castodia also allows for direct SQL querying of databases, gives users the ability to load complex queries that take longer, and dynamically reload, save and edit queries.
Competitive pricing, great support, advanced scheduling, and down to 1 minute auto-refresh in all plans. Castodia has top notch support and help pages with video tutorials for every aspect of the product, which makes the process from installing the add-on to editing queries and building custom schedules extremely simple. There is also timely and helpful customer support available through the website, chat, email, video, or scheduled calls.
The product doesn't currently allow you to write data back to your database.
Kloudio is a Google Sheets add-on that allows you to push data from your database and have it be outputted in your Google Sheets or Excel. They also allow users to build custom reports that can be scheduled to run automatically.
No custom coding is needed to use the add-on. Users can simply drag and drop interface, with no scripting/SQL knowledge required.
Kloudio offers database and data warehouse integrations with PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, MongoDB, Google BigQuery, Snowflake and Microsoft Azure.
You can try a 14-day free trial after inputting your contact information. For pricing inquiries, you must reach out to Kloudio to receive a quote based on your particular needs.
Kloudio gives users the superpower to access and update any database or cloud applications from the comfort of a spreadsheet. You can build custom formulas, share sheets across teams via Slack, email, or by a shareable link, and build schedule reports with email notifications.
The add-on is a great option for non-technical users. Its data automation feature also allows users to visualize data via Tableau, Looker, Microstrategy and other tools. It has a great number of integrations and it also integrate with Excel.
Users commonly report that their data often does not refresh, resulting in delayed reports. According to customers, the product is also very expensive. To get a 5 minute frequency, users need to sign on to pricey enterprise plans.
KPI Bees is a Google Sheets add-on for automated marketing reporting. A solution that enables you to connect spreadsheets to APIs and databases, write SQL queries, and schedule reports.
KPI Bees automates data for the user so that you can spend more time analyzing and building beautiful marketing dashboards.
KPI Bees offers database and data warehouse integrations with PostgreSQL and MySQL, with Google BigQuery coming soon.
There are 4 pricing plans with flexible payment options available: Free, Hobby, Pro and Expert.
Users can import and analyze Google Analytics, Google Ads, Facebook Ads, MySQL, JSON, and XML in Google Sheets. There is also the option to create custom dashboard templates or use existing dashboards from the Template Gallery. Once the report has been created, users can then schedule data to refresh on an hourly or daily basis and email dashboards to team members or clients.
The add-on is always free, which is cost-effective for users who are looking to save time and update spreadsheets from their database. KPI Bees also provides timely customer support.
A common issue users express is the lack of available integrations. The current offerings are quite misleading, as most of the integrations listed on the website are coming soon.
QueryClips is a data-sharing tool for product managers and developers. Get query results out of your database and share it with colleagues instantly.
The main purpose of the software is for users and their teams to know where to access data to answer questions and make decisions.
Query Clips offers databases including PostgreSQL and MySQL. There are currently no data warehouse integrations available.
You can try a 7-day free trial, with a 60-day money-back guarantee. Three are 3 plans available: Bootstrapper, Professional and Business. Prices range from $12/month to $149/month.
QueryClips exports queries to CSV, JSON, and Google Sheets. Users can auto-refresh data on an hourly basis and receive daily digest emails.
There were no reviews found for this product.
SeekWell connects databases to Google Sheets, Excel, Slack and email. It automates your analytics workflows to help get your data team on the same page.
The add-on is integrated with apps your team depends on, including Google Sheets and Excel. You can pull data from running SQL queries, and even query cross-database and files.
SeekWell offers database and data warehouse integrations including PostgreSQL, MySQL, Amazon Redshift, MS SQL Server, and Snowflake.
You can try a 14-day free trial with no credit card information required. SeekWell has 5 plans available: Free, Starter, Pro, Team and Company. Prices range from $50/month to $500/month.
SeekWell's auto-refresh feature allows users to schedule queries every 5 minutes, hourly, daily or weekly to automate reports and analyze data. Once queries are scheduled, teams can be notified through push emails and slack. Emails can also be sent to customers using SQL.
This is a great analytics and visualization tool for product people who know SQL (product managers and data analysts). It is an easy way to pull data from your database into Google Sheets and write SQL without needing to leave the sheet. The automated reports save time and energy for teams as well.
However, the auto-refresh features are only available with the paid plans. So if you plan to use the "Free Forever" plan, your features are limited to pulling data from your databases. Users also express that the product promises more than it can deliver.
Skyvia is a universal cloud data platform that offers four types of features: data integration, backup, management, and connectivity. Not only does it support databases and data warehouses, but also cloud and storage apps.
The platform is an all-in-one cloud service that allows you to integrate, back up, access and manage your cloud data.
Skyvia offers database, data warehouse, cloud application and storage integrations. Some popular data sources include PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, SQL Azure, MariaDB, Google Cloud SQL MySQL, Heroku Postgres, Google BigQuery and Amazon Redshift.
There are 4 types of plans available, each with its own pricing plans: Data Integration, Backup, Management, and Connectivity.
Features vary depending on the type of solution you are using.
The free starter pack is a great opportunity to explore which features are relevant to your needs. It is easy to implement and use, and extremely scalable as well.
If you plan to use the free, basic or standard plans, your auto-refreshes will be limited to an hourly basis. 1-minute auto-refreshes are only available with higher-priced plans. Users also reported Skyvia's slow and poor customer report, with only email available to reach out for inquiries rather than real-time support.
Supermetrics is a Google Sheets add-on that allows you to pull marketing data directly into Google Sheets, build custom reports, and schedule auto-refreshes to automate the process.
With Supermetrics, you can connect your favourite marketing platforms, such as Facebook Ads, Instagram Insights, Google Ads and Google Analytics to analyze data. You will even find some metrics and dimensions that are not available in native platforms.
Supermetrics primarily offers integrations with marketing data platforms. However, you can also import custom JSON, CSV and XML files and databases including PostgreSQL, Maria DB, Oracle, and Amazon RDS into Google Sheets.
A 14-day free trial is available on the G Suite Marketplace with no credit card information required. There are 3 plans available: Pro, Super Pro and Enterprise. Plans start at $99/month with a limit of 1 user. Multiple users can access the plan at the Enterprise level, but you must contact the support team to receive a quote.
After pulling data into Google Sheets, you can schedule auto-refreshes on a monthly, weekly, daily, or hourly basis to automate your marketing reporting. Supermetrics provides 30+ free Google Sheets reports from their template gallery, but you are also welcome to create custom dashboards.
Supermetrics allows marketers to eliminate the manual data export-import phase in data analysis and spend more time focusing on the specific metrics and ratios they want to see. It connects to all the major players to get extremely valuable insights.
However, it is very pricey. At the basic level, users get weekly refreshes for purchasing a $99/month plan. Users also report that the add-on does not have the most user-friendly interface and lacks detailed error reporting.
Zapier is a powerful third-party integration tool that easily allows you to sync data between web applications that do not integrate directly. You can connect multiple apps to automate repetitive tasks without relying on developers to build the integration.
This no-code tool offers over 2000+ app integrations that are available to view on the company website. Users are free to explore the features of particular integrations before committing to a paid plan.
Zapier offers databases and data warehouses that include PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL server, Airtable, Firebase, and Google BigQuery.
Zapier has 5 plans available: Free, Starter, Professional, Team and Company.
Each feature is represented by a "Zap," and the various plans available offer a set amount of Zaps available. Starting at the professional level, zaps are unlimited for users. Zaps allows users to schedule queries to auto-refresh monthly, weekly, daily, hourly, on a 15-minute and a 1-minute frequency. You can also share your workspace with team members, create custom logic paths and build connections via Webhooks.
Zapier automates data integration between otherwise disconnected apps, which create efficiency savings for busy users. The platform is easy to use and customizable as well. There are integrations for almost anything.
Unfortunately, the 1-minute refresh feature is only available for team and company plans. If you plan to use a free, basic, or professional plan, your updates will be limited to 15-minute and 2-minute refreshes. For database to Google Sheets connections, there is no way to set data auto-refreshes on a schedule. It only works on triggers, so for example, if there is any change in your database, then it will pull that row to Google Sheets.
And there you have it! Ten popular tools to help you easily connect your Google Sheets to databases.
Make sure to check out our product, Castodia, one of the options discussed above. The Google Sheets add-on allows you to analyze pull data from your local database, run and schedule queries, and auto-refresh data down to a 1-minute frequency. It's compatible with MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MariaDB, and Oracle databases and Redshift and Snowflake data warehouses.
Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions!
Try Castodia free for 14 days, no credit card required.
