“What am I paying you for, again?” — It’s the question no marketer wants to hear. Consistent, insightful reporting is crucial for client satisfaction, but let’s face it: juggling spreadsheets and Google Slides isn’t cutting it anymore. In 2025, clients expect professional, data-driven presentations. But with countless expensive reporting tools flooding the market, where should you invest your hard-earned money? This year, I put several popular options to the test. In this guide, I’ll share a breakdown of their pros and cons, the frustrations I encountered, and reveal how Databox changed my client reporting game. The Client Reporting Tools I Ditched These are the tools I tried, tested, and ultimately decided to ditch. Each had its own strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately, they didn’t quite hit the mark for my needs. Let’s dive into the specifics and explore why these tools ended up on the chopping block. Looker Studio/Google Data Studio Looker Studio is a free data visualization and reporting tool that allows users to create interactive dashboards and reports. It connects to various data sources, enabling users to consolidate data into a single report and present it in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. It’s a popular choice for marketers and analysts due to its accessibility and integration with other Google products. Key Features Diverse data connections: Looker Studio connects to various data sources, including Google Analytics, Google Ads, Google Sheets, and databases, integrating all relevant client data. Customizable reports: Users create visually appealing, branded reports with charts, graphs, and tables, tailoring presentations to each client. Interactive report viewing: Filters, date ranges, and drill-downs allow for dynamic exploration of the presented data. Easy sharing: Reports are easily shared with clients via email or embedded on websites, with collaboration features for multiple users. Report templates: Looker Studio offers pre-built templates and visualizations for quickly creating common reports. Pros of Looker Studio Free and accessible: Looker Studio is a free tool, making it a cost-effective option for agencies and consultants, especially those just starting out or with limited budgets. Ease of use (for basic reports): For creating simple reports and dashboards, Looker Studio has a relatively user-friendly interface, particularly if you are already familiar with other Google products. Integration with Google products: Integration with other Google marketing and analytics tools (like Google Analytics, Google Ads, and Google Sheets) is a major advantage. Cons of Looker Studio When combining different platforms, connectors break down quite regularly, and reports need a lot of time to load. [G2 review] Looker Studio is completely unintuitive, especially if you are adding new calculated fields or blending data. [G2 review] It can be very slow when editing, making it hard to use. [G2 review] Looker Studio Pricing Looker Studio is free to use. You can create reports, connect to data sources, and share your reports without any cost. There is also a paid version of this tool — Looker Studio Pro. It offers enhanced features for larger organizations and enterprises and includes things like advanced admin controls, SLAs, and support. AgencyAnalytics AgencyAnalytics is a client reporting platform designed specifically for marketing agencies. It automates the process of generating client reports by integrating with various marketing platforms and providing a centralized dashboard for tracking and visualizing client performance. It aims to streamline reporting workflows and improve client communication. Key Features Automated report generation: AgencyAnalytics automates the creation and delivery of client reports, saving agencies time and effort. White-labeling and branding: Agencies can customize reports with their own branding, creating a professional and consistent client experience. Client dashboards: Clients have access to their own dashboards, providing them with real-time insights into their campaign performance. Integrations with marketing platforms: AgencyAnalytics integrates with popular marketing tools, consolidating data from various sources into a single platform. Performance tracking and visualizations: The platform offers a variety of charts, graphs, and other visualizations to help agencies and clients track and understand performance. Pros Automated reporting: AgencyAnalytics automates report creation and delivery, saving time and effort. White-labeling and branding: Reports can be fully branded for a professional client experience. Client dashboards: Clients have access to their own real-time performance dashboards. Cons Some of the integrations are clunky and have reporting discrepancies. [G2 review] This tool has a major learning curve. [G2 review] There are limitations on how you design the reports. [G2 review] Pricing Free 14-day trial available Paid plans start from $79/month Klipfolio Klipfolio is a cloud-based dashboard platform that allows users to build custom dashboards by connecting to various data sources. It’s designed to help businesses track key performance indicators (KPIs) and visualize data from different platforms in a single, unified view. While it can be used for client reporting, it’s often more focused on internal business intelligence. Key Features Data source integrations: Klipfolio connects to a wide range of data sources, including APIs, databases, and spreadsheets, allowing for the integration of various client data. Customizable dashboards: Users can create custom dashboards with a variety of visualizations, tailoring the presentation to specific client needs. Data visualizations and widgets: Klipfolio offers a library of pre-built visualizations and widgets that can be used to display data in different formats. Scheduled report delivery: Dashboards and reports can be scheduled for automatic delivery to clients via email or other methods. White-labeling options: Klipfolio offers white-labeling options, allowing agencies to brand dashboards and reports with their own logo and colors. Pros Highly customizable: Klipfolio offers extensive customization for dashboards and visualizations. Wide range of data sources: Connects to a large variety of data sources via APIs and other methods. Flexible visualizations: Offers a broad selection of visualization options. Cons Very limited chart options compared to other tools, making it suitable only for light data analysis. [G2 review] Requires coding skills to use the platform’s full potential. [G2 review] There are huge learning curves that make it very difficult to transition work streams. [G2 review] Pricing 30-day free trial (all premium features included) PowerMetrics plans start at $60/month Klips plans for Businesses: Start at $90/month (Base plan) Klips plans for Agencies: Start at $110/month (Starter plan) Microsoft Power BI Microsoft Power BI is a business analytics service that provides interactive visualizations and business intelligence capabilities with an easy-to-use interface. It enables users to connect to various data sources, create interactive dashboards and reports, and share insights across an organization. While powerful, it can have a steeper learning curve than some other client reporting tools. Key Features Data connectivity: Power BI connects to a wide range of data sources, including databases, cloud services, and files, allowing for the integration of diverse client data. Interactive dashboards: Users can create interactive dashboards with drill-downs, filters, and other features, enabling clients to explore their data. Data visualization: Power BI offers a variety of charts, graphs, and other visualizations to present data in a compelling and informative way. Report sharing and collaboration: Reports can be easily shared with clients, and collaboration features allow multiple users to work on the same report. Custom branding: While not as extensive as some dedicated white-labeling tools, Power BI does offer some branding and customization options for reports. Pros Powerful and versatile: Power BI offers robust data visualization and analytics capabilities. Interactive visualizations: Enables the creation of highly interactive dashboards and reports. Integration with Microsoft ecosystem: Integrates with other Microsoft products and services. Cons You need to have a lot of experience and training in it. There is a steep learning curve. [G2 review] It is necessary to have advanced technical knowledge to use this platform effectively. [G2 review] There’s a pretty high barrier to entry for the average marketer; the tool is simply not intuitive. [G2 review] Pricing Free desktop version for individual use. Paid plans start from $10 per user/month. Domo Domo is a cloud-based business intelligence platform that provides data visualization, dashboards, and reporting tools. It connects to various data sources, allowing users to consolidate and analyze data from across their organization. While it offers robust features, it’s often more geared towards enterprise-level reporting than, specifically, agency client reporting. Key Features Data integration: Domo connects to a wide range of data sources, including databases, cloud services, and spreadsheets, enabling the integration of various client data. Customizable dashboards: Users can create custom dashboards with a variety of visualizations, tailoring the presentation to specific client needs. Data storytelling: Domo offers features for creating data stories, which can be used to communicate insights to clients in a narrative format. Mobile access: Clients can access reports and dashboards on their mobile devices, providing them with on-the-go access to their data. Collaboration tools: Domo includes collaboration features that allow users to share insights and work together on reports. Pros Comprehensive platform: Domo offers a wide range of features, including data integration, visualization, and storytelling. Data connectors: Connects to a large number of data sources. Mobile access: Clients can access reports and dashboards on their mobile devices. Cons Domo is a relatively expensive platform, which may not be suitable for independent consultants or small marketing agencies. [G2 review] Can require significant time and effort to set up and configure. [G2 review] Its extensive features may be more than what some marketers need for client reporting. [G2 review] Pricing Domo offers a 30-day free trial. Pricing plans are not publicly available, so you have to talk to sales to get pricing details. Whatagraph Whatagraph is a marketing reporting platform that automates the process of creating visually appealing client reports. It integrates with various marketing platforms and offers pre-built templates and dashboards to simplify report generation. It’s specifically designed for agencies and marketers who need to create client-facing reports. Key Features Automated report generation: Whatagraph automates the creation and delivery of client reports, saving agencies time and effort. Pre-built templates and widgets: The platform offers a library of pre-built templates and widgets that can be used to quickly create professional-looking reports. Integrations with marketing platforms: Whatagraph integrates with popular marketing tools, consolidating data from various sources into a single platform. White-labeling and branding: Agencies can customize reports with their own branding, creating a consistent and professional client experience. Scheduled report delivery: Reports can be scheduled for automatic delivery to clients on a regular basis. Pros Automated reporting: Automates report creation and delivery, saving time and resources. Visually appealing reports: Offers a variety of pre-built templates and widgets to create visually engaging reports. Marketing platform integrations: Integrates with a wide range of marketing platforms, consolidating data from various sources. Cons Feels plagued with constant authentication and UI bugs. [G2 review] Limited customization options. You’re basically stuck with the pre-designed grids. [G2 review] Complex for building custom reports. Needs more templates. [G2 review] Pricing Free 14-day trial available. Paid plans start from $199/month. DashThis DashThis is a client reporting platform designed for marketing agencies and consultants. It automates the process of creating client reports by integrating with various marketing and analytics platforms. It aims to simplify reporting and provide clients with clear, visually appealing dashboards. Key Features Automated data collection: DashThis automatically pulls data from various marketing platforms, eliminating the need for manual data entry. Pre-built integrations: The platform integrates with a wide range of marketing and analytics tools, consolidating client data in one place. Customizable dashboards: Users can create custom dashboards with a variety of widgets and visualizations, tailoring the presentation to each client. White-labeling options: DashThis offers white-labeling, allowing agencies to brand reports and dashboards with their own logo and colors. Automated report delivery: Reports can be automatically generated and delivered to clients on a scheduled basis. Pros Easy to use: DashThis is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of setup. Pre-built dashboards: Offers a variety of pre-built dashboards and templates to get started quickly. White-labeling: Provides good white-labeling options for branding reports. Cons Expensive for smaller teams or independent consultants. [G2 review] Very limited dashboard design options. [G2 review] More advanced features may require a learning curve. [G2 review] Pricing Free 14-day trial available. Paid plans start from $49/month. Tableau Tableau is a powerful data visualization and analytics platform that allows users to explore and understand data through interactive dashboards and reports. While it can be used for client reporting, its strength lies in its advanced attribution and analytics capabilities and is often used for more complex data analysis than standard client reports. It has a steeper learning curve than some other tools. Key Features Data connectivity: Tableau connects to a variety of data sources, including databases, spreadsheets, and cloud services, enabling the integration of diverse client data. Interactive visualizations: Users can create highly interactive visualizations, including charts, graphs, maps, and dashboards, to explore and present data. Data blending: Tableau allows users to combine data from multiple sources, even if they are not directly related. Sharing and collaboration: Reports and dashboards can be easily shared with clients, and collaboration features allow multiple users to work on the same report. Advanced analytics: Tableau provides a range of advanced analytics features, including forecasting, trend analysis, and statistical modeling. Pros Powerful data visualization: Tableau excels at creating interactive and visually compelling data visualizations. Advanced analytics: Offers a wide range of advanced analytics features, including forecasting and statistical modeling. Data blending: Allows for combining data from multiple sources, even if they are not directly related. Cons Can be challenging to learn and master, especially for users without a strong data analysis background. [G2 review] Slow loading times. As the size of data increases, the time taken to load the chart or dashboard increases. [G2 review] Tableau can be expensive, particularly for larger teams or organizations. [G2 review] Pricing Free 14-day trial available. Paid plans start from $75 per user/month. Geckoboard Geckoboard is a cloud-based dashboard platform that allows users to visualize key metrics and data from various sources in a single, unified view. While it can be used for client reporting, it’s often more focused on internal team dashboards and monitoring performance within an organization. Key Features Data integrations: Geckoboard connects to a wide range of data sources, including databases, spreadsheets, and marketing platforms, allowing for the integration of client data. Customizable dashboards: Users can create custom dashboards with a variety of visualizations and widgets, tailoring the presentation to specific needs. Real-time data updates: Dashboards are updated in real-time, providing clients with up-to-the-minute insights into their performance. Data sharing and embedding: Dashboards can be easily shared with clients via links or embedded in websites and other platforms. Screen displays: Geckoboard is often used for large screen displays in offices, which may not be ideal for all client reporting scenarios. Pros Real-time dashboards: Dashboards update in real-time, providing up-to-the-minute insights. Easy to use: Geckoboard is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of setup. TV dashboards: Well-suited for displaying dashboards on large screens in office environments. Cons Can be relatively expensive, especially for the amount of functionality that it offers. [G2 review] Limited visualization options. [G2 review] Some of the integrations are a bit limited. [G2 review] Pricing Free 14-day trial available. Paid plans start from $55/month. Supermetrics Supermetrics is a data integration and automation platform that specializes in pulling marketing data from various sources into a single destination, such as Google Data Studio, Google Sheets, or a data warehouse. It’s less of a reporting tool itself and more of a data pipeline that feeds into other reporting platforms. Key Features Marketing data connectors: Supermetrics offers a wide range of connectors for marketing platforms, etc, allowing users to pull and integrate data from various sources. Automated data transfers: Data can be automatically transferred on a scheduled basis, ensuring that client reports are always up-to-date. Data transformation: Supermetrics allows for some data transformation before it’s sent to the destination platform. Flexible data destinations: Data can be sent to various destinations, including Google Data Studio, Google Sheets, Excel, and data warehouses. API access: Supermetrics offers API access, allowing developers to integrate it with custom reporting solutions. Pros Extensive marketing data connectors: Offers a wide range of connectors for various marketing platforms. Automated data transfers: Automates data transfers on a scheduled basis to keep reports up-to-date. Flexible data destinations: Sends data to various destinations, including Google Data Studio, Google Sheets, and data warehouses. Cons Not a standalone reporting tool. It requires another reporting platform to visualize and create reports. Pricing plans can be confusing. The platform is also very expensive, especially for agencies with many clients or data sources. [G2 review] Customer support could be better and faster. [G2 review] Pricing Free 14-day trial available. Paid plans start from $29/month. How Databox Compares to Other Client Reporting Tools Databox is a client reporting platform designed to help agencies and businesses efficiently track, analyze, and communicate their performance data. It centralizes data from various sources, automates report generation, and provides interactive dashboards to give a clear view of key performance indicators (KPIs). With a focus on client management, white-labeling, and insightful visualizations, Databox aims to streamline reporting workflows and foster better client communication. 💡Related reading → How does Databox compare to the competition? Key Features of Databox Client Management Centralized client overview: Manage all your clients from a single platform, tracking their performance, goals, and KPIs in one place. Reusable dashboards: Create dashboards once and easily replicate them for new clients, saving time and ensuring consistency. A satisfied user shares: “There are so many things I love about Databox. First, it’s very intuitive. You don’t need to be a data expert. You can integrate data seamlessly from different resources. I have tried Power BI, Tableau, and Google Data Studio. And I prefer Databox.” White Labeling Custom branding: Replace Databox branding with your agency’s logo, colors, and domain for a professional client experience. Branded reports and notifications: Deliver reports and alerts from your company’s email address, maintaining a consistent brand identity. Metrics and KPIs Comprehensive performance tracking: Track a wide range of metrics and KPIs from various sources to get a complete view of client performance. Granular data analysis: Drill down into campaign, ad set, and ad-level data for deeper insights. Custom metrics: Create custom and calculated metrics to better showcase ROI and other key performance indicators. Dashboards Interactive data visualization: Build visually appealing dashboards to display key metrics and provide clients with on-demand access to their performance data. Data storytelling: Add insights and context to dashboards to help clients understand the story behind their data. Easy sharing: Embed dashboards or share them via links, giving clients convenient access to their performance overview. A happy user shares: “Databox makes it simple to interact with data in ways you never thought possible. I can easily sync it to my Google Analytics, Hubspot, Adwords, LinkedIn, and other tools to get a precise view of marketing attribution and follow the data to discover holes in strategy. I love this tool. It was easy to implement. I found myself using it weekly.” Reports Automated report generation: Schedule automated reports to be sent via email or Slack, eliminating manual report creation. Dynamic content: Include dashboards, images, and text that automatically update with the latest data before sending. Report review: Get reminders before reports are sent, allowing for a final review and ensuring accuracy. A satisfied user shares: “The best part about Databox is its streamlined presentation ‘databoards’ that are easy on the eyes and present the data in ways that clients and customers can understand without seemingly overwhelming.” Goals Goal setting and tracking: Set and track goals for each client, monitoring progress and identifying areas that need attention. Goal assignment: Assign goals to specific team members and track their progress towards achieving targets. Performance alerts: Receive alerts when goals are off track, enabling timely intervention and course correction. Benchmarks Industry comparisons: Compare client performance to industry benchmarks, identifying areas for improvement and opportunities for growth. Best practice insights: Gain insights into what top performers are doing and set those as goals for clients. Progress tracking: Track progress over time and demonstrate how clients have improved relative to benchmarks. Forecasts Data-driven predictions: Forecast future performance based on historical data, helping clients anticipate and plan for future outcomes. Scenario planning: View high and low forecast ranges to manage client expectations and prepare for different possibilities. Strategic decision-making: Use data-backed forecasts to inform strategic decisions and guide client strategies. Why is Databox the Clear Winner? (and My Top Choice) Databox isn’t just another reporting tool; it’s a comprehensive performance platform that empowers agencies and businesses to centralize, analyze, and ultimately improve their performance. It’s accessible enough for any team member to use, yet powerful enough to provide the insights needed for data-driven decision-making. Here’s why Databox will ALWAYS be my top choice: Accessible and Easy to Use Databox democratizes data analysis by offering the powerful features of advanced BI tools in an intuitive and user-friendly package. Anyone on your team, regardless of their technical expertise, can easily access, analyze, and share data to gain valuable insights. Furthermore, Databox eliminates the need for multiple tools and data silos by allowing you to manage your entire company’s performance from a single, centralized platform. This streamlines workflows and ensures everyone has access to the same up-to-date information. Improvement-Focused Databox goes beyond simply tracking performance; it’s designed to help you actively improve it. With features like alerts, scorecards, and data stories, you can proactively identify trends, understand the “why” behind the numbers, and take action to drive better results. Databox empowers you to move from passive observation to active improvement, using data-driven insights to optimize your strategies and achieve your goals. Customizable and Flexible You’re not locked into rigid templates or limited options. And because the platform is constantly evolving, with new features and integrations added regularly, you can be confident that the tools you rely on today will continue to meet your growing needs and those of your clients well into the future. Databox provides a flexible foundation for your reporting and analysis needs, adapting to your business as it scales and evolves. Reporting That Drives Action Databox makes it easy to keep everyone informed and engaged with data. Access performance data anytime, anywhere, with multi-platform accessibility via TV streaming, mobile apps, and even watch apps. Stay ahead of the curve with proactive updates delivered through scorecards and alerts, ensuring you’re notified of any significant performance changes. And with automated data stories, you can add context and narrative to your reports and presentations, making insights more compelling and understandable for your audience. Advanced Analysis Made Easy Databox simplifies complex data analysis with intuitive tools and features: Create beautiful and flexible visualizations that make data more accessible and easier to understand. Avoid “analysis paralysis” with fixed-view dashboards that highlight the most critical numbers. Gain deeper insights by comparing performance across multiple periods, uncovering trends and patterns. Save time and get to the heart of your data with AI-powered performance summaries. And easily build and preview custom metrics to track the KPIs that are most important to your business. With a complete framework for data-informed performance improvement, this is the only analytics platform that truly empowers you to: Always know how you’re doing: Get a clear view of your performance at any time, from any device. Improve relationships: Enhance communication and build stronger relationships with clients and team members through transparent and insightful reporting. Make better decisions: Use data-driven insights to inform your decisions, plan more effectively, and achieve your goals. Drive continuous improvement: Establish a data-driven culture and create a cycle of continuous improvement across your entire organization. Top Features & Functionalities to Look for in a Client Reporting Tool Choosing the right client reporting tool can be a game-changer for your agency or business. Here are the essential features and functionalities to consider: Data integration. The tool should seamlessly integrate with all your essential data sources, including Google Analytics, social media platforms, CRMs, marketing automation tools, and more. This ensures you have a centralized view of all your client’s data. Customization and white-labeling. The tool should allow for extensive customization and white-labeling, enabling you to create reports that reflect your brand identity, not the tool’s. Customizable dashboards, templates, and branding options are essential for a professional look and feel. Automated reporting. The ability to set up scheduled reports that are automatically delivered to clients at specified intervals is crucial. This saves you time and ensures clients receive timely updates without manual intervention. Real-time data. Access to real-time data allows you to make informed decisions and provide clients with the latest insights into their performance. Clear visualizations. Charts, graphs, and other visual elements should be clear, concise, and easy to digest. A variety of visualization options should be available to suit different data types and client preferences. Collaboration & sharing options. The ability to share reports securely with clients and team members fosters transparency and facilitates collaboration. Features like commenting and annotations can enhance communication around the data. Client-specific dashboards and templates. Create customized dashboards that focus on the metrics most important to each client. For example, if a client is particularly interested in understanding the effectiveness of their different marketing channels, you can create an attribution dashboard that highlights key metrics such as conversion rates, customer acquisition cost (CAC), and return on ad spend (ROAS). Custom metrics and drill-down capabilities. The tool should allow you to create custom metrics and provide drill-down capabilities, enabling clients to explore the data in more detail and uncover deeper insights. Mobile-friendliness/mobile app. Clients should be able to access and view reports conveniently on their mobile devices, ensuring they can stay informed even when they’re away from their desks. Alerts, notifications and scheduled snapshots. Set up alerts to notify you or your clients when key metrics reach certain thresholds or unusual trends occur. This allows for timely intervention and proactive performance management. Ease of use & implementation. The tool should be intuitive and easy to learn, even for those without technical expertise. Quick onboarding and minimal setup time are essential for getting up and running quickly. Affordable pricing. Reporting tools can be expensive. Look for a tool that fits your budget and scales with your business, especially if you’re an agency working with multiple clients. Take Client Reporting to the Next Level with Databox Many agencies and marketers are bogged down by inefficient reporting processes that make it harder to deliver value and build strong client relationships. There’s a better way. Databox empowers you to overcome these challenges and transform your client reporting from a tedious chore into a powerful asset. With Databox, you can: Consolidate your data: Connect to all your marketing, sales, and business platforms to get a complete view of client performance in one place. Create stunning reports: Design professional, interactive reports that showcase your expertise and captivate your clients. Automate EVERYTHING: Schedule reports to be delivered automatically, freeing up yourself or your team to focus on higher-value tasks. Empower data-driven decisions: Gain deeper insights with advanced analytics, visualizations, and AI-powered summaries. Foster collaboration: Share reports seamlessly with clients and team members, enhancing communication and transparency. Databox is more than just a reporting tool; it’s a comprehensive analytics platform that helps you: Build stronger client relationships: Impress clients with insightful, data-driven presentations that demonstrate your value. Drive better results: Uncover hidden opportunities, track progress towards goals, and optimize strategies for maximum impact. Scale your agency efficiently: Manage all your client reporting from a single, centralized platform, no matter how large your client base grows. Create impactful client reports with Databox. Sign up for a free account now.