Snowflake Review: Pros, Cons, Features & Pricing
Managing and analyzing large volumes of data is a challenge for many modern businesses—and that's where Snowflake comes in. As a leading cloud-based database management platform, Snowflake Data Cloud allows teams to benefit from the combined advantages of data warehouses, data lakes, data engineering, and sharing. Whether you're in finance, healthcare, or e-commerce, Snowflake provides the infrastructure to scale operations, collaborate across departments, and drive better insights.
In this Snowflake review, I do a deep-dive into product features, pricing, pros and cons, so that you can decide if it’s the right customer data platform for your strategy.
Snowflake Evaluation Summary
- From $2/credit
- Free trial + demo available
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
Snowflake Overview
pros
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Platform performance remains consistent, even with complex queries.
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Data-sharing capabilities enhance collaboration within your team.
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Its scalability suits businesses handling big data.
cons
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Customer support responsiveness could be better.
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Onboarding might require more time than other tools.
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Steep learning curve for teams new to cloud databases.
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How We Test & Score Tools
How We Test & Score Tools
We’ve spent years building, refining, and improving our software testing and scoring system. The rubric is designed to capture the nuances of software selection and what makes a tool effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.
Below, you can see exactly how our testing and scoring works across seven criteria. It allows us to provide an unbiased evaluation of the software based on core functionality, standout features, ease of use, onboarding, customer support, integrations, customer reviews, and value for money.
Core Functionality (25% of final scoring)
The starting point of our evaluation is always the core functionality of the tool. Does it have the basic features and functions that a user would expect to see? Are any of those core features locked to higher-tiered pricing plans? At its core, we expect a tool to stand up against the baseline capabilities of its competitors.
Standout Features (25% of final scoring)
Next, we evaluate uncommon standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality typically found in tools of its kind. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.
We also evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. Tools offering plentiful native integrations, 3rd party connections, and API access to build custom integrations score best.
Ease of Use (10% of final scoring)
We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the tool. High scoring software is well designed, intuitive to use, offers mobile apps, provides templates, and makes relatively complex tasks seem simple.
Onboarding (10% of final scoring)
We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use a tool with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the tool with no experience. High scoring solutions indicate little or no support is required.
Customer Support (10% of final scoring)
We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base.Tools and companies that provide real-time support score best, while chatbots score worst.
Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring)
Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promoter score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the tool again for the core functionality. A high scoring software reflects a high net promoter score from current or past customers.
Value for Money (10% of final scoring)
Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.
Core Features
Scalable Storage: Snowflake provides scalable data storage that grows with your data needs, ensuring you never run out of space. Your team can manage massive datasets without worrying about performance dips.
Data Sharing: Share data securely with other departments or external partners. This feature enhances collaboration and streamlines how you work across different teams.
Automated Maintenance: Snowflake automates maintenance tasks like backups and updates, saving you time and effort. This allows your team to focus on more strategic activities.
Secure Data Handling: With strong encryption, Snowflake ensures your data is safe from unauthorized access. You can trust that your sensitive information is protected.
Multi-Cluster Architecture: This architecture allows for seamless scaling by adding more clusters during peak times. Your team won't experience slowdowns when processing large queries.
SQL Support: Use familiar SQL syntax to perform queries, making it easy for your team to adapt. This support helps you leverage existing SQL skills without a steep learning curve.
Ease of Use
Snowflake's user interface is intuitive, but its complexity can be daunting for newcomers. Your team might face a learning curve, especially if they're new to cloud databases. However, once you get the hang of it, the platform's robust features like SQL support make data management straightforward. While its advanced functionalities offer great potential, they require some time and effort to master, making it less immediately accessible than some simpler alternatives.
Snowflake Specs
- API
- External Integrations
- File Sharing
Snowflake Frequently Asked Questions
How does Snowflake handle data security and compliance?
Snowflake employs robust security measures, including end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication, to protect your data. It complies with industry standards like SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001, ensuring your data meets regulatory requirements. Your team can also leverage role-based access control to manage permissions and maintain data integrity.
Can Snowflake support real-time data processing?
Yes, Snowflake supports real-time data processing through its continuous data ingestion capabilities. Your team can use Snowpipe to load data as it arrives, enabling near-instantaneous data availability. This feature is ideal for applications that require up-to-date information for decision-making. Snowflake also supports ETL for integrating data from multiple sources.
What are the backup and recovery options in Snowflake?
Snowflake offers automated backups and a Time Travel feature to recover data from accidental deletions or modifications. You can access historical data up to 90 days, depending on your plan. This ensures your team can restore previous data states without hassle.
Does Snowflake offer multi-cloud support?
Yes, Snowflake runs on multiple cloud platforms, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. This flexibility allows your team to choose the cloud provider that best fits your infrastructure and strategic goals. You can also switch platforms if your needs change over time.
How scalable is Snowflake for growing data needs?
Snowflake’s architecture allows for seamless scaling, both horizontally and vertically. Your team can handle growing data volumes without performance issues by adding more clusters or expanding existing ones. This ensures your operations remain efficient as your workloads and data ecosystem evolve.
How does Snowflake manage user access and permissions?
Snowflake uses role-based access control to manage user permissions. You can define roles and assign them to users, ensuring they access only the data they need and protecting sensitive data. This feature helps maintain data security and compliance across your organization.
Is Snowflake suitable for small businesses?
While Snowflake offers powerful features, its advanced capabilities might be excessive for small businesses with limited data needs. However, if your business anticipates rapid growth or requires complex data processing, Snowflake could be a valuable investment.
Can Snowflake integrate with existing BI tools?
Yes, Snowflake integrates with various visualization and business intelligence tools, allowing your team to analyze data seamlessly. This compatibility ensures you can leverage existing BI investments while benefiting from Snowflake’s data processing power. Your team can continue using familiar tools without disrupting workflows.
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