Side by side
Atlas vs Hex, honestly
| Atlas | Hex | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Research: analysis that ends in papers, memos, and cited findings | Analytics: SQL-first exploration published as data apps and dashboards |
| AI model | Agent builds and executes notebooks cell-by-cell with an approval gate | Magic AI assists with SQL and code inside cells you run |
| Notebook engine | Reactive Python (marimo) — dependent cells re-run automatically | Notebook with SQL and Python cells and a reactive DAG |
| Papers & LaTeX | Built-in .tex editor with live compile and BibTeX | Not built in — publishing targets apps and dashboards |
| PDF & source library | Upload papers, query them with RAG, cite them in analysis | Not a document knowledge base |
| Warehouse & governance | Python connectors; no warehouse-native governance layer | Warehouse-native with enterprise governance, permissions, and review |
| Pricing | $20/mo individual · $39/seat/mo teams with AI usage included | Free tier · paid editor seats roughly $36–75/editor/mo by plan |
Choose Atlas if
- You're a researcher or research team, not an analytics org
- Your inputs are papers, filings, and datasets rather than a warehouse
- You want output as a compiled paper or cited write-up, not a data app
- You want an agent doing the build while you review and approve
Choose Hex if
- Your team works SQL-first against a governed warehouse
- The deliverable is an interactive data app or dashboard
- You need enterprise controls: SSO, permissions, review workflows
FAQ
Common questions
Is Atlas a Hex alternative?
For research teams, yes. Both are hosted notebook workspaces, but they aim at different jobs: Hex at warehouse-based analytics shipped as apps, Atlas at source-driven research shipped as papers and cited findings, built by an AI agent.
Does Atlas have SQL cells?
Atlas notebooks are Python-first; you query databases with standard Python libraries. Hex's warehouse-native SQL cells are stronger if SQL is your primary language.
How does pricing compare?
Atlas is $20/month for individuals and $39 per seat for teams with pooled AI usage included. Hex has a free tier and paid plans that typically run $36–75 per editor per month, depending on tier.