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Crystal Reports vs PHP Report Maker

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Crystal Reports icon
Crystal Reports
PHP Report Maker icon
PHP Report Maker

Crystal Reports vs PHP Report Maker: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Crystal Reports: Crystal Reports is a business intelligence application used to design and generate reports from a wide range of data sources. It allows users to analyze data and create rich, interactive reports with graphs, charts, and visualizations.

PHP Report Maker: PHP Report Maker is an open source PHP library that generates PDF and Excel reports from MySQL, PostgreSQL, MS SQL, SQLite, Oracle, and CSV data sources. It simplifies report generation with an easy-to-use API allowing developers to generate reports on the fly.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Crystal Reports PHP Report Maker
Sugggest Score — —
Category Business & Commerce Development
Pricing — Open Source

Product Overview

Crystal Reports
Crystal Reports

Description: Crystal Reports is a business intelligence application used to design and generate reports from a wide range of data sources. It allows users to analyze data and create rich, interactive reports with graphs, charts, and visualizations.

Type: software

PHP Report Maker
PHP Report Maker

Description: PHP Report Maker is an open source PHP library that generates PDF and Excel reports from MySQL, PostgreSQL, MS SQL, SQLite, Oracle, and CSV data sources. It simplifies report generation with an easy-to-use API allowing developers to generate reports on the fly.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

Crystal Reports
Crystal Reports Features
  • Report design and generation
  • Connectivity to various data sources
  • Formatting and visualization options
  • Ad hoc reporting
  • Scheduled report distribution
PHP Report Maker
PHP Report Maker Features
  • Generates PDF and Excel reports from various data sources
  • Supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, MS SQL, SQLite, Oracle, and CSV data sources
  • Easy-to-use API for developers to generate reports on the fly
  • Customizable report templates and layout options
  • Supports pagination, headers, footers, and other report elements
  • Generates reports in multiple formats (PDF, Excel, CSV, etc.)

Pros & Cons Analysis

Crystal Reports
Crystal Reports

Pros

  • Powerful and flexible report designer
  • Supports connections to many data sources
  • Interactive and visually appealing reports
  • Can be embedded into other apps

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • Requires database knowledge to build advanced reports
  • Limited free runtime viewer
PHP Report Maker
PHP Report Maker

Pros

  • Open source and free to use
  • Simplifies report generation with a developer-friendly API
  • Supports a wide range of data sources
  • Customizable report templates and layout options
  • Generates reports in multiple formats

Cons

  • Limited support for advanced report features
  • Requires some programming knowledge to use effectively
  • Lacks a graphical user interface (GUI) for non-technical users

Pricing Comparison

Crystal Reports
Crystal Reports
  • Not listed
PHP Report Maker
PHP Report Maker
  • Open Source

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Learn More About Each Product

Crystal Reports
Crystal Reports
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
PHP Report Maker
PHP Report Maker
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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