Plotly vs Matplotlib

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs. Compare features, pricing, pros & cons, and make an informed decision.

Plotly icon
Plotly
Matplotlib icon
Matplotlib

Expert Analysis & Comparison

Struggling to choose between Plotly and Matplotlib? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Plotly is a Data Visualization solution with tags like python, r, javascript, excel, data-analysis, data-visualization, interactive, charts, graphs, dashboards.

It boasts features such as Interactive data visualization, Support for Python, R, JavaScript, Excel, 2D and 3D plotting, Statistical charts, Dashboards, Collaboration tools, Exporting and sharing and pros including User-friendly, High-quality visualizations, Cross-platform compatibility, Open source and free, Large gallery of examples, Active community support.

On the other hand, Matplotlib is a Photos & Graphics product tagged with plotting, graphs, charts, visualization, python.

Its standout features include 2D plotting, Publication quality output, Support for many plot types (line, bar, scatter, histogram etc), Extensive customization options, IPython/Jupyter notebook integration, Animations and interactivity, LaTeX support for mathematical typesetting, and it shines with pros like Mature and feature-rich, Large user community and extensive documentation, Highly customizable, Integrates well with NumPy, Pandas and SciPy, Output can be saved to many file formats.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Why Compare Plotly and Matplotlib?

When evaluating Plotly versus Matplotlib, both solutions serve different needs within the data visualization ecosystem. This comparison helps determine which solution aligns with your specific requirements and technical approach.

Market Position & Industry Recognition

Plotly and Matplotlib have established themselves in the data visualization market. Key areas include python, r, javascript.

Technical Architecture & Implementation

The architectural differences between Plotly and Matplotlib significantly impact implementation and maintenance approaches. Related technologies include python, r, javascript, excel.

Integration & Ecosystem

Both solutions integrate with various tools and platforms. Common integration points include python, r and plotting, graphs.

Decision Framework

Consider your technical requirements, team expertise, and integration needs when choosing between Plotly and Matplotlib. You might also explore python, r, javascript for alternative approaches.

Feature Plotly Matplotlib
Overall Score N/A N/A
Primary Category Data Visualization Photos & Graphics
Target Users Developers, QA Engineers QA Teams, Non-technical Users
Deployment Self-hosted, Cloud Cloud-based, SaaS
Learning Curve Moderate to Steep Easy to Moderate

Product Overview

Plotly
Plotly

Description: Plotly is an open-source graphing library for Python, R, JavaScript, and Excel. It allows users to create interactive, publication-quality graphs, charts, and dashboards that can be embedded in websites and apps. Plotly is useful for data analysis and visualization.

Type: Open Source Test Automation Framework

Founded: 2011

Primary Use: Mobile app testing automation

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows

Matplotlib
Matplotlib

Description: Matplotlib is a comprehensive 2D plotting library for Python that allows users to create a wide variety of publication-quality graphs, charts, and visualizations. It integrates well with NumPy and Pandas data structures.

Type: Cloud-based Test Automation Platform

Founded: 2015

Primary Use: Web, mobile, and API testing

Supported Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, API

Key Features Comparison

Plotly
Plotly Features
  • Interactive data visualization
  • Support for Python, R, JavaScript, Excel
  • 2D and 3D plotting
  • Statistical charts
  • Dashboards
  • Collaboration tools
  • Exporting and sharing
Matplotlib
Matplotlib Features
  • 2D plotting
  • Publication quality output
  • Support for many plot types (line, bar, scatter, histogram etc)
  • Extensive customization options
  • IPython/Jupyter notebook integration
  • Animations and interactivity
  • LaTeX support for mathematical typesetting

Pros & Cons Analysis

Plotly
Plotly
Pros
  • User-friendly
  • High-quality visualizations
  • Cross-platform compatibility
  • Open source and free
  • Large gallery of examples
  • Active community support
Cons
  • Steep learning curve
  • Limited customization compared to matplotlib
  • Online dependency for full functionality
  • Freemium pricing model limits features
Matplotlib
Matplotlib
Pros
  • Mature and feature-rich
  • Large user community and extensive documentation
  • Highly customizable
  • Integrates well with NumPy, Pandas and SciPy
  • Output can be saved to many file formats
Cons
  • Steep learning curve
  • Plotting code can be verbose
  • 3D plotting support is limited
  • Cannot do web visualization (unlike Bokeh or Plotly)

Pricing Comparison

Plotly
Plotly
  • Freemium
  • Subscription-based
Matplotlib
Matplotlib
  • Open Source

Get More Information

Ready to Make Your Decision?

Explore more software comparisons and find the perfect solution for your needs