Tableau database connectors are changing the narrative of how to work with data from your dashboard. A few years ago, the ability to pull data from almost any source, including your company’s internal database or even a web API, and immediately convert it into powerful, interactive dashboards sounded too good to be true. Today, with Tableau database connectors, you can pull data from virtually any data source and convert it instantly into a powerful dashboard.
Tableau database connectors act as the bridge between Tableau and various data sources and online services that power today’s analytics. They include native connectors for popular databases like MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server, and modern cloud platforms like Google BigQuery and Snowflake. Also, Tableau supports ODBC connections that further simplify access to data sources without manual export or complex queries.
Whether you’re a database developer, data analyst, or database administrator, knowing how to choose the right Tableau database connector for your business needs is crucial.
To help you make the best choice, this article explains the top Tableau database connectors in 2025, from native and ODBC connectors to web-based solutions.
Let’s get started.
Table of contents
- What are Tableau database connectors?
- Key features to look for in Tableau database connectors
- Best Tableau database connectors in 2025
- Comparison table of the best Tableau database connectors
- How to choose the right Tableau database connector for your business
- Conclusion
What are Tableau database connectors?
Tableau database connectors are tools that let Tableau connect seamlessly with a wide range of data sources, from traditional relational databases to modern cloud-based applications. They serve as a bridge between Tableau and the data sources, enabling it to retrieve, interpret, and visualize data without moving it manually or doing any complex configurations.
There are three main types of Tableau connectors:
- Native connectors: These connectors are built directly into Tableau and offer plug-and-play connectivity to popular databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Snowflake, and more. They’re optimized for performance and get updates frequently to ensure compatibility and reliability.
- ODBC connectors: These tools allow Tableau to connect to virtually any database that supports Open Database Connectivity. ODBC drivers are particularly useful when working with niche, legacy, or unsupported databases.
- Web Data Connectors (WDCs): These connectors are specifically designed for accessing data via web APIs and are ideal for pulling in information from cloud services, RESTful APIs, and custom web-based platforms.
Key features to look for in Tableau database connectors
Tableau connectors play a crucial role in modern data integration. They enable fast, secure, and automated access to different data sources. However, when choosing a Tableau database connector for your business, there are some vital boxes to tick to ensure it provides a smooth, efficient, and secure data journey from your data source to your dashboard.
Here are the key things to consider when selecting a Tableau connector
Performance and speed
At the heart of any good Tableau database connector is the ability to deliver fast and efficient data access. A high-performing Tableau connector reduces latency, shortens query response times, and manages complex data operations without compromising user experience. Whether you’re connecting to a cloud warehouse or an on-premises database, the connector should optimize data transfers, support query pushdown (executing queries on the source system), and manage caching intelligently. These features ensure your dashboards load quickly and respond seamlessly, even with large datasets or multiple concurrent users.
Data security and compliance
In an age where cyber threats are becoming increasingly common, security and compliance are not optional; they are essential.
A reliable Tableau connector should support robust authentication protocols such as OAuth, SSO (Single Sign-On), and token-based access. It should also enable encrypted data transmission through SSL/TLS, ensuring that sensitive information is protected at every stage. Compliance with industry standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 is another must-have, particularly for organizations handling customer, financial, or healthcare data.
When choosing a Tableau data connector, look out for connectors that offer detailed auditing and access controls to maintain visibility and accountability.
Real-time sync and refresh capabilities
In fast-moving industries like finance, e-commerce, and logistics, the value of data diminishes with time. This is why real-time sync and refresh capabilities are essential when choosing a Tableau database connector. A top-tier Tableau data connector should offer live connections to your data source and ensure that your visualizations reflect the most up-to-date information.
In situations where live access is impossible, the connector should support flexible refresh scheduling and incremental data updates to minimize overhead. Real-time or near-real-time integration ensures that your team always works with the latest numbers, not yesterday’s insights.
Ease of use and setup
Working with a Tableau database connector should be so seamless that anyone can work with it without necessarily having to be a database engineer.
A good Tableau connector should offer a user-friendly setup process, intuitive configuration options, and seamless integration within Tableau’s interface. Ideally, it should require minimal coding and support features like guided setup, connection testing, and automatic schema recognition. This makes it easy for analysts, marketers, and business users alike to connect their data without IT bottlenecks or steep learning curves.
Support for large datasets
As your organization grows, so does your data. Your choice of Tableau connector should be one that can handle large volumes of data without compromising performance or stability. It should include support for high row counts, large file sizes, and complex joins across multiple tables or sources. The connector should also allow for filtering, aggregation, and parallel query execution to maintain performance even when working with big data environments.
Now that you know the factors to consider when choosing a Tableau database connector, below are the top connectors you can choose from.
Best Tableau database connectors in 2025
With businesses pulling data from on-premise systems, cloud warehouses, SaaS applications, and custom APIs, working with the right Tableau database connector becomes essential for fast, secure, and reliable data access.
Here are some top Tableau database connectors in 2025 you can choose from.
Tableau native connectors
Tableau’s native connectors are built-in integrations for databases and platforms, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and cloud services like Google BigQuery, Amazon Redshift, and Snowflake. Below are the key features of these connectors.
Key features
- Automatic compatibility: Since Tableau native connectors are developed and maintained by Tableau itself, they offer seamless integration with the Tableau interface. No need for additional configuration or driver installation.
- Optimized performance: Native connectors are specifically designed to handle the SQL query structures of their respective databases. This process ensures faster data loading and smoother visualizations.
- Regular updates: Tableau frequently updates the native connectors with new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements, keeping them aligned with changes in database technologies.
- Support for live and extract connections: Whether you need real-time analytics or scheduled data refreshes, Tableau native connectors give you both options with minimal setup.
For most businesses, especially those using mainstream data platforms, Tableau’s native connectors are the fastest route to gaining valuable data insight.
Devart ODBC Drivers for Tableau
If performance, flexibility, and reliability are your goals, Devart ODBC Drivers for Tableau is your best bet. Devart offers a suite of premium ODBC drivers designed to work effortlessly with Tableau. You can use these drivers with various SQL-based databases and cloud platforms like Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Salesforce, Shopify, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, Zoho CRM, Microsoft Excel, HubSpot, Google Sheets, and WordPress.
Here are the key features that make Devart ODBC Drivers for Tableau a go-to.
Key features
- High-performance connectivity: Devart ODBC Drivers are optimized for speed and efficiency. Whether you’re handling large datasets or high-query workloads across data sources, you get fast response and efficient performance.
- Extensive customization: With Devart ODBC Drivers for Tableau, you can fine-tune parameters like caching, SQL translation, and connection pooling to match your specific business needs. The connectors give you complete control over how your data behaves in Tableau.
- Enterprise-grade reliability: Devart ODBC Drivers for Tableau are trusted by global enterprises and organizations, including finance, healthcare, and technology, where data accuracy, uptime, and compliance are critical.
- Broad use cases: Whether you’re building cross-platform dashboards, handling complex data flows, or working in hybrid setups, Devart ODBC Drivers for Tableau adapts seamlessly. The connectors are ideal for complex BI pipelines, multi-source dashboards, and organizations with hybrid environments (a mix of cloud and on-premise systems).
Most importantly, Devart ODBC Drivers fill the gaps where Tableau’s native connectors fall short, providing the depth, speed, and flexibility you need to turn raw data into real-time business insights.
CData Tableau connectors
CData has a vast collection of Tableau connectors for cloud apps, on-premise databases, NoSQL systems, and RESTful APIs, including Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Analytics, MongoDB, and even Excel Online.
Key features
- Wide range of supported sources: CData covers more than 250 data sources. This makes it one of the most versatile options available.
- Plug-and-play simplicity: Setting up the CData Tableau connectors is intuitive and often needs just your credentials and connection string details.
- Flexible pricing model: CData offers both lifetime and subscription licenses, which makes it adaptable for short-term projects or long-term integrations.
- Real-time data access: Many CData connectors support live queries. With this, you’ll always work with the freshest data available.
CData Tableau connectors are a great choice for businesses working with a mix of traditional and SaaS data sources.
Simba Tableau connectors
Simba, a division of Magnitude Software (now part of InsightSoftware), is renowned for its enterprise-grade connectors built for big data platforms like Google BigQuery, Amazon Redshift, Hadoop, and Presto.
Key features
- High performance for big data: Simba connectors are built to handle petabyte-scale data environments with optimized query pushdown and parallel execution.
- High availability: Simba Tableau connectors are ideal for mission-critical dashboards where consistent uptime is vital.
- Support for ODBC and JDBC: Simba offers flexible driver formats, making it easy to integrate with Tableau and other business intelligence (BI) tools simultaneously.
- Security and compliance: Simba Tableau connectors are designed with enterprise-grade security standards, including OAuth 2.0, Kerberos, and SSL/TLS encryption.
If you’re operating in a big data ecosystem, Simba provides the performance and stability needed for Tableau at scale.
ODBC connectors for Tableau
ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) remains one of the most flexible ways to connect Tableau to virtually any data source, even niche or custom-built systems.
Key features
- Connect to unsupported databases: The ODBC connectors for Tableau may be your only option if your system doesn’t work with native or third-party connectors.
- Custom integrations: ODBC allows for deeper control and configuration, perfect for highly specific business applications.
- Cross-platform compatibility: ODBC connectors for Tableau are supported across Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring consistency in diverse IT environments.
- Caveats: ODBC connectors can require more setup, such as driver installation, DSN configuration, and SQL tuning, but they offer great flexibility when native support is unavailable.
Progress DataDirect Tableau connectors
Progress DataDirect Tableau connectors are high-performance connectors tailored for large enterprises working with cloud apps, databases, and big data systems.
Key features
- Optimized for hybrid environments: You can easily connect Progress DataDirect Tableau to on-prem and SaaS platforms like Salesforce or Oracle Cloud.
- Security-first design: Progress DataDirect Tableau connectors feature advanced encryption, fine-grained access control, and compliance with major data privacy laws.
- Scalable performance: These connectors also support thousands of users and massive data volumes without degradation.
DataDirect is ideal for businesses that demand performance, security, and support across various data platforms.
Skyvia Connect Tableau integration
Skyvia Connect offers an API-centric, no-code solution for connecting Tableau to popular cloud services like Salesforce, HubSpot, Dynamics 365, and Airtable.
Key features
- No-code interface: Users can create secure web endpoints without writing a line of code.
- API-based connections: Rather than relying on traditional database drivers, Skyvia exposes data as REST APIs for Tableau to consume.
- Cloud-native: Fully hosted in the cloud, so there’s no need for local software installation or maintenance.
Skyvia is perfect for small to mid-sized businesses or non-technical teams that want simple, fast Tableau data integration with their SaaS platforms.
Zapier + Tableau integrations (indirect connectors)
While Tableau doesn’t natively integrate with Zapier, creative teams use it as a middleware automation platform to move data into intermediate sources (like Google Sheets, SQL databases, or cloud storage), which Tableau then connects to.
Key features
- Automation of repetitive data workflows: Zapier easily pushes data from tools like Shopify, Slack, or Mailchimp into Tableau-ready formats.
- No-code automation: Easily set up triggers and actions without scripting.
- Filling of connector gaps: Useful when no direct Tableau connector exists for a platform.
Zapier is especially valuable for startups or marketers needing lightweight, flexible workflows that feed Tableau dashboards with fresh data.
Comparison table of the top Tableau database connectors
| Tableau Database Connector | Types | Supported data sources | Ease of use | Performance | Security | Use case | Licensing model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tableau Native Connectors | Built-in (Native) | SMBs, marketing, and operations teams | Very easy | High | OAuth, SSL/TLS, role-based access | Users of mainstream databases | Included with Tableau |
| Devart ODBC Drivers | ODBC | Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Google Sheets, Salesforce, and others | Moderate | Very high | SSL encryption, authentication options | Custom SQL workloads, enterprise systems | Perpetual or annual license |
| CData Tableau Connectors | Custom ODBC/JDBC | 250+ sources: SaaS apps, RDBMS, NoSQL, REST APIs | Easy | High | OAuth, SSL/TLS, user access controls | Integrating SaaS, hybrid cloud/on-prem | Subscription or perpetual |
| Simba Tableau Connectors | ODBC/JDBC Drivers | BigQuery, Redshift, Hadoop, Presto, Snowflake, and other big data platforms | Moderate | Very High | Kerberos, SSL, OAuth 2.0 | Enterprise-scale big data analytics | Enterprise licensing |
| ODBC Connectors (Generic) | ODBC | Custom, legacy, or niche databases | Requires setup | Moderate | Driver-specific | Connecting unsupported or niche sources | Varies (often free or custom) |
| Progress DataDirect | ODBC/JDBC API | Oracle, Salesforce, SAP, Amazon, Azure, custom APIs | Moderate | Very high | Strong encryption, enterprise security | Large enterprises, high-performance demands | Tiered commercial plans |
| Skyvia Connect | No-code API Connector | Salesforce, HubSpot, Airtable, Dynamics 365, and other SaaS platforms | Very easy | Moderate | HTTPS, API key auth, IP whitelisting | Depends on the intermediary tool | Freemium and paid tiers |
| Zapier + Tableau (Indirect) | Automation workflow | Any app Zapier supports (via Google Sheets, SQL, Excel, etc.) | Very easy | Low to moderate | Depends on intermediary tool | No-code automation, unsupported direct sources | Freemium and paid tiers |
How to choose the right Tableau database connector for your business
No doubt, Tableau database connectors are the backbone of a scalable, flexible Tableau analytics environment. However, choosing the right Tableau connector is not a one-size-fits-all decision. There are factors that ensure you choose the right connector for your business. Below are these factors:
Business size and budget
- Small and Midsize Businesses (SMBs)
If your business falls under SMBs with small IT teams and tight budgets, a Tableau database connector with a simple setup and affordable pricing is your best choice. Native Tableau connectors or no-code tools like Skyvia Connect or Zapier offer quick setup and low maintenance. These solutions work well for standard reporting needs and SaaS integrations without requiring in-house technical expertise. - Enterprises
For bigger organizations with complex data ecosystems, hybrid cloud infrastructures, and high volumes of data, you typically need connectors with advanced security, high performance, and scalability. Devart ODBC Drivers for Tableau are your best bet. They offer enterprise-grade security features and support for big data platforms.
Use case scenarios
- Real-time dashboards
For real-time analytics, you need connectors that support live queries and offer low-latency performance. Native connectors and enterprise-grade ODBC drivers (like Devart ODBC Connectors or DataDirect) are optimal here. - ETL and reporting pipelines
If your data is refreshed periodically rather than in real time, flexibility and compatibility are more important than speed. Devart ODBC drivers allow for more control over how data is extracted and loaded into Tableau. - Custom or niche data sources
When working with industry-specific tools, legacy systems, or homegrown databases, Devart ODBC connectors offer the adaptability you need.
Technical expertise
- Non-technical teams
Marketing, sales, and operations teams with minimal technical backgrounds will benefit from no-code options like Skyvia Connect or indirect solutions via Zapier. These platforms prioritize ease of use, guided setup, and clean user interfaces.
- Data engineering and BI teams
Technical teams can leverage advanced configurations available in Devart, Simba, or Progress DataDirect connectors to fine-tune performance, automate workflows, and integrate Tableau with complex architectures.
Conclusion
In 2025, the landscape of Tableau database connectors is broader and more capable than ever, offering solutions for every business size and technical need. From seamless native integrations to advanced ODBC drivers and no-code SaaS connectors, there’s a tool for every use case.
Before committing to any connector, it’s advisable to test a few options in a trial environment. Evaluate their ease of setup, performance under load, security features, and how well they integrate with your existing tools and workflows.
Ultimately, the best connector is one that balances long-term scalability, reliability, and compatibility, enabling your team to spend less time moving data and more time uncovering insights.
FAQ
How many connectors are there in Tableau?
As of 2025, Tableau offers over 100 built-in (native) connectors, covering popular databases, cloud services, and analytics platforms like MySQL, SQL Server, Snowflake, Google BigQuery, Salesforce, and more. Beyond these, you can expand connectivity through ODBC drivers, JDBC drivers, Web Data Connectors (WDCs), and third-party options like Devart, CData, and Progress DataDirect, giving Tableau access to virtually any data source.
What are the different types of connections in Tableau?
Tableau supports two primary types of connections:
- Live connection: Tableau queries the data source in real time. Ideal for dashboards that need up-to-date data but may impact performance with large datasets.
- Extract connection: Tableau pulls a snapshot of the data into a .hyper file. This boosts performance and enables offline analysis, especially useful for large datasets or slow sources.
You can choose the connection type when setting up a data source, depending on performance needs and data freshness.
How do you add a connector in Tableau?
To add a connector in Tableau:
- Open Tableau Desktop or Tableau Cloud.
- On the start page, under “Connect,” choose a native connector or click “More…” for additional options.
- For non-native sources, choose ODBC or Web Data Connector, or install a third-party driver (like Devart ODBC Drivers or CData).
- Enter the required connection details (server, database, credentials), and click “Sign In” or “Connect.”
- Once connected, Tableau will load available tables and fields for use in your workbook.
For custom or unsupported sources, you may need to configure drivers and connection strings manually.
