# Category Compare: Artificial Intelligence vs. Business Intelligence | Capterra > We define and compare artificial intelligence software vs. business intelligence software to help you determine which tool is the right one for your business. Source: https://www.capterra.com/resources/category-compare-artificial-intelligence-vs-business-intelligence --- BI BasicsStrategy & Operations # Category Compare: Artificial Intelligence vs. Business Intelligence By Barkha Bali Barkha Bali Senior Writer Experience I’ve been writing for Capterra since August 2021, providing expert insights to help small and midsize businesses (SMBs) find the rig... [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/bbali/) Published June 1, 2022 4 min read Table of Contents - [What is artificial intelligence software?](#what-is-artificial-intelligence-software) - [What is business intelligence software?](#what-is-business-intelligence-software) - [What do they have in common?](#what-do-they-have-in-common) - [Artificial intelligence software features](#artificial-intelligence-software-features) - [Business intelligence software features](#business-intelligence-software-features) - [Which tool is right for you?](#which-tool-is-right-for-you) - [Top-rated artificial and business intelligence software](#top-rated-artificial-and-business-intelligence-software) ## In this report, we define and compare artificial intelligence software and business intelligence software to help you decide which one aligns with your business goals. [Business intelligence (BI) software](https://www.capterra.com/business-intelligence-software/) is often mistaken for [artificial intelligence (AI) software](https://www.capterra.com/artificial-intelligence-software/), as both help businesses make data-driven decisions. The two software tools, however, have distinct functionalities and features. AI software mimics human behavior and learning patterns to build and develop intelligent applications from scratch. On the other hand, BI software helps organizations analyze historical performance data to generate actionable insights and improve operational decision-making. In this report, we highlight the similarities and differences between the two software categories to help you identify which one is right for your business. ## What is artificial intelligence software? [Artificial intelligence (AI) software](https://www.capterra.com/artificial-intelligence-software/) mimics human behavior and learning patterns. It uses machine learning, predictive analytics, and deep learning capabilities to build and develop intelligent applications from scratch. AI software is used in varied business areas, from customer service and sales (as chatbots) to data analysis and IT tasks automation. Some popular examples of artificial intelligence software include Google Cloud, Azure, Cortana, and Amazon Alexa. AI software works in tandem with the Internet of Things (IoT) to collect data and use it for quality management, equipment maintenance, supply chain management, insight tracking, demand forecasting, enterprise network management, and customer management. ## What is business intelligence software? [Business intelligence (BI) software](https://www.capterra.com/business-intelligence-software/) helps organizations analyze historical performance data and other data sources to generate actionable insights, which helps improve operational decision-making. It can analyze various types of data, such as customer data, finance data, production data, human resource data, and contact data. A BI tool collects raw data from internal and external sources and runs queries to analyze it. The tool uses interactive dashboards and other forms of data visualization to present the data. Performance management teams use BI tools to convert complex data into understandable visuals such as charts, graphs, infographics, and animations. ## What do they have in common? Artificial intelligence software and business intelligence software do not have any significant similarities, except that, in some cases, they complement each other. For instance, AI-enabled business intelligence software systems provide clear, actionable insights from raw data. AI-powered software scrutinizes each datapoint at a granular level to gather actionable insights and help businesses use them for real-world business decisions. By working in conjunction with AI, BI tools can synthesize massive amounts of data into methodical plans of action. ## Artificial intelligence software features ## Business intelligence software features ## Which tool is right for you? If your business needs to process massive amounts of data, automate business operations—such as predicting machine maintenance, performing preventive maintenance, automating recurring tasks, managing process control, and prescribing solutions—artificial intelligence (AI) software is the right choice. AI software uses machine learning to gather data from multiple sources, turn it into actionable information, and make more accurate predictions than humans. If your business needs to collect, track, publish, and share performance metrics, real-time updates, benchmarking, and visual data analytics, then a business intelligence platform is a better option. BI tools offer advanced insights for analyzing data, benchmarking, and analyzing business performance, thus facilitating data-driven decisions. Once you’ve decided which software to use, head to our [artificial intelligence software](https://www.capterra.com/artificial-intelligence-software/) and [business intelligence software](https://www.capterra.com/business-intelligence-software/) category pages where you can find a sortable list of products, software reviews from verified users, and comprehensive buyers guides. If you wish to narrow down your search to only the most popular and highest-rated solutions, visit Capterra’s Shortlist reports for the top [artificial intelligence software](https://www.capterra.com/artificial-intelligence-software/#shortlist) and [business intelligence software](https://www.capterra.com/business-intelligence-software/#shortlist) tools—our reports are based on an analysis of thousands of user reviews. ## Top-rated artificial and business intelligence software This product is among the top rated in both software categories. #### Trial/Free Version - Free Trial - Free Version #### Device Compatibilty \* Analysis Accurate as of date of publication _Note: Reviews and ratings data in the product cards is as of May 18, 2022. New reviews may have been added since the publication of this article, so the reviews data in this piece may not reflect current conditions._ _The products in the category comparison images are examples to show a feature in context and are not intended as endorsements or recommendations by Capterra. They have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time of publication._ * * * 1. Be listed under Capterra’s 2022 Shortlist reports for [artificial intelligence](https://www.capterra.com/artificial-intelligence-software/#shortlist) and [business intelligence](https://www.capterra.com/business-intelligence-software/#shortlist) software. Learn more about the Capterra Shortlist methodology [here](https://www.capterra.com/resources/research-methodologies/). 2. Meet our software market definition for artificial and business intelligence software: ## Capterra's 2026 Software Buying Trends Report ### Download our 2026 Software Buying Trends Report to see how successful software adopters avoid disappointment and how your business can, too. * * * Methodology To be included in the top-rated list, the products must: - **Artificial intelligence:** “Artificial Intelligence (AI) software mimics human behavior and learning patterns. It can be utilized in a variety of business areas, from customer service and sales (in the form of chatbots), to data analysis and IT task automation.” - **Business intelligence:** “Business intelligence (BI) software helps organizations to analyze data from various sources to generate insights, which helps leadership with better decision-making. It collects the data from internal and external sources, runs queries to analyze the data, and then presents it within interactive dashboards and other forms of data visualization. BI software can analyze various types of data such as customer data, finance data, production data, human resource data, and contact data.” * * * ### Was this article helpful? * * * ## About the Author [### Barkha Bali](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/bbali/) Barkha Bali is a writer at Capterra. She provides insights to help small and midsize businesses identify the right software for their needs by analyzing more than 550,000 Capterra user reviews and nearly 48,000 interactions between Capterra software advisors and buyers. ### RELATED READING - [Free CRM Software vs. Paid: Features, Costs, and Comparison](https://www.capterra.com/resources/free-vs-paid-software-for-crm-guide/) - [Accounting Trends in 2026: How AI Is Changing Work, Skills, and Strategy](https://www.capterra.com/resources/accounting-trends-ai-software-changing-work/) - [Bookkeeper vs. Accounts Payable Software: Which One Should You Choose?](https://www.capterra.com/resources/category-compare-bookkeeper-vs-accounts-payable-software/) - [How to Unlock Real AI Benefits in Sales and Marketing](https://www.capterra.com/resources/ai-benefits-sales-marketing-software/) - [How To Build the Right Project Management Tech Stack for Your Business](https://www.capterra.com/resources/project-management-tech-stack/) - [5 Key Help Desk Software Features With Top Products That Offer Them](https://www.capterra.com/resources/help-desk-software-key-features/) - [Why You Need Project Management Software With ADP Integration](https://www.capterra.com/resources/project-management-software-with-adp-integration/) - [Help Desk Software for IT Support: Features and Benefits 1,300+ Users Value](https://www.capterra.com/resources/it-help-desk-software-features-benefits/) - [AI in Talent Management Software: The Bridge Between Recruiting and Retention](https://www.capterra.com/resources/ai-talent-management-software/)