dbt Semantic Layer
7.5#3 in semantic layer softwareFrom $100 a monthFree planWebAPIExtension
Visitdbt Semantic Layer vs Sema
What both publish
| Fact | dbt Semantic Layer | Sema |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 | 2025 |
| Integrations | The product page says the Semantic Layer offers an API, the dbt MCP Server, and dozens of out-of-the-box integrations for BI, notebooks, spreadsheets, embedded analytics, and AI systems. | Sema describes its capabilities as MCP tools for use with Claude, Cursor, or an in-house agent, and supports OAuth2/OIDC identity providers including Okta, Entra, Auth0, and Google Workspace. |
| Licence | The dbt Semantic Layer service and APIs are proprietary cloud software; MetricFlow and dbt-semantic-interfaces are Apache 2.0 licensed. | The EULA grants a limited, non-exclusive internal-use subscription licence and prohibits copying, modification, redistribution and reverse engineering; it is not an open-source licence. |
dbt Semantic Layer plans
- DeveloperFree
- dbt State add-on$0.09 a month
- Starter$100 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
- Enterprise+Priced on request
Sema plans
- SandboxFree
- Pro$49 a month
- Business$99 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
Pick dbt Semantic Layer if…
The Semantic Layer suits data teams that need governed, consistent metrics for analytics, embedded applications, or AI use cases. It is for organizations already using dbt Starter or Enterprise accounts to define and query metrics.
Pick Sema if…
Sema suits enterprise and regulated teams, including those working with warehouses that contain thousands of tables. Teams that need governance controls or deployment in their own VPC may also find its deployment options relevant.