Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Join us for an expert-led overview of the tools and concepts you'll need to become a Certified Power BI Data Analyst and pass exam PL-300. Register now.

Reply
fasi_kk
Regular Visitor

Rest API vs Power BI Embedded

What is the basic difference between Power BI Embedded and Power BI Rest API.

 

Link for power bi embedded:

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/services/power-bi-embedded/

 

And Rest API link is:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-US/library/mt147898.aspx

 

Regards

 

 

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
Seth_C_Bauer
Community Champion
Community Champion

@fasi_kk On a very high level.

Power BI Embedded is for use with external facing applications and doesn't require the end user to have a Pro license. (Licensing is handled differently)

 

REST API - is for internal facing applications to perform the various actions, and requires users to have the licensing appropriate to the level of reports shared.

 

I think another difference is that Embedded doesn't require authentication against Azure AD, but the other does.


Looking for more Power BI tips, tricks & tools? Check out PowerBI.tips the site I co-own with Mike Carlo. Also, if you are near SE WI? Join our PUG Milwaukee Brew City PUG

View solution in original post

6 REPLIES 6
Seth_C_Bauer
Community Champion
Community Champion

@fasi_kk On a very high level.

Power BI Embedded is for use with external facing applications and doesn't require the end user to have a Pro license. (Licensing is handled differently)

 

REST API - is for internal facing applications to perform the various actions, and requires users to have the licensing appropriate to the level of reports shared.

 

I think another difference is that Embedded doesn't require authentication against Azure AD, but the other does.


Looking for more Power BI tips, tricks & tools? Check out PowerBI.tips the site I co-own with Mike Carlo. Also, if you are near SE WI? Join our PUG Milwaukee Brew City PUG

@Seth_C_Bauer Thanks for the reply. Are you sure Embedded doesn't require authentication against azure AD. Please click the link below and see the diagram.

 

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/articles/power-bi-embedded-what-is-power-bi-embedded...

 

REST API - is for internal facing applications to perform the various actions

Please can you explain what do you mean by the various task. Can you give some examples please

 

Regards

@fasi_kk

 

The main difference is as @Seth_C_Bauer mentioned.

Do note that as of now there's no gateway/refresh feature in Power BI emebeded and only direct query to Azure DB/data warehouse is supported. So the option for data source can be very limited if in-time refreshing is required.

@fasi_kk Sure, another link on the bottom of the one you provided points here to the various things you can do.

 

And yes, I'm sure. The answer to your question is in the same link you provide. @Greg_Deckler posted the snippet that is relevant.

 


Looking for more Power BI tips, tricks & tools? Check out PowerBI.tips the site I co-own with Mike Carlo. Also, if you are near SE WI? Join our PUG Milwaukee Brew City PUG

I second @Seth_C_Bauer's position that Azure AD is not required:

 

Authentication and authorization with app tokens

Microsoft Power BI Embedded defers to your application to perform all the necessary user authentication and authorization. There is no explicit requirement that your end users be customers of Azure Active Directory (Azure AD).



Follow on LinkedIn
@ me in replies or I'll lose your thread!!!
Instead of a Kudo, please vote for this idea
Become an expert!: Enterprise DNA
External Tools: MSHGQM
YouTube Channel!: Microsoft Hates Greg
Latest book!:
Power BI Cookbook Third Edition (Color)

DAX is easy, CALCULATE makes DAX hard...
fasi_kk
Regular Visitor

What is the basic difference between power BI embedded and Rest API.

 

Llink for embedded.

https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/services/power-bi-embedded/

 

Link for Rest API.

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-US/library/mt147898.aspx

 

Regards

 

Helpful resources

Announcements
Join our Fabric User Panel

Join our Fabric User Panel

This is your chance to engage directly with the engineering team behind Fabric and Power BI. Share your experiences and shape the future.

June 2025 Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - June 2025

Check out the June 2025 Power BI update to learn about new features.

June 2025 community update carousel

Fabric Community Update - June 2025

Find out what's new and trending in the Fabric community.