Comparison · Business intelligence tools
Data Studio vs Looker: which is better in 2026?
Data Studio85.5#5 in best business intelligence tools
Looker89.0#3 in best business intelligence toolsLooker ranks higher in our list of business intelligence tools (#3 against #5, score 89.0 against 85.5).
- 85.5Editorial score89.0
- 1Platforms1
- YesFree to useNo
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Data Studio if you want
Free dashboards on Google and other connected data.
Free to use and simple to start, with built-in connectors and embedding. It has no desktop app and relies on the connectors for data quality, which limits deeper modelling.
Choose Looker if you want
Data teams governing metrics for many users.
A governed metrics layer and embedded analytics from Google Cloud, with a free trial and sales-led subscriptions. It is built for large deployments and data teams, so small teams will find Metabase quicker to start.
The main differences
- Data Studio can be used for free; Looker requires payment.
Side by side
| Data Studio | Looker | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 85.5 | 89.0 |
| Rank in list | #5 of 10 | #3 of 10 |
| Price | FreeFree to use, per Google's product overview page | SubscriptionEnterprise subscription; free trial and demo |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebWeb | WebWeb |
| Made by | Google Cloud | |
| Deployment | Browser only | Google Cloud service |
| Data sources | Built-in and partner connectors | Cloud data warehouses and databases |
| Desktop app | No | No |
| Best for | Free dashboards on Google and other connected data | Data teams governing metrics for many users |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Data Studio vs Looker
- Is Looker better than Data Studio?
- Looker ranks higher in our list of business intelligence tools (#3 against #5, score 89.0 against 85.5). Data Studio is best for: free dashboards on Google and other connected data. Looker is best for: data teams governing metrics for many users.
- Which is cheaper, Data Studio or Looker?
- Data Studio: Free to use, per Google's product overview page. Looker: Enterprise subscription; free trial and demo.
- Do Data Studio and Looker run on the same platforms?
- Data Studio supports Web. Looker supports Web.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
