Comparison · Business intelligence tools
Looker vs Power BI: which is better in 2026?
Power BI ranks higher in our list of business intelligence tools (#1 against #3, score 91.5 against 89.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 89.0Editorial score91.5
- 1Platforms2
- NoFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
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.
Choose Power BI if you want
Microsoft-based teams with complex reports.
The strongest report designer in this list, with a free account and a Desktop app for Windows. Sharing needs a Pro or Premium license, and Mac and Linux users depend on the browser service.
The main differences
- Only Power BI runs on Windows.
- Power BI can be used for free; Looker requires payment.
Side by side
 Looker |  Power BI | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 89.0 | 91.5 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 10 | #1 of 10 |
| Price | SubscriptionEnterprise subscription; free trial and demo | Free plan, paid upgradesFree account; Pro is $14 per user a month, paid yearly |
| Free to use | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebWeb | WindowsWebWindows, Web |
| Made by | Google Cloud | Microsoft |
| Deployment | Google Cloud service | Windows app plus cloud service |
| Data sources | Cloud data warehouses and databases | Excel and many other sources |
| Desktop app | No | Yes |
| Best for | Data teams governing metrics for many users | Microsoft-based teams with complex reports |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Looker vs Power BI
- Is Power BI better than Looker?
- Power BI ranks higher in our list of business intelligence tools (#1 against #3, score 91.5 against 89.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Looker is best for: data teams governing metrics for many users. Power BI is best for: Microsoft-based teams with complex reports.
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.
