BigQuery vs Amazon Redshift: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between BigQuery and Amazon Redshift comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: BigQuery is our overall pick for data & databases workflows. Pick Amazon Redshift if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
BigQuery
Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics
Best for you if:
- • BigQuery is Google's serverless data warehouse for analyzing petabytes of data with SQL
- • It offers blazing fast queries with automatic scaling and built-in ML capabilities
Amazon Redshift
Petabyte-scale data warehouse on AWS
Best for you if:
- • AWS cloud data warehouse
- • Petabyte-scale analytics
| At a Glance |  BigQuery |  Amazon Redshift |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0.04/slot-hourEditions | $0.25/hourProvisioned |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Choose BigQuery or Amazon Redshift?
Choose BigQuery if
Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics
- Best serverless data warehouse
- Petabyte scale
- SQL interface
- Budget matters ($0.04/slot-hour vs $0.25/hour)
Choose Amazon Redshift if
Petabyte-scale data warehouse on AWS
- Deep AWS integration
- Mature and proven
- Serverless option
| Feature | BigQuery | Amazon Redshift |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 671 reviews | ★4.4/5 16 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesAnalytics | Data & DatabasesData Warehouses |
In-Depth Analysis
BigQuery
Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics
Strengths
- +Best serverless data warehouse
- +Petabyte scale
- +SQL interface
- +ML built-in
- +Pay per query
Weaknesses
- -Query costs can surprise
- -Slot management complex
- -Streaming inserts expensive
- -Learning curve
- -Some SQL limitations
Key features
Amazon Redshift
Petabyte-scale data warehouse on AWS
Strengths
- +Deep AWS integration
- +Mature and proven
- +Serverless option
- +Cost-effective for AWS users
- +Strong SQL support
Weaknesses
- -AWS lock-in
- -Complex pricing
- -Cluster management (provisioned)
- -Slower than newer alternatives
Key features
Pricing: BigQuery vs Amazon Redshift
| Plan | BigQuery | Amazon Redshift |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Tier | Free Free Trial |
| Tier 2 | $6.25 /TB On-Demand | $0.25 hour Provisioned |
| Tier 3 | $0.04 /slot-hour Editions | Variable Serverless |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on BigQuery pricing and Amazon Redshift pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: BigQuery
Want the highest-rated option?
BigQuery: 4.6/5 (671 reviews). Amazon Redshift: 4.4/5 (16 reviews).
Go with: BigQuery
Value user reviews?
BigQuery: 671 reviews (4.6/5). Amazon Redshift: 16 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: BigQuery
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
BigQuery is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
BigQuery
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
- Larger review base (671 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Amazon Redshift
- Choose if you want petabyte-scale data warehouse on AWS
The Bottom Line
BigQuery is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BigQuery or Amazon Redshift better?
BigQuery is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are BigQuery and Amazon Redshift used for?
BigQuery: Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics. Amazon Redshift: Petabyte-scale data warehouse on AWS.
What does BigQuery cost vs Amazon Redshift?
BigQuery is a paid tool. Amazon Redshift is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.