BigQuery vs Apache Pinot: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between BigQuery and Apache Pinot 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
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:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need managed databases features specifically
- • 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
Apache Pinot
Unlock real-time insights from petabyte-scale data with ultra low-latency analytics.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need web analytics features specifically
- • Real-time OLAP datastore for ultra low-latency analytics.
- • Scalable and fault-tolerant, handling petabyte data and high concurrency.
| At a Glance |  BigQuery |  Apache Pinot |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Managed Databases | Web Analytics |
Rating | 92/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | BigQuery | Apache Pinot |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 92 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Managed DatabasesETL & Data Pipelines | Web AnalyticsProduct Analytics |
How BigQuery and Apache Pinot Compare
BigQuery
Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics
Paid · 92/100 score
Apache Pinot
Unlock real-time insights from petabyte-scale data with ultra low-latency analytics.
Free
BigQuery is a managed databases tool. Apache Pinot is in web analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apache Pinot is free. BigQuery is paid.
Go with: Apache Pinot
Want the highest-rated option?
BigQuery scores 92/100. Apache Pinot is unrated.
Go with: BigQuery
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: BigQuery
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
BigQuery is paid. Apache Pinot is free. Go with Apache Pinot if free matters most.
What's your use case?
BigQuery is a managed databases tool. Apache Pinot is in web analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
BigQuery
- Higher score: 92/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Apache Pinot
- Completely free
- Better fit for web analytics
The Bottom Line
BigQuery (92/100) is our pick. That said, Apache Pinot is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BigQuery or Apache Pinot better?
BigQuery scores 92/100 in our evaluation. BigQuery is paid and Apache Pinot is free.
What are BigQuery and Apache Pinot used for?
BigQuery: Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics. Apache Pinot: Unlock real-time insights from petabyte-scale data with ultra low-latency analytics..
What does BigQuery cost vs Apache Pinot?
BigQuery is a paid tool. Apache Pinot is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.