BigQuery vs Materialize: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between BigQuery and Materialize 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 7.1/10)
- • 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
Materialize
The Live Data Layer for Apps and AI Agents, enabling real-time insights with SQL.
Best for you if:
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Provides a live data layer for real-time applications and AI agents.
- • Processes data streams and allows querying fresh data using standard SQL.
| At a Glance |  BigQuery |  Materialize |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Managed Databases | Big Data Analytics |
Rating | 92/100 | 71/100 |
| Feature | BigQuery | Materialize |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 92 | 71 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Managed DatabasesETL & Data Pipelines | Big Data AnalyticsBusiness Intelligence |
How BigQuery and Materialize Compare
BigQuery
Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics
Paid · 92/100 score
Materialize
The Live Data Layer for Apps and AI Agents, enabling real-time insights with SQL.
Paid · 71/100 score
BigQuery is a managed databases tool. Materialize is in big data analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: BigQuery
Want the highest-rated option?
BigQuery: 92/100. Materialize: 71/100.
Go with: BigQuery
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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?
BigQuery is a managed databases tool. Materialize is in big data analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
BigQuery scores higher: 92/100 vs 71/100.
Key Takeaways
BigQuery
- Higher score: 92/100 vs 71
- Our pick for this comparison
Materialize
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
BigQuery (92/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BigQuery or Materialize better?
BigQuery scores 92/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are BigQuery and Materialize used for?
BigQuery: Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics. Materialize: The Live Data Layer for Apps and AI Agents, enabling real-time insights with SQL..
What does BigQuery cost vs Materialize?
BigQuery is a paid tool. Materialize is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.