BigQuery vs MotherDuck: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between BigQuery and MotherDuck 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 7.4/10)
- • 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
MotherDuck
Ducking Simple Data Warehouse based on DuckDB for fast, scalable analytics.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Cloud data warehouse built on DuckDB for fast, scalable analytics.
- • Supports internal BI, customer-facing analytics, and various data formats.
| At a Glance |  BigQuery |  MotherDuck |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Managed Databases | Big Data Analytics |
Rating | 92/100 | 74/100 |
| Feature | BigQuery | MotherDuck |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 92 | 74 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Managed DatabasesETL & Data Pipelines | Big Data AnalyticsManaged Databases |
How BigQuery and MotherDuck Compare
BigQuery
Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics
Paid · 92/100 score
MotherDuck
Ducking Simple Data Warehouse based on DuckDB for fast, scalable analytics.
Free tier available · 74/100 score
BigQuery is a managed databases tool. MotherDuck is in big data analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
MotherDuck has a free tier. BigQuery is paid only.
Go with: MotherDuck
Want the highest-rated option?
BigQuery: 92/100. MotherDuck: 74/100.
Go with: BigQuery
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: BigQuery
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
BigQuery is paid. MotherDuck is freemium. MotherDuck lets you start free.
What's your use case?
BigQuery is a managed databases tool. MotherDuck is in big data analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
BigQuery scores higher: 92/100 vs 74/100.
Key Takeaways
BigQuery
- Higher score: 92/100 vs 74
- Our pick for this comparison
MotherDuck
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for big data analytics
The Bottom Line
BigQuery (92/100) is our pick. MotherDuck has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BigQuery or MotherDuck better?
BigQuery scores 92/100 in our evaluation. BigQuery is paid and MotherDuck is freemium.
What are BigQuery and MotherDuck used for?
BigQuery: Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics. MotherDuck: Ducking Simple Data Warehouse based on DuckDB for fast, scalable analytics..
What does BigQuery cost vs MotherDuck?
BigQuery is a paid tool. MotherDuck is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.