CloudQuery vs Steampipe: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between CloudQuery and Steampipe 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:
CloudQuery
Open-source cloud asset inventory
Best for you if:
- • You need etl & data pipelines features specifically
- • Open-source data pipeline for cloud security and asset inventory with usage-based pricing
- • Extract from AWS, Azure, GCP, and 70+ sources to any destination database
Steampipe
Dynamically query APIs, code, and cloud resources with SQL for Zero-ETL insights.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 7.9/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need big data analytics features specifically
- • Queries cloud APIs and other data sources using SQL.
- • Provides a Zero-ETL approach for real-time data access.
| At a Glance |  CloudQuery |  Steampipe |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | ETL & Data Pipelines | Big Data Analytics |
Rating | 79/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | CloudQuery | Steampipe |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 79 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | ETL & Data PipelinesData Warehouses | Big Data AnalyticsBusiness Intelligence |
How CloudQuery and Steampipe Compare
CloudQuery
Open-source cloud asset inventory
Free tier available · 79/100 score
Steampipe
Dynamically query APIs, code, and cloud resources with SQL for Zero-ETL insights.
Free · 88/100 score
CloudQuery is a etl & data pipelines tool. Steampipe is in big data analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Steampipe is free. CloudQuery is freemium.
Go with: Steampipe
Want the highest-rated option?
CloudQuery: 79/100. Steampipe: 88/100.
Go with: Steampipe
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Steampipe
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
CloudQuery is freemium. Steampipe is free. Go with Steampipe if free matters most.
What's your use case?
CloudQuery is a etl & data pipelines tool. Steampipe is in big data analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Steampipe scores higher: 88/100 vs 79/100.
Key Takeaways
Steampipe
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 79
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
CloudQuery
- Better fit for etl & data pipelines
The Bottom Line
Steampipe (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CloudQuery or Steampipe better?
Steampipe scores 88/100 in our evaluation. CloudQuery is freemium and Steampipe is free.
What are CloudQuery and Steampipe used for?
CloudQuery: Open-source cloud asset inventory. Steampipe: Dynamically query APIs, code, and cloud resources with SQL for Zero-ETL insights..
What does CloudQuery cost vs Steampipe?
CloudQuery is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Steampipe is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.