CloudQuery vs Steampipe: Which is Better 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.
Bottom line: Steampipe is our overall pick for developer tools workflows. Pick CloudQuery if you need cloud & infrastructure.
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 cloud & infrastructure 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 need something completely free
- • You need developer tools 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 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Cloud & Infrastructure | Developer Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose CloudQuery or Steampipe?
Choose CloudQuery if
Open-source cloud asset inventory
- Cloud asset inventory
- SQL interface
- Many plugins
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
Choose Steampipe if
Dynamically query APIs, code, and cloud resources with SQL for Zero-ETL insights.
- SQL for cloud APIs
- Good plugins
- Open source
- You want a fully free tool (CloudQuery requires payment)
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
| Feature | CloudQuery | Steampipe |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Cloud & InfrastructureData & Databases | Developer ToolsAPI Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
CloudQuery
Open-source cloud asset inventory
Strengths
- +Cloud asset inventory
- +SQL interface
- +Many plugins
- +Open source
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Setup complexity
- -Resource intensive
- -Documentation improving
- -Enterprise features paid
Key features
Steampipe
Dynamically query APIs, code, and cloud resources with SQL for Zero-ETL insights.
Strengths
- +SQL for cloud APIs
- +Good plugins
- +Open source
- +Active development
- +Good documentation
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Niche use case
- -Resource usage
- -Plugin quality varies
- -Still maturing
Key features
Pricing: CloudQuery vs Steampipe
| Plan | CloudQuery | Steampipe |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | $500 month Team | Free Turbot Pipes Developer |
| Tier 3 | custom Enterprise | Custom Turbot Pipes Team |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on CloudQuery pricing and Steampipe pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Steampipe is free. CloudQuery is freemium.
Go with: Steampipe
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
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 cloud & infrastructure tool. Steampipe is in developer tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Steampipe
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
CloudQuery
- Better fit for cloud & infrastructure
The Bottom Line
Steampipe is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CloudQuery or Steampipe better?
Steampipe is rated 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.