Looker vs Apache Superset: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Looker and Apache Superset 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:
Looker
Business intelligence platform
Best for you if:
- • Embedded analytics for your product
- • White-label dashboards in your app
Apache Superset
Open-source business intelligence and data visualization
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Apache Superset is an open-source business intelligence platform for data exploration and visualization
- • It creates interactive dashboards with a no-code interface and supports 40+ database connections
| At a Glance |  Looker |  Apache Superset |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Business Intelligence |
Rating | 86/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Looker | Apache Superset |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Business IntelligenceData Visualization | Business IntelligenceData Visualization |
How Looker and Apache Superset Compare
Looker
Business intelligence platform
Paid · 86/100 score
Apache Superset
Open-source business intelligence and data visualization
Free · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apache Superset is free. Looker is paid.
Go with: Apache Superset
Want the highest-rated option?
Looker: 86/100. Apache Superset: 86/100.
Go with: Looker
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Looker
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Looker is paid. Apache Superset is free. Go with Apache Superset if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are business intelligence tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Both score 86/100.
Key Takeaways
Looker
- Our pick for this comparison
Apache Superset
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Looker (86/100) is our pick. That said, Apache Superset is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Looker or Apache Superset better?
Looker scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Looker is paid and Apache Superset is free.
What are Looker and Apache Superset used for?
Looker: Business intelligence platform. Apache Superset: Open-source business intelligence and data visualization.
What does Looker cost vs Apache Superset?
Looker is a paid tool. Apache Superset is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.