Looker vs Metabase: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Looker and Metabase side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Metabase leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Looker
Business intelligence platform
Best for you if:
- • You want LookML modeling layer
Metabase
Business intelligence for everyone
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
| At a Glance | Looker | Metabase |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Not published | Free plan, paid from $100/mo, billed monthly Starter plan |
Category | Business Intelligence Analytics | Analytics Business Intelligence |
Rating | 4.4/5 G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.5 2,211 reviews | 4.4/5 G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.5 209 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Watch out for | Custom pricing for higher tiers requires direct negotiation. | n/a |
Choose Looker or Metabase?
Choose Looker if
- You want LookML modeling layer
- You want google Cloud integration
- You work in business intelligence, not analytics
Choose Metabase if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want open source
- You want easy to use
- You work in analytics, not business intelligence
In-Depth Analysis
Looker
Business intelligence platform
Looker's pricing is expensive, especially for smaller businesses, with the 'Standard' tier starting around $35,000 per year.
Watch out
Custom pricing for higher tiers requires direct negotiation.
Strengths
- Pro: LookML modeling layer
- Pro: Google Cloud integration
- Pro: Embedded analytics
Weaknesses
- Con: Complex setup
- Con: Expensive
Key features
Metabase
Business intelligence for everyone
Metabase's pricing is generally fair, offering a generous Open Source tier for self-hosting.
Strengths
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Easy to use
- Pro: Self-hosted option
Weaknesses
- Con: Limited advanced features
- Con: Less enterprise support
Key features
Plans and prices: Looker vs Metabase
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Looker |
| looker.com/pricing read Oct 3, 2026 |
| Metabase |
| metabase.com/pricing read Oct 5, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Looker pricing and Metabase pricing.
Key Takeaways
Looker
- Choose if you want business intelligence platform
Metabase
- Has a free plan
What the data shows
On the data below, Metabase leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.4/5 from 2,211 reviews for Looker, 4.4/5 from 209 reviews for Metabase).
- Metabase starts at $100/mo, billed monthly; Looker has no public paid plan price on file.
- Only Metabase has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Looker and Metabase compare in 2026?
On the data below, Metabase leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.4/5 from 2,211 reviews for Looker, 4.4/5 from 209 reviews for Metabase). Metabase starts at $100/mo, billed monthly; Looker has no public paid plan price on file. Only Metabase has a free plan.
What are Looker and Metabase used for?
Looker: Business intelligence platform. Metabase: Business intelligence for everyone.
What does Looker cost vs Metabase?
Looker has no public paid-plan price on file. Metabase's cheapest paid plan is Starter at $100/mo, billed monthly; it also has a free plan. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 5, 2026.
What's the main difference between Looker and Metabase?
Looker's main strength: LookML modeling layer. Metabase's main strength: open source.