Looker vs Microsoft Power BI: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Looker and Microsoft Power BI 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
Microsoft Power BI
Business analytics service
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • Microsoft BI for everyone
- • Excel-like interface, enterprise power
| At a Glance |  Looker |  Microsoft Power BI |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Business Intelligence |
Rating | 86/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Looker | Microsoft Power BI |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 88 |
| 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 Microsoft Power BI Compare
Looker
Business intelligence platform
Paid · 86/100 score
Microsoft Power BI
Business analytics service
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Microsoft Power BI has a free tier. Looker is paid only.
Go with: Microsoft Power BI
Want the highest-rated option?
Looker: 86/100. Microsoft Power BI: 88/100.
Go with: Microsoft Power BI
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Microsoft Power BI
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Looker is paid. Microsoft Power BI is freemium. Microsoft Power BI lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are business intelligence tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Microsoft Power BI scores higher: 88/100 vs 86/100.
Key Takeaways
Microsoft Power BI
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 86
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Looker
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Power BI (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Looker or Microsoft Power BI better?
Microsoft Power BI scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Looker is paid and Microsoft Power BI is freemium.
What are Looker and Microsoft Power BI used for?
Looker: Business intelligence platform. Microsoft Power BI: Business analytics service.
What does Looker cost vs Microsoft Power BI?
Looker is a paid tool. Microsoft Power BI is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.