Looker vs Preset: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Looker and Preset 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Looker
Enterprise BI and analytics by Google
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
Preset
Managed Apache Superset cloud
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 85/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Looker | Preset |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Understanding the Differences
Both Looker and Preset solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Looker positions itself as "enterprise bi and analytics by google" while Presetfocuses on "managed apache superset cloud". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Looker
Looker makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 85/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Preset
Preset is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Preset won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Preset
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Looker handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Looker
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Looker is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Looker
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Preset has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Looker higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Preset more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Looker Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Preset If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Looker (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Looker scores higher in our analysis, but Preset might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Looker or Preset better?
Based on our analysis, Looker scores higher with 85/100. Looker ispaid while Preset is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Looker to Preset easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Looker and Preset offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Looker is paid with potential trial.Preset is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.