Metabase vs Looker Studio: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Metabase and Looker Studio 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:
Metabase
Business intelligence for everyone
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need web analytics features specifically
- • Open-source BI for business users to explore data
- • Visual question builder requiring no SQL
Looker Studio
Free Google data visualization and reporting
Best for you if:
- • You need analytics features specifically
- • Looker Studio is a free tool for creating interactive dashboards and reports.
- • It connects to various data sources using built-in and partner connectors.
| At a Glance |  Metabase |  Looker Studio |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Web Analytics | Analytics |
Rating | 85/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Metabase | Looker Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 116 |
| Categories | Web AnalyticsBusiness Intelligence | AnalyticsBusiness Intelligence |
How Metabase and Looker Studio Compare
Metabase
Business intelligence for everyone
Free tier available · 85/100 score
Looker Studio
Free Google data visualization and reporting
Free tier available
Metabase is a web analytics tool. Looker Studio is in analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Metabase
Want the highest-rated option?
Metabase scores 85/100. Looker Studio is unrated.
Go with: Metabase
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Metabase
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Metabase is a web analytics tool. Looker Studio is in analytics. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Metabase
- Higher score: 85/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Looker Studio
- More community upvotes (116)
- Better fit for analytics
The Bottom Line
Metabase (85/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Metabase or Looker Studio better?
Metabase scores 85/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Metabase and Looker Studio used for?
Metabase: Business intelligence for everyone. Looker Studio: Free Google data visualization and reporting.
What does Metabase cost vs Looker Studio?
Metabase is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Looker Studio is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.