Microsoft Power BI vs Looker Studio: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft Power BI 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:
Microsoft Power BI
Business analytics service
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need business intelligence features specifically
- • Microsoft BI for everyone
- • Excel-like interface, enterprise power
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 |  Microsoft Power BI |  Looker Studio |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Business Intelligence | Analytics |
Rating | 88/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Microsoft Power BI | Looker Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 116 |
| Categories | Business IntelligenceData Visualization | AnalyticsBusiness Intelligence |
How Microsoft Power BI and Looker Studio Compare
Microsoft Power BI
Business analytics service
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Looker Studio
Free Google data visualization and reporting
Free tier available
Microsoft Power BI is a business intelligence tool. Looker Studio is in analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Microsoft Power BI
Want the highest-rated option?
Microsoft Power BI scores 88/100. Looker Studio is unrated.
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?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Microsoft Power BI is a business intelligence 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
Microsoft Power BI
- Higher score: 88/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Looker Studio
- More community upvotes (116)
- Better fit for analytics
The Bottom Line
Microsoft Power BI (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Power BI or Looker Studio better?
Microsoft Power BI scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Microsoft Power BI and Looker Studio used for?
Microsoft Power BI: Business analytics service. Looker Studio: Free Google data visualization and reporting.
What does Microsoft Power BI cost vs Looker Studio?
Microsoft Power BI is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Looker Studio is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.