Steampipe vs CloudQuery: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Steampipe and CloudQuery 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.
Bottom line: Steampipe wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick CloudQuery if you need cloud & infrastructure.
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:
Steampipe
Dynamically query APIs, code, and cloud resources with SQL for Zero-ETL insights.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (CloudQuery requires payment)
CloudQuery
Open-source cloud asset inventory
Best for you if:
- • You want cloud asset inventory
| At a Glance | Steampipe | CloudQuery |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free Free plan |
Category | Developer Tools API Tools | Cloud & Infrastructure Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 5,705 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Steampipe or CloudQuery?
Choose Steampipe if
- You want a fully free tool (CloudQuery requires payment)
- You want SQL for cloud APIs
- You want good plugins
- You work in developer tools, not cloud & infrastructure
Choose CloudQuery if
- You want cloud asset inventory
- You want SQL interface
- You work in cloud & infrastructure, not developer tools
In-Depth Analysis
Steampipe
Dynamically query APIs, code, and cloud resources with SQL for Zero-ETL insights.
Steampipe offers a very generous pricing model with two free tiers.
Strengths
- Pro: SQL for cloud APIs
- Pro: Good plugins
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Active development
- Pro: Good documentation
Weaknesses
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Niche use case
- Con: Resource usage
- Con: Plugin quality varies
- Con: Still maturing
Key features
CloudQuery
Open-source cloud asset inventory
CloudQuery's pricing is quite generous for individual users and small teams with its robust Free tier.
Strengths
- Pro: Cloud asset inventory
- Pro: SQL interface
- Pro: Many plugins
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Active development
Weaknesses
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Setup complexity
- Con: Resource intensive
- Con: Documentation improving
- Con: Enterprise features paid
Key features
Pricing: Steampipe vs CloudQuery
| Plan | Steampipe | CloudQuery |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | Free Turbot Pipes Developer | $500 month Team |
| Tier 3 | Custom Turbot Pipes Team | custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Steampipe pricing and CloudQuery pricing.
Key Takeaways
Steampipe
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
CloudQuery
- Better fit for cloud & infrastructure
The Bottom Line
Steampipe wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Steampipe or CloudQuery better in 2026?
Steampipe wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick Steampipe for developer tools workflows (main strength: SQL for cloud APIs). Pick CloudQuery for cloud & infrastructure workflows (main strength: cloud asset inventory).
What are Steampipe and CloudQuery used for?
Steampipe: Dynamically query APIs, code, and cloud resources with SQL for Zero-ETL insights. CloudQuery: Open-source cloud asset inventory.
What does Steampipe cost vs CloudQuery?
Steampipe is free. CloudQuery's paid plans start at Free (Team).
What's the main difference between Steampipe and CloudQuery?
Steampipe's main strength: SQL for cloud APIs. CloudQuery's main strength: cloud asset inventory.