Tableau vs Looker Studio: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Tableau 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:
Tableau
Visual analytics platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need web analytics features specifically
- • Visual analytics platform for business intelligence
- • Drag-and-drop interface for creating visualizations
Looker Studio
Free Google data visualization and reporting
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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 |  Tableau |  Looker Studio |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Web Analytics | Analytics |
Rating | 90/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Tableau | Looker Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 90 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 116 |
| Categories | Web AnalyticsBusiness Intelligence | AnalyticsBusiness Intelligence |
How Tableau and Looker Studio Compare
Tableau
Visual analytics platform
Paid · 90/100 score
Looker Studio
Free Google data visualization and reporting
Free tier available
Tableau is a web analytics tool. Looker Studio is in analytics.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Looker Studio has a free tier. Tableau is paid only.
Go with: Looker Studio
Want the highest-rated option?
Tableau scores 90/100. Looker Studio is unrated.
Go with: Tableau
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Tableau
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Tableau is paid. Looker Studio is freemium. Looker Studio lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Tableau 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
Tableau
- Higher score: 90/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
Looker Studio
- Has a free tier
- More community upvotes (116)
- Better fit for analytics
The Bottom Line
Tableau (90/100) is our pick. Looker Studio has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tableau or Looker Studio better?
Tableau scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Tableau is paid and Looker Studio is freemium.
What are Tableau and Looker Studio used for?
Tableau: Visual analytics platform. Looker Studio: Free Google data visualization and reporting.
What does Tableau cost vs Looker Studio?
Tableau is a paid tool. Looker Studio is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.