Steampipe is an open-source data-access layer that allows users to query cloud APIs, code, and other data sources using standard SQL. It eliminates the need for complex ETL processes by providing a 'Zero-ETL' approach, treating live cloud configurations and other data as a dynamic database. This enables developers, security professionals, and operations teams to gain real-time insights without syncing or relying on outdated data. The platform leverages a vast library of plugins (over 500) to connect to various services like AWS, Azure, GCP, and many others, organizing their metadata into discoverable SQL tables. This unified SQL interface simplifies tasks such as compliance auditing, security posture assessment, cost optimization, and operational troubleshooting. Steampipe can be used as a CLI tool, or integrated as a PostgreSQL FDW or SQLite extension, making it a versatile tool for anyone needing to analyze and manage their cloud infrastructure and API data efficiently.

Available on: Web, macOS, Linux, Windows

Louis Corneloup Updated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluate Source steampipe.io ↗

Ratings Across the Web

4.6 (5,705 reviews)

Steampipe holds an aggregate rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 5,705 reviews across G2, last checked August 12, 2026.

G2 5,705 reviews

4.6/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Cloud SQL queries
Multi-cloud
API as tables
Dashboards
Compliance checks
Open source

Pricing Plans

Free Trial

Pricing checked Sep 30, 2026

Steampipe plans and prices, checked September 2026
Plan	Price	Details
Open Source	$0	Self-hosted SQL for cloud APIs 140+ plugins +1 more Show less Full community support
Turbot Pipes Developer	$0	Free cloud hosting No credit card required Personal workspaces +1 more Show less Community support
Turbot Pipes Team	Custom	Team workspaces Usage-based pricing 800+ dashboards +1 more Show less Priority support

View full pricing

Is Steampipe worth the price?

Great value

Steampipe offers a very generous pricing model with two free tiers.

The 'Open Source' option provides full self-hosted functionality at $0, while 'Turbot Pipes Developer' offers free cloud hosting, making it highly accessible for individuals. The 'Turbot Pipes Team' tier, with custom pricing, is designed for organizations needing advanced features and support.

Full Steampipe pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

Reviews

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4.6/5

Across 5,705 verified user reviews on G2

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

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Steampipe FAQ

How does Steampipe facilitate compliance auditing for cloud resources?

Steampipe allows users to query live cloud configurations and other data using standard SQL, which simplifies tasks like compliance auditing. By organizing metadata into discoverable SQL tables, it enables real-time insights for assessing security posture and ensuring adherence to policies.

Which teams benefit most from using Steampipe?

Developers, security professionals, and operations teams are the primary beneficiaries of Steampipe. It helps them gain real-time insights into cloud infrastructure and API data for tasks such as security posture assessment, cost optimization, and operational troubleshooting.

How does Steampipe compare to CloudQuery?

Steampipe, like CloudQuery, allows users to query cloud APIs and resources using SQL. However, Steampipe emphasizes a 'Zero-ETL' approach by treating live cloud configurations as a dynamic database, eliminating the need for complex ETL processes.

What kind of limitations should users be aware of when adopting Steampipe?

Users should be aware that Steampipe has a learning curve and can be resource-intensive. Additionally, while it offers a vast library of plugins, the quality of these plugins can vary, and the product is still maturing.

How is Steampipe priced?

Steampipe is free to use, as it is an open-source data-access layer. There is no paid plan required to utilize its features for querying cloud APIs, code, and other data sources with SQL.

Can Steampipe integrate with existing database systems?

Yes, Steampipe can be integrated as a PostgreSQL FDW (Foreign Data Wrapper) or a SQLite extension. This versatility allows it to connect with existing database systems and extend their querying capabilities to cloud resources and APIs.

How does Steampipe achieve 'Zero-ETL' insights?

Steampipe achieves 'Zero-ETL' by treating live cloud configurations and other data as a dynamic database. This approach eliminates the need for traditional ETL processes, allowing users to gain real-time insights without syncing or relying on outdated data.

Source: steampipe.io

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