Looker vs Tableau

The BI platform that makes data modeling feel like a full-time job, but at least the dashboards look pretty meets the picasso of dashboards—beautiful, powerful, and priced like a masterpiece. Here's our take.

Looker

Nice Pick

The BI platform that makes data modeling feel like a full-time job, but at least the dashboards look pretty.

Pros

• Powerful LookML modeling language for reusable, version-controlled data definitions
• Seamless integration with modern data warehouses like BigQuery and Snowflake
• Self-service analytics that empowers non-technical users to build custom reports

Cons

• Steep learning curve for LookML, requiring dedicated data engineers or analysts
• Pricing can be prohibitive for small teams, with enterprise-focused costs

Tableau

The Picasso of dashboards—beautiful, powerful, and priced like a masterpiece.

Pros

• Drag-and-drop interface makes it accessible for non-technical users
• Stunning, interactive visualizations that impress stakeholders
• Robust data connectivity with support for various sources like Excel, SQL, and cloud services
• Advanced analytics features for data professionals, including predictive modeling

Cons

• Expensive licensing can be a barrier for small teams or startups
• Steep learning curve for mastering complex features and customizations

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Looker is a hosting & deployment while Tableau is a devtools. We picked Looker based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Looker wins

Based on overall popularity. Looker is more widely used, but Tableau excels in its own space.