Updated: Jan 5, 2026
Comparison: Head-to-head analysis
5 min read
Comparison

Looker vs Power BI

Complete comparison guide to help you choose the right analytics tool for your needs.

Looker
4.4
3,278 reviews
From $?/mo
Full Review Try Free
VS
Power BI
4.4
8,519 reviews
Free tier available
Full Review Try Free
01

The Winner

Slight Edge

Power BI

Has a slight advantage based on user ratings and overall value. Both tools are excellent - Looker may still be better for specific use cases.

4.4 Rating
Yes Free Tier
Free Starting Price
5M+ Users
Read Full Review Try Power BI Compare with Looker
02

Quick Comparison

Criteria Looker Power BI
Starting Price Custom pricing Free tier Best
User Rating 4.4 4.4
Review Count 3,278 8,519 Best
Free Trial No No
Annual Discount N/A N/A
Best For Google Cloud-native enterprises Microsoft 365 teams needing BI tools
03

Feature Breakdown

Feature Comparison

Capability Looker Power BI
AI Scheduling Automated calendar and task scheduling
✓ ✓
Calendar Integration Syncs with major calendars
✓ —
Team Collaboration Multi-user and team features
✓ ✓
AI Assistant/Chat AI-powered conversational features
✓ ✓
Analytics & Insights Data and productivity insights
✓ ✓

Looker

Strengths
  • LookML Semantic Layer
  • Native Gemini AI Integration
  • Enterprise Embedded Analytics
  • Real-Time Cloud Warehouse Queries
Limitations
  • Steep Learning Curve
  • Weaker Visualizations Than Tableau
  • Expensive Enterprise Pricing
Full Looker Review →

Power BI

Strengths
  • Unbeatable Microsoft 365 Integration
  • Price Point Destroys Competition
  • 366% ROI Over 3 Years (Forrester)
  • Copilot AI for Natural Language Analytics
Limitations
  • Copilot Requires Enterprise Pricing
  • Learning Curve for DAX
  • Large Dataset Performance Issues
Full Power BI Review →
04

Looker Overview

Enterprise BI platform with AI-powered conversational analytics, LookML semantic layer, and embedded analytics capabilities. Best for Google Cloud organizations needing governed, real-time data insights. Expensive ($36K-$360K+/year) but delivers genuine governance value.

Best For:

  • Google Cloud-native enterprises
  • Technical teams with SQL and LookML
  • Enterprises needing centralized governance
  • Companies needing embedded analytics
  • Organizations prioritizing real-time queries
Read Full Looker Review
05

Power BI Overview

Power BI is the no-brainer choice for Microsoft 365 organizations needing affordable, AI-enhanced analytics. Free tier for personal use, $14/month Pro for team collaboration, $24/month Premium Per User for advanced features. Copilot requires Fabric F64+ capacity (enterprise pricing). If you're not in the Microsoft ecosystem, look at Looker (Google Cloud) or Tableau (Salesforce). But for M365 shops, nothing beats this combination of price and integration.

Best For:

  • Microsoft 365 teams needing BI tools
  • Budget-conscious teams needing enterprise BI capabilities
  • Business users seeking intuitive, self-service analytics
  • Companies requiring strong data modeling capabilities
  • Teams needing AI-powered insights with Copilot integration
  • Small to large enterprises with diverse data sources
Read Full Power BI Review
06

Our Verdict

Slight Edge
4.4/5
Winner Rating

Power BI has a slight edge based on user ratings and overall value. Both tools are excellent - Looker may still be better for Google Cloud-native enterprises.

Try Power BI Free
07

Looker vs Power BI FAQ

Both Looker and Power BI are excellent tools. Looker is better for Google Cloud-native enterprises, while Power BI excels at Microsoft 365 teams needing BI tools. Your choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Looker pricing: Contact for pricing. Power BI pricing: Free tier available. Power BI is more affordable at the entry level, but compare features at each tier to find the best value for your needs.
Yes, many teams use multiple tools for different purposes. Looker might handle Google Cloud-native enterprises, while Power BI covers Microsoft 365 teams needing BI tools. Check integration options for both tools.
Both offer robust support. Looker provides standard support, while Power BI offers comprehensive support. Enterprise plans typically include dedicated support for both.
Consider switching if Power BI better fits your current needs. Key factors: Microsoft 365 teams needing BI tools, pricing alignment, and team workflow compatibility. We recommend trialing Power BI before making a full switch.
08

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