Looker vs Metabase: What are the differences?

Introduction

Looker and Metabase are both popular business intelligence tools that help in the analysis and visualization of data. While they have some similarities, they also have key differences that set them apart. In this comparison, we will highlight the six main differences between Looker and Metabase.

1. Pricing model: Looker follows a subscription-based pricing model, where users pay a recurring fee based on their usage and the number of users. On the other hand, Metabase is open-source and free to use, allowing organizations to save on licensing costs.

2. Data source connectivity: Looker offers a wide range of data source connectors, including popular databases and cloud services. It also supports SQL, allowing advanced users to write custom queries. Metabase, although it supports various database sources, does not have the same level of built-in connectivity options as Looker.

3. User Interface: Looker provides a highly customizable and user-friendly interface, allowing users to easily create and modify reports and dashboards. Metabase, on the other hand, has a simpler interface that is more suitable for non-technical users but may lack the same level of customization and advanced features as Looker.

4. Advanced Analytics: Looker offers advanced analytical capabilities, including the ability to build complex calculations and custom metrics. It also has robust data modeling capabilities, which allow for more flexible data exploration. Metabase, while it provides basic analytics functionality, may not have the same level of advanced analytical features as Looker.

5. Collaboration and sharing: Looker provides extensive collaboration features, allowing users to collaborate on reports and dashboards, share insights, and leave comments. It also has features like data alerts and scheduled deliveries. Metabase, while it does offer some collaboration features, may not have the same level of interactivity and sharing options as Looker.

6. Scalability: Looker is known for its scalability, allowing organizations to handle large volumes of data and support a high number of concurrent users. Metabase may not have the same level of scalability and performance optimization as Looker, which can be a consideration for organizations dealing with large datasets and heavy workloads.

In Summary, Looker offers a subscription-based pricing model, extensive data source connectivity, advanced analytics capabilities, a customizable user interface, robust collaboration features, and high scalability. Metabase, on the other hand, is an open-source tool with limited data source connectivity options, a simpler interface, basic analytics functionality, fewer collaboration features, and limited scalability.