kitio.aiLooker vs Cube
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Looker starts at See pricing page and Cube starts at $40/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- LookML semantic model
- Gemini conversational analytics
- Dashboards and explores
- Embedded analytics
- API access
- Semantic layer modeling
- Analytics chat
- MCP server for agents
- Embedded dashboards
- Cube Store caching
- Workbooks
| Feature | Looker | Cube |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Google Cloud's semantic-layer BI with Gemini conversational analytics | Semantic layer and agentic BI for teams, agents and embedded analytics |
| Category | Data & analytics | Data & analytics |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting price | See pricing page | $40/mo |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Made by | Cube Dev | |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Looker starts at See pricing page and Cube starts at $40/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Standard
Contact sales
- Entry edition for smaller teams
- Semantic modeling layer
Enterprise
Contact sales
- Advanced security and governance
- For larger internal BI deployments
Embed
Contact sales
- Embedded analytics in your apps
- For external-facing deployments
4 plans
Free
Free
- Connect any data source
- Semantic layer IDE
- Analytics chat
- MCP server
Starter
$40/mo
- Per user
- Premium LLMs
- Unlimited workbooks
- Semantic Layer Sync
Premium
$80/mo
- Per user
- Explorer and viewer roles
- Embedded dashboards
Enterprise
Custom
- Audit logging
- VPC peering and PrivateLink
- Custom roles
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Looker
- Consistent governed metrics
- Strong for embedded analytics
- Native BigQuery integration
- LookML requires developers
- Pricing only through sales
Cube
- One metric definition for people and agents
- Free plan includes the MCP server
- Works with major cloud warehouses
- Requires data modeling work up front
- Embedded dashboards need Premium
- Dedicated compute costs extra per hour
Which one should you choose?
Choose Looker if you want:
- Consistent governed metrics
- Strong for embedded analytics
- Native BigQuery integration
Watch out: lookml requires developers.
Choose Cube if you want:
- One metric definition for people and agents
- Free plan includes the MCP server
- Works with major cloud warehouses
Watch out: requires data modeling work up front.
Looker vs Cube FAQ
What is the difference between Looker and Cube?
Looker: Google Cloud's semantic-layer BI with Gemini conversational analytics. Cube: Semantic layer and agentic BI for teams, agents and embedded analytics. Both are data & analytics tools.
Is Looker or Cube cheaper?
Looker starts at See pricing page and Cube starts at $40/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Looker and Cube have free plans?
Looker: No. Cube: Yes.
Who makes Looker?
Looker is made by Google, based in United States.
Who makes Cube?
Cube is made by Cube Dev, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Looker or Cube?
Choose Looker if you value consistent governed metrics and strong for embedded analytics. Choose Cube if you value one metric definition for people and agents and free plan includes the mcp server.