Looker vs Kater
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Looker starts at See pricing page and Kater starts at See pricing page. 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
- Data Playbooks
- Butler AI assistant
- Shared semantic layer
- SQL-based reports
- Decision tracking
| Feature | Looker | Kater |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Google Cloud's semantic-layer BI with Gemini conversational analytics | Data playbooks that guide teams from a question to next steps |
| Category | Data & analytics | Data & analytics |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Made by | Kater | |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Looker starts at See pricing page and Kater starts at See pricing page. 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
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
Kater
- Answers follow analyst-defined logic
- Cuts follow-up requests to the data team
- Tracks decisions made from data
- Needs upfront playbook setup
- Plans and prices not published
- Less suited to ad hoc exploration
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 Kater if you want:
- Answers follow analyst-defined logic
- Cuts follow-up requests to the data team
- Tracks decisions made from data
Watch out: needs upfront playbook setup.
Looker vs Kater FAQ
What is the difference between Looker and Kater?
Looker: Google Cloud's semantic-layer BI with Gemini conversational analytics. Kater: Data playbooks that guide teams from a question to next steps. Both are data & analytics tools.
Is Looker or Kater cheaper?
Looker starts at See pricing page and Kater starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Looker and Kater have free plans?
Looker: No. Kater: Yes.
Who makes Looker?
Looker is made by Google, based in United States.
Who makes Kater?
Kater is made by Kater.
Which should I choose, Looker or Kater?
Choose Looker if you value consistent governed metrics and strong for embedded analytics. Choose Kater if you value answers follow analyst-defined logic and cuts follow-up requests to the data team.