Looker vs Qlik
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Looker starts at See pricing page and Qlik 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
- Qlik Sense dashboards
- Associative engine
- Qlik Answers
- Talend data integration
- Predictive analytics
| Feature | Looker | Qlik |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Google Cloud's semantic-layer BI with Gemini conversational analytics | Analytics and data integration platform with Qlik Answers agents |
| Category | Data & analytics | Data & analytics |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free trial |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No | No, trial available |
| Made by | Qlik | |
| 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 Qlik 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
4 plans
Starter
Contact sales
- Move data from SaaS apps and databases
- Managed cloud data pipeline
- Data catalog and profiling
Standard
Contact sales
- Real-time CDC replication
- Cloud, client-managed or hybrid
- Qlik Open Lakehouse
Premium
Contact sales
- ELT/ETL transformations
- Column-level lineage
- Application and API integration
Enterprise
Contact sales
- SAP and Mainframe connectivity
- Everything in Premium
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
Qlik
- Powerful data exploration
- Pipelines and BI from one vendor
- Mature enterprise product
- Complex licensing
- Script-based data loading has a learning curve
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 Qlik if you want:
- Powerful data exploration
- Pipelines and BI from one vendor
- Mature enterprise product
Watch out: complex licensing.
Looker vs Qlik FAQ
What is the difference between Looker and Qlik?
Looker: Google Cloud's semantic-layer BI with Gemini conversational analytics. Qlik: Analytics and data integration platform with Qlik Answers agents. Both are data & analytics tools.
Is Looker or Qlik cheaper?
Looker starts at See pricing page and Qlik starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Looker and Qlik have free plans?
Looker: No. Qlik: No, trial available.
Who makes Looker?
Looker is made by Google, based in United States.
Who makes Qlik?
Qlik is made by Qlik, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Looker or Qlik?
Choose Looker if you value consistent governed metrics and strong for embedded analytics. Choose Qlik if you value powerful data exploration and pipelines and bi from one vendor.