Looker vs TextQL
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Looker starts at See pricing page and TextQL starts at $250/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
- Ana AI analyst
- Ontology builder
- Unlimited data connectors
- Slack and Teams access
- dbt and Tableau integration
- SOC 2 Type II
| Feature | Looker | TextQL |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Google Cloud's semantic-layer BI with Gemini conversational analytics | AI data analyst that reasons over your warehouse through an ontology |
| Category | Data & analytics | Data & analytics |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See pricing page | $250/mo |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Made by | TextQL | |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Looker starts at See pricing page and TextQL starts at $250/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
2 plans
Team
$250/mo
- Plus compute usage
- ~83,000 ACUs included
- Unlimited seats and connectors
- Ontology builder
Enterprise
Custom
- Dedicated instances
- HIPAA with BAA, SOX
- Industry ontology modules
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
TextQL
- Unlimited seats on Team
- Business logic captured in an ontology
- Works with existing BI tools
- Compute billed on top of base fee
- HIPAA only on Enterprise
- Setup needs data team input
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 TextQL if you want:
- Unlimited seats on Team
- Business logic captured in an ontology
- Works with existing BI tools
Watch out: compute billed on top of base fee.
Looker vs TextQL FAQ
What is the difference between Looker and TextQL?
Looker: Google Cloud's semantic-layer BI with Gemini conversational analytics. TextQL: AI data analyst that reasons over your warehouse through an ontology. Both are data & analytics tools.
Is Looker or TextQL cheaper?
Looker starts at See pricing page and TextQL starts at $250/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Looker and TextQL have free plans?
Looker: No. TextQL: No.
Who makes Looker?
Looker is made by Google, based in United States.
Who makes TextQL?
TextQL is made by TextQL, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Looker or TextQL?
Choose Looker if you value consistent governed metrics and strong for embedded analytics. Choose TextQL if you value unlimited seats on team and business logic captured in an ontology.