5 Best Looker Alternatives for Embedded Analytics

Is Looker slowing you down?

Looker is a powerful BI tool, but it’s not for everyone. High costs, complex setup, and a steep learning curve have many businesses searching for better options.

The good news? You don’t have to settle.

There are powerful Looker alternatives that offer faster, more flexible, and cost-effective embedded analytics—without the headaches. 

In this guide, I’ll show you the five best options, covering key features, pricing, and what makes each a better fit based on your needs.

Come on, let’s find the perfect analytics solution for you.

5 Reasons You Might Be Looking For Looker Alternatives

So, while researching why businesses are looking for Looker alternatives, I’ve identified some of the most common concerns users have shared on trusted review platforms like G2 and Reddit.

Here are five key reasons businesses shift away from Looker:

• Steep Learning Curve for New Users

• Performance Issues with Large Datasets

• Limited Customization for Embedded Analytics

• Complexity in Data Modeling (LookML Dependency)

• High Pricing Model

Here’s what users say about these challenges.

Reason 1: Steep Learning Curve for New Users

Many users report that Looker is not beginner-friendly, requiring knowledge of SQL and LookML (Looker’s modeling language). 

While LookML allows for a structured data model, it also adds a layer of complexity that makes onboarding difficult for non-technical users.

Reason 2: Performance Issues with Large Datasets

Several users have pointed out that Looker struggles with performance when handling large datasets. 

Reports and dashboards are slow to load, especially with complex queries or high data volumes.

Reason 3: Limited Customization for Embedded Analytics

While Looker offers strong reporting capabilities, its customization options for embedded analytics are limited. 

Many users find that Looker’s visualization features are basic and lack flexibility compared to alternatives like Upsolve AI or Tableau.

Reason 4: Complexity in Data Modeling (LookML Dependency)

Looker’s dependency on LookML for data modeling is another major concern for users. 

While LookML provides a structured way to define data relationships, it also means users must rely on developers to make changes, limiting the flexibility of business users.

Reason 5: High Pricing Model

Many businesses find Looker’s pricing too expensive, particularly for startups and mid-sized companies. 

Pricing is not publicly listed, but estimates suggest that costs start around $40,000 per year, with additional fees for more user licenses.

5 Best Looker Competitors or Alternatives in 2025

Here’s a quick comparison table of the best Looker alternatives for embedded analytics in 2025:

Let’s dive into each Looker alternative in detail and see which one might be the best fit for your business

1. Upsolve AI

Upsolve AI is an AI-powered embedded analytics platform designed to make data visualization and dashboard creation effortless. 

It enables businesses to seamlessly embed real-time analytics into their applications without requiring extensive technical expertise.

Upsolve AI stands out as a Looker alternative due to its ease of use, affordability, and real-time data processing. 

Unlike Looker, which requires SQL knowledge and LookML for data modeling, Upsolve AI is fully no-code, making it accessible to teams without technical backgrounds.

The platform is also lightweight and faster, ensuring seamless data embedding without performance lags. 

For businesses looking to integrate customer-facing analytics into their platforms, Upsolve AI offers a more straightforward and affordable solution compared to Looker’s complex setup and premium pricing model.

Key Features Of Upsolve AI

Here’s a features breakdown of Upsolve AI:

1. No Need to Learn a Custom Scripting Language

Looker requires LookML, making dashboard creation and updates dependent on technical expertise.

Upsolve AI provides a no-code, drag-and-drop dashboard builder, so anyone can create and modify dashboards without coding.

2. Faster and Easier Embedded Analytics

Embedding Looker dashboards involves API configurations and additional setup, often requiring enterprise pricing.

With Upsolve AI, embedding is as simple as adding a React or iFrame component, reducing setup time significantly.

3. Self-Serve Customization for End Users

Looker’s dashboards require developer assistance for even minor changes.

Upsolve AI lets end users filter data, adjust charts, and modify dashboards on their own, reducing support requests.

4. AI-Powered Insights Without Manual Queries

Looker relies on pre-set queries, often requiring SQL for deeper analysis.

Upsolve AI provides AI-powered insights, helping users explore trends and get real-time recommendations without writing queries.

5. Transparent Pricing Without Enterprise-Only Costs

Looker’s pricing starts at $40K+ per year, with extra costs for embedding and additional users.

Upsolve AI offers clear, scalable pricing, so businesses know exactly what they’re paying for—no hidden fees.

Looker works well for large enterprises with dedicated data teams, but for businesses needing a simpler, more flexible, and cost-effective option, Upsolve AI is a practical alternative.

Pros And Cons Of Using Upsolve AI

✅ Pros:

• No-code, drag-and-drop dashboard builder

• Fast, real-time data updates

• Affordable pricing with no enterprise lock-in

• Seamless embedded analytics for apps and portals

• Easy integration with databases and cloud platforms

• Custom branding & white-labeling options

❌ Cons:

• Fewer advanced visualization options compared to enterprise tools.

• May not be ideal for very large enterprises requiring complex multi-source data modeling.

Upsolve AI Pricing

• Launch Plan: $500/month

• Growth Plan: $1,000/month

• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing available

Looker vs Upsolve AI

Here’s why Upsolve AI is a strong Looker alternative:

Clearly, Upsolve AI is a better choice than Looker for businesses that need an affordable, user-friendly, and fast embedded analytics solution.

While Looker is designed for larger enterprises with complex data modeling needs, Upsolve AI prioritizes simplicity and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal option for growing businesses and startups.

2. Tableau

Tableau is a leading data visualization and business intelligence tool that helps organizations create interactive and insightful dashboards. 

It allows businesses to connect, analyze, and share data seamlessly across multiple teams and platforms.

Key Features Of Tableau

1. Provides highly interactive and dynamic visualizations, including heatmaps, tree maps, and scatter plots, making data interpretation more engaging.
   
   

2. Features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to build dashboards without needing coding expertise.
   
   

3. Supports extensive data integrations, connecting to databases, cloud services, spreadsheets, and third-party applications for comprehensive analysis.
   
   

4. Enables team collaboration through Tableau Server and Tableau Cloud, allowing users to share reports, insights, and dashboards in real time.

Pros and Cons Of Using Tableau

✅ Pros:

• Best-in-class interactive visualizations for complex data analysis.

• Robust integrations with multiple data sources, including cloud platforms and on-prem databases.

• Handles large datasets efficiently, making it suitable for enterprises.

• Strong community support and extensive training resources.

❌ Cons:

• Expensive licensing, especially for small businesses or startups.

• Steep learning curve, requiring training for non-technical users.

Tableau Pricing

• Tableau Creator: $70/user/month

• Tableau Explorer: $42/user/month

• Tableau Viewer: $15/user/month

• Enterprise pricing available for large-scale deployments.

Looker vs Tableau

Here’s why Tableau is a good Looker alternative:

Tableau is a better choice for businesses needing rich, interactive data visualizations and flexible integrations. 

While Looker relies on LookML and structured data modeling, Tableau allows users to explore and visualize data more freely, making it an excellent option for organizations prioritizing data-driven decision-making and team collaboration.

3. ThoughtSpot

ThoughtSpot is an AI-powered analytics platform that simplifies data exploration using natural language search. 

It enables users to query data conversationally, retrieve real-time insights, and embed analytics directly into applications without requiring technical expertise.

Key Features Of ThoughtSpot

1. Natural Language Processing (NLP): Users can ask questions like “What were last quarter’s top-selling products?” and get instant, AI-driven insights without writing queries.
   
   

2. Real-Time Data Queries: Connects directly to cloud data sources, ensuring users work with up-to-date, live data.
   
   

3. Scalable Data Handling: Handles large datasets efficiently, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
   
   

4. Interactive Liveboards: Creates dynamic dashboards that allow users to drill into details and track key metrics.
   
   

5. Embedded Analytics: Enables businesses to integrate ThoughtSpot’s analytics into their products, enhancing customer-facing insights.

Pros And Cons Of Using ThoughtSpot

✅ Pros:

• Easy-to-use, AI-driven analytics with natural language search.

• Fast data retrieval, ideal for real-time decision-making.

• Empowers non-technical users to perform self-service analytics.

• Seamless integration with multiple cloud data sources.

❌ Cons:

• Steep learning curve for advanced analytics and setup.

• Limited visualization options compared to Tableau and Power BI.

• High pricing model, making it less accessible for smaller businesses.

• Performance issues when handling complex queries on large datasets.

ThoughtSpot Pricing

• Essentials Plan: $1,250/month (for small teams, up to 25M rows of data).

• Pro Plan: Custom pricing (scales up to 500M rows, unlimited users).

• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing (unlimited data, enterprise-grade security).

Looker vs ThoughtSpot

Here’s why ThoughtSpot is a viable alternative to Looker:

ThoughtSpot is a better choice for businesses prioritizing search-driven analytics and self-service insights. 

While Looker depends on structured data modeling and SQL expertise, ThoughtSpot allows business users to explore data freely with AI-powered natural language queries.

4. Power BI

Power BI is a business intelligence platform from Microsoft that enables users to analyze, visualize, and share data effortlessly. 

With seamless integration into the Microsoft ecosystem, Power BI offers cost-effective, interactive, and AI-powered analytics for businesses of all sizes.

Key Features Of Power BI

1. Seamless Microsoft Integration: Works effortlessly with Excel, Teams, SharePoint, and Azure, making it an excellent choice for businesses already using Microsoft products.
   
   

2. User-Friendly Interface: Drag-and-drop functionality allows users to build reports and dashboards without coding knowledge.
   
   

3. Real-Time Data Access: Connects to multiple data sources, including cloud services, databases, and Excel files, for live updates.
   
   

4. AI-Driven Analytics: Uses machine learning and automated insights to identify trends and forecast outcomes.

5. Embedded Analytics: Power BI allows businesses to embed reports and dashboards into applications, improving customer-facing analytics.

Pros And Cons Of Using Power BI

✅ Pros:

• Affordable pricing compared to enterprise BI solutions.

• Easy integration with Microsoft products, making workflows seamless.

• Drag-and-drop interface simplifies dashboard creation.

• Real-time data updates keep reports fresh and actionable.

❌ Cons:

• Performance issues when working with large datasets, leading to slow query response times.

• Steep learning curve for advanced features like DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) and Power Query.

• Limited customization for visualizations compared to competitors like Tableau.

Power BI Pricing

• Power BI Free

• Power BI Pro: $10/user/month.

• Power BI Premium Per User: $20/user/month.

• Power BI Premium (Enterprise): Custom pricing.

Looker vs Power BI

Here’s why Power BI is a strong alternative to Looker:

Power BI is a more affordable, intuitive, and well-integrated alternative to Looker, especially for companies using Microsoft products. 

While Looker requires technical expertise and structured data modeling, Power BI offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface with real-time insights and AI-powered analytics.

5. Qlik Sense

Qlik Sense is a modern business intelligence and data visualization tool designed to help organizations explore, analyze, and uncover insights interactively. 

Unlike traditional query-based BI tools, Qlik Sense uses an Associative Engine, allowing users to freely navigate data and uncover hidden patterns without predefined queries.

Key Features Of Qlik Sense

1. Associative Engine for Free Exploration: Unlike traditional BI tools, Qlik Sense allows users to explore data dynamically, revealing insights that structured queries might miss.

2. AI and Machine Learning Integration: Supports predictive analytics and natural language queries, enabling users to ask questions like “What were my top-performing products last quarter?” and get instant AI-driven insights.

3. Flexible Data Integration: Seamlessly connects to multiple data sources, including Google Analytics, Salesforce, Snowflake, and legacy systems.

4. Collaboration Features: Enables teams to share reports and dashboards in real time, ensuring everyone has access to the latest insights.

5. Cloud and On-Premise Deployment: Provides flexible deployment options, allowing businesses to choose between cloud-hosted or on-premise setups based on their security and scalability needs.

Pros And Cons Of Using Qlik Sense

✅ Pros:

• Associative Engine allows for freeform data exploration, unlike Looker’s structured queries.

• Self-service analytics enables business users to analyze data without IT support.

• Strong data connectivity, integrating with a wide range of databases, CRMs, and cloud platforms.

• AI-powered insights help users uncover trends and patterns quickly.

❌ Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for advanced features, especially scripting and complex visualizations.

• Performance slowdowns when handling very large datasets.

• Customization options for visualizations are limited compared to Tableau.

• Higher pricing can be a challenge for small businesses looking for budget-friendly solutions.

Qlik Sense Pricing

• Standard Plan: $825/month (billed annually)

• Premium Plan: $2,500/month (billed annually) 

• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing

Looker vs Qlik Sense

Here’s why Qlik Sense is an excellent alternative to Looker:

Qlik Sense outperforms Looker for businesses that need flexible data exploration, AI-driven insights, and powerful self-service analytics. 

How to Pick the Best Looker Alternative?

Choosing the right embedded analytics solution depends on several factors, including customization, integration, and cost-effectiveness. 

Before making a decision, consider some of these key questions.

1. Does It Support Seamless Embedding?

One of the most important factors in embedded analytics is how easily a tool can integrate within your product, app, or customer-facing platform. 

Look for a solution that offers:

• Easy embedding options with minimal development effort.

• White-labeling capabilities to match your brand’s UI.

• Interactive dashboards that work within your application.

2. How Customizable Is the Tool for Your Product?

Every business has different requirements for dashboard layouts, visualization styles, and user interactions. 

Ensure the platform allows:

• Flexible visualization options that can be modified as needed.

• Custom branding to maintain a consistent user experience.

• Personalized access control so different users see the right data.

3. Is the Pricing Scalable for Your Needs?

Pricing varies widely across BI tools, so you’ll want to select an alternative that aligns with your budget and grows with your business. 

Consider:

• Transparent pricing models with no hidden costs.

• Flexible plans that support small businesses as well as enterprises.

• Pay-as-you-grow options so you only pay for what you need.

4. How Well Does It Integrate with Your Current Tech Stack?

A good Looker alternative should integrate smoothly with your existing databases, cloud platforms, and third-party applications. 

Look for:

• Pre-built connectors for databases like BigQuery, Snowflake, and AWS.

• API access for advanced customization and automation.

• ETL compatibility to streamline data preparation and reporting.

5. What Level of Customer Support and Documentation Is Provided?

Analytics tools can be complex, and you may need help troubleshooting issues or setting up integrations. 

Ensure the vendor offers:

• Comprehensive documentation and tutorials for easy onboarding.

• Responsive customer support, including live chat or dedicated account managers.

• Active user communities and forums for peer-to-peer support..

Conclusion

So, we’ve explored the five best Looker alternatives: Upsolve AI, Tableau, ThoughtSpot, Power BI, and Qlik Sense—each offering unique advantages depending on your business needs.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each tool is best for:

Each platform has its own strengths and trade-offs, so the best choice depends on your business requirements, scalability, and ease of integration. 

However, if you’re looking for a fast, easy-to-use, and cost-effective alternative that prioritizes embedded analytics and real-time insights, Upsolve AI is the way to go.

Start a free trial today and experience how Upsolve AI can help you deliver powerful, analytics to your customers without any of the usual complexity.

5 Popular FAQs About Looker Alternatives

1. What Are the Best Looker Alternatives for Small Businesses?

The best Looker alternatives for small businesses include Upsolve AI and Power BI. These tools offer affordable pricing, user-friendly interfaces, and essential analytics features tailored for smaller teams and startups.

2. Which Looker Competitor Is the Most Affordable?

Power BI is the most budget-friendly option, with plans starting at just $10/user/month. Upsolve AI also provides an affordable, no-code embedded analytics solution starting at $500/month.

3. How Do Looker Competitors Compare in Terms of User-Friendliness?

Tools like Upsolve AI and Power BI are highly user-friendly and designed for non-technical users. While platforms like Tableau and Qlik Sense offer advanced analytics capabilities, they come with a steeper learning curve, requiring more technical expertise to fully utilize their features.

4. Are There Any Open-Source Looker Alternatives?

Yes, tools like Metabase and Apache Superset are open-source alternatives to Looker. For businesses looking for an easier, plug-and-play analytics solution, Upsolve AI or Power BI might be a better fit.

5. What’s the Best Looker Alternative for Real-Time Analytics?

Upsolve AI is the best choice for real-time analytics. Its ability to process and display live data instantly ensures businesses can make timely, data-driven decisions.