Looker vs Apache Superset

Fit:

Migration notes

Suitable for SQL database dashboards and exploration. Rebuild LookML metrics, joins and access policies in SQL/dataset definitions; validate semantic equivalence and drill paths. Planning inference: these sources document Superset-native connections and datasets, not a native importer for incumbent assets. Install DB-API driver and SQLAlchemy dialect per engine; dashboards, auth and reporting require reconfiguration.

Sources: superset.apache.org, superset.apache.org, superset.apache.org, superset.apache.org, superset.apache.org · checked 2026-10-21

LookerPaid incumbent

Entry priceNot established

Pricing modelmixed, billed quote

OwnerAlphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG, GOOGL)

Annual platform price requires sales quote; named user licensing also applies. Looker, distinct from Looker Studio. Source

Looker plans reviewed
Standard	entry	Quote only
Standard	business	Quote only
Enterprise	enterprise	Quote only

Apache SupersetOpen-source alternative

Fit for Looker

License

Apache License 2.0 A permissive license whose main conditions require preservation of copyright and license notices. Contributors provide an express grant of patent rights. Licensed works, modifications, and larger works may be distributed under different terms and without source code. May Commercial useModificationDistributionPatent usePrivate use Must License and copyright noticeState changes No Trademark useLiabilityWarranty Summary from GitHub's choosealicense.com

Paid-feature tier A

Self-host

Paid-feature limitsNone established

Apache Superset plans reviewed
Apache Superset	free self-hosted project	Free

What you may give up

No paid-feature limits established for this edition.

Operate server, metadata database and backups; database drivers and report rendering workers require setup; email/Slack transport configured separately.

Tier A: Apache project edition provides dashboards, SQL exploration, semantic layer, embedding, RBAC, OAuth/OIDC, LDAP and scheduled reporting in open code. Feature flags and operator setup are not paid software gates. No Apache-operated hosted offer identified; Preset is a separate provider. License source

What running it takes

SQLAlchemy database drivers and connected analytical database

Hover or focus an icon for its name. Dashed means not established; struck through means no; grouped icons are alternatives.

Stable 6.1 source confirms application/Postgre SQL/Redis/Celery example, but explicitly states Compose unsupported for production. Use hardened production WSGI/container deployment with external metadata DB; Next admin architecture consulted only for established optional-service roles. SQLite default is evaluation-only, not production. Infrastructure and staff time are not priced here; this page does not compare total cost.