Looker
looker.comBuild Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Modern BI platform for data-driven decision making
How to Replace LookerOverview
Features
46 features across 23 categories
Administration(2)
View and analyze historical queries executed in the instance.
Set query timeout and result limits to control resource usage.
Analytics(4)
Build ad-hoc queries with drag-and-drop interface without writing SQL.
Apply dynamic filters to dashboards for interactive exploration.
Write and execute raw SQL queries directly.
Monitor platform usage and adoption metrics.
Collaboration(1)
Share insights and collaborate with teams on analysis.
Compliance(1)
Track all user actions and data access for compliance.
Customization(1)
Customize look and feel with branded color schemes and fonts.
Data Governance(1)
Visualize relationships between data sources and explores.
Data Management(1)
Define cache invalidation logic for data freshness control.
Data Modeling(2)
Create persistent or temporary computed tables in LookML.
Proprietary modeling language for defining metrics and dimensions with version control.
Data Processing(1)
Run queries on a schedule and persist results to tables.
Development(3)
Build custom extensions using React and TypeScript.
Validate LookML syntax and check for query errors.
Manage LookML code changes with Git integration.
Documentation(1)
Auto-generated documentation for all data fields and definitions.
Export(1)
Export dashboards and reports as professional PDF documents.
Extensions(1)
Browse and install pre-built content and extensions.
Governance(1)
Review and approve user-generated content before publishing.
Integration(4)
Send data to external systems with custom actions.
RESTful API for programmatic access to data and dashboard operations.
Integrate Looker dashboards and explores directly into applications.
Receive notifications when dashboards are viewed or alerts trigger.
Mobile(1)
Access dashboards and explore data on iOS and Android devices.
Monitoring(1)
Set up automated notifications when data meets specified thresholds.
Organization(1)
Organize content with folder hierarchies and collaborative spaces.
Performance(4)
In-memory caching layer to improve query performance.
Build efficient persistent derived tables with incremental updates.
Analyze query performance and optimize LookML models.
Pre-compute and cache derived table results for faster queries.
Quality Assurance(1)
Check for broken references and validate dashboard content.
Reporting(1)
Automate report delivery to stakeholders via email on custom schedules.
Security(6)
Control user access, audit data usage, and enforce security policies.
Control access to specific explores and data sources.
Set access controls at the folder level.
Role-based access control with granular permissions.
Restrict data visibility based on user attributes and roles.
Integrate with SAML and OAuth for enterprise authentication.
Visualization(6)
Create custom charts using D3.js and React.
Add text, images, and filters as dashboard elements.
Create interactive dashboards with customizable tiles and real-time data visualization.
Navigate through data hierarchies with click-through drill actions.
Save and share individual visualizations.
Create reusable looks with dynamic parameters.
Pricing
Standard
- ✓Core BI with dashboards
- ✓explores
- ✓and API
Advanced
Popular- ✓All Standard plus governance
- ✓alerts
- ✓and row-level security
Premium
- ✓All Advanced plus embedded analytics and custom extensions
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Looker
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 46 features at very easy complexity.
Build vs Buy
Should you build a Looker alternative or buy the subscription? Estimate based on 46 features.
Buy Looker
Better ValueBuild Your Own
Buying Looker saves ~$11,760 over 3 years vs building.
Estimates based on 46 features and a BuildScore of 5/5. Actual costs vary.
Integrations
27 known integrations