Microsoft Power BI vs Looker Studio
Microsoft Power BI: Microsoft's business intelligence tool with Copilot to build reports and answer data questions. Looker Studio: Free Google tool for building shareable dashboards from Google Analytics, Sheets and more. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.
Quick verdict
Microsoft Power BI
Best for: Organisations already using Microsoft tools.
Stands out for: Free desktop app; Great with Microsoft 365.
Looker Studio
Best for: Marketers and small businesses reporting on Google data.
Stands out for: Completely free; Easy sharing.
Side-by-side comparison
| Visit powerbi.microsoft.com (opens in a new tab) | Visit lookerstudio.google.com (opens in a new tab) | |
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| What it is | Microsoft's business intelligence tool with Copilot to build reports and answer data questions. | Free Google tool for building shareable dashboards from Google Analytics, Sheets and more. |
| Pricing | Free + Paid | Free |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Category | AI Data & Analytics | AI Data & Analytics |
| Editor rank | #2 in category | #5 in category |
| Made by | Microsoft | |
| Best for | Organisations already using Microsoft tools. | Marketers and small businesses reporting on Google data. |
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Microsoft Power BI vs Looker Studio: questions
Is Microsoft Power BI better than Looker Studio?
Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Microsoft Power BI slightly higher overall in AI Data & Analytics, but Looker Studio can be the better fit: Marketers and small businesses reporting on Google data.
Which is free, Microsoft Power BI or Looker Studio?
Both can be used without paying: Microsoft Power BI is free + paid and Looker Studio is free. Paid plans add more usage or features.
Can I use Microsoft Power BI and Looker Studio together?
Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example turn Excel data into a live dashboard with Microsoft Power BI, and build a website traffic dashboard with Looker Studio.