# Top BI & Dashboard Tools: Looker vs Power BI vs Tableau (2026)
Top BI & Dashboard Tools: Looker vs Power BI vs Tableau (2026)
Modern BI needs governed data models and easy sharing. Here’s how Looker, Power BI, and Tableau compare—pricing, modeling, and visualization strengths.
Quick Picks
- Best governed modeling layer: Looker
- Best value inside Microsoft 365: Power BI
- Best visual exploration: Tableau
Pricing Snapshot (2026)
| Tool | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Looker | Enterprise licensing | Modeled LookML layer; strong governance |
| Power BI | $10–$20/user/mo (Pro/Premium per user) | Great with Microsoft stack |
| Tableau | $15–$75/user/mo | Excellent visuals; Prep/Server options |
What to Look For
- Data modeling and semantic layer governance.
- Sharing/embedding, row-level security, and access controls.
- Performance on large datasets; caching/accelerations.
- Data prep features and connectors (warehouses, SaaS).
- Cost per user vs viewer; licensing complexity.
Tool Notes
Looker
- Strong modeled layer (LookML); consistent metrics.
- Good for governed, embedded analytics.
- Enterprise pricing; requires modeling expertise.
Power BI
- Affordable; deep Microsoft integration (Azure, M365).
- Great for self-serve with governance via workspaces.
- Some learning curve on DAX; watch dataset sizes.
Tableau
- Excellent visual exploration; strong community.
- Good for mixed data sources; Tableau Prep helps with ETL.
- Viewer vs Creator pricing—budget for scale.
Setup Checklist (45 Minutes)
- Define trusted warehouse tables and metrics.
- Set row-level security and workspace/projects.
- Create executive and team dashboards; set refresh schedules.
- Enable alerts and subscriptions for key metrics.
Final Recommendation
Pick Looker for governed metrics at scale, Power BI for best value in Microsoft environments, and Tableau for rich visual analysis. Start with a single source of truth, then expand sharing.
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