Evidence vs Looker
Evidence is a code-based BI tool that excels in providing developers with the flexibility to build custom data products using SQL and Markdown,… See pricing, features & verdict.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Evidence | Looker |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Developers and data engineers who prefer a code-based approach to building BI tools | Enterprise-level organizations requiring centralized data models and semantic layers for consistent business logic across the organization |
| Architecture | Code-based architecture that leverages SQL and Markdown for report generation, allowing version control and deployment like software development | Centralized architecture with LookML, a proprietary language that allows teams to define reusable data models and metrics, reducing redundancy in SQL queries |
| Pricing Model | Free tier (1 user), Pro $10/mo, Team $20/mo | Standard $99/mo, Premium $299/mo, Enterprise custom |
| Ease of Use | Moderate to high due to reliance on coding skills (SQL and Markdown) but offers a streamlined workflow for developers | Moderate, especially for users familiar with business intelligence tools; requires learning LookML but offers a robust platform with extensive documentation |
| Scalability | High scalability as it integrates well with existing CI/CD pipelines and version control systems, making it suitable for large-scale projects | High scalability due to its enterprise-grade architecture that supports large datasets and complex data models, suitable for multinational corporations |
| Community/Support | Growing community of users and contributors; support available through documentation, forums, and limited premium support | Established community and comprehensive support offerings including training programs, dedicated customer success managers, and detailed documentation |
Evidence
- Best For:
- Developers and data engineers who prefer a code-based approach to building BI tools
- Architecture:
- Code-based architecture that leverages SQL and Markdown for report generation, allowing version control and deployment like software development
- Pricing Model:
- Free tier (1 user), Pro $10/mo, Team $20/mo
- Ease of Use:
- Moderate to high due to reliance on coding skills (SQL and Markdown) but offers a streamlined workflow for developers
- Scalability:
- High scalability as it integrates well with existing CI/CD pipelines and version control systems, making it suitable for large-scale projects
- Community/Support:
- Growing community of users and contributors; support available through documentation, forums, and limited premium support
Looker
- Best For:
- Enterprise-level organizations requiring centralized data models and semantic layers for consistent business logic across the organization
- Architecture:
- Centralized architecture with LookML, a proprietary language that allows teams to define reusable data models and metrics, reducing redundancy in SQL queries
- Pricing Model:
- Standard $99/mo, Premium $299/mo, Enterprise custom
- Ease of Use:
- Moderate, especially for users familiar with business intelligence tools; requires learning LookML but offers a robust platform with extensive documentation
- Scalability:
- High scalability due to its enterprise-grade architecture that supports large datasets and complex data models, suitable for multinational corporations
- Community/Support:
- Established community and comprehensive support offerings including training programs, dedicated customer success managers, and detailed documentation
Interface Preview
Evidence
Looker
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Evidence | Looker |
|---|---|---|
| Analytics & Visualization | ||
| Interactive Dashboards | ✅ | ✅ |
| Self-Service Analytics | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
| Embedded Analytics | ⚠️ | ✅ |
| Data & Governance | ||
| Data Source Connectivity | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
| Data Modeling | ⚠️ | ✅ |
| Access Control & Governance | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
Analytics & Visualization
Interactive Dashboards
Self-Service Analytics
Embedded Analytics
Data & Governance
Data Source Connectivity
Data Modeling
Access Control & Governance
Legend:
Our Verdict
Evidence is a code-based BI tool that excels in providing developers with the flexibility to build custom data products using SQL and Markdown, while Looker offers an enterprise-grade solution with centralized data modeling through LookML, making it ideal for organizations needing consistent business logic across multiple teams.
When to Choose Each
Choose Evidence if:
When you need a flexible, code-based approach to building BI tools and have a team of developers familiar with SQL and Markdown
Choose Looker if:
For enterprise-level organizations requiring centralized data models and semantic layers for consistent business logic across the organization
💡 This verdict is based on general use cases. Your specific requirements, existing tech stack, and team expertise should guide your final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Evidence and Looker?
Evidence focuses on a code-based approach using SQL and Markdown, making it ideal for developers who want to build custom data products. Looker, on the other hand, offers a centralized architecture with LookML, designed for enterprise-level organizations needing consistent business logic across multiple teams.
Which is better for small teams?
Evidence might be more suitable for smaller teams due to its flexibility and lower cost model compared to Looker's paid licensing structure. However, the choice depends on specific needs such as data complexity and team familiarity with SQL and Markdown.
Can I migrate from Evidence to Looker?
Migrating from Evidence to Looker would require significant changes in how your BI tools are built since Looker uses its own proprietary language (LookML) for defining data models. This process can be complex and time-consuming, requiring a thorough assessment of current workflows.