Semantic modeling and the metrics catalog

Metricwise vs Looker

Metricwise combines semantic modeling with a reusable metrics catalog and AI Search on Team. Looker builds governed exploration around LookML and the Google Cloud ecosystem. Evaluate Metricwise for a metrics-led workspace; choose Looker when an established LookML practice and its platform capabilities fit your organization.

A guide from Metricwise · Reviewed 9 November 2026

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Illustrative workflow · Looker

The essentials

At a glance

Metricwise and Looker: workflows, features, and plan requirements
Compare	Metricwise	Looker
Modeling	MetricML and UI modeling options, plus a metrics catalog on Pro.	LookML defines dimensions, calculations, and relationships used to generate SQL.
Version control	Git version control on Team.	LookML projects can be version-controlled through Git.
Self-service	Explore, saved metrics, dashboards, and Team AI Search.	Model-based Explores let business users query and visualize data.
Commercial model	Published Pro and Team per-seat plans; custom Enterprise.	Platform editions plus user licensing; annual commitments, contact sales.

Beyond the checklist

What the differences mean for your team

Start with the modeling philosophy

Both products deserve consideration when consistent definitions matter. Metricwise adds a metrics catalog to its semantic modeling workflow. Looker uses LookML to describe data and generate SQL. Evaluate how analysts maintain models and how business users discover the definitions available to them.

Compare model maintenance and version control

LookML projects can use Git, while Metricwise includes Git on Team. If you already maintain LookML, a switch requires evaluating model redevelopment and validation. Try a real metric change in both products, including review and its effect on dashboards. Code-based governance is not unique to Metricwise.

Evaluate self-service after the model is ready

Looker’s Explores expose modeled data without requiring business users to write SQL. Metricwise combines Explore, saved metrics, and Team AI Search. Include the work needed to prepare useful models in your pilot. Compare how colleagues answer follow-up questions once the models exist, alongside any platform integration requirements.

Plan for the whole workflow

Pricing and plan considerations

Compare the plans your authors and readers actually need, including AI usage, billing commitments, and access controls. Prices below are in USD.

Metricwise plans

Starter is for chart creation and learning. Connected BI begins on Pro; AI Search begins on Team.

Starter

Free · for one person

1 data connection
1 dashboard and 3 saved metrics
Chart Maker chart creation
3 charts saved to your account
PNG chart export
Free Academy modules

Pro

£19.99 / seat / month, billed monthly

Or £14.99 / seat / month billed annually (£179.88 / seat / year).

5 dashboards and 10 metrics
Semantic model and metrics catalog
Shared reports and all chart types
Unlimited chart saves and full Academy

Team

£39.00 / seat / month, billed monthly

Or £29.00 / seat / month billed annually (£348.00 / seat / year).

Unlimited dashboards and metrics
AI Search with workspace credits
Git version control
Scheduled email reports and MCP access

Enterprise · Contact sales

Adds Row-level security, Enterprise SSO / SAML, Slack report scheduling, Premium support. Custom AI usage limits.

View all Metricwise plans and limits

Looker plans

Looker (Google Cloud core) prices the platform separately from user licensing. A platform quote is not directly comparable to a single Metricwise seat.

Standard: Contact sales; annual commitment.
Enterprise: Contact sales; annual commitment.
Embed: Contact sales; annual commitment.

Google lists included Standard and Developer users with each edition; additional licensing depends on role. This guide compares Looker, not Looker Studio, which is a separate product.

Check the official sources

Choose Metricwise if…

You want a metrics catalog alongside semantic models.
Published per-seat BI plans suit your initial rollout.
You want dashboards and Team AI Search in one workspace.

Choose Looker if…

You already maintain LookML models and expertise.
Looker’s Google Cloud platform fits your organization.
You need to evaluate its governed exploration or Embed edition.

Questions, answered

Questions about Metricwise and Looker

Is this a comparison with Looker Studio?: No. This guide covers Looker, including Looker (Google Cloud core). Looker Studio is a separate product with different pricing and modeling.
Do both products support modeling and Git?: Yes. LookML projects can use Git. Metricwise offers semantic models and a metrics catalog on Pro, with Git version control on Team.
Is there a public starting price for Looker?: Google directs buyers to sales for platform editions. Budget for platform and user licensing rather than relying on third-party starting-price estimates.
Will our LookML models transfer automatically?: Do not assume automatic conversion. Evaluate the work to recreate and validate definitions, relationships, permissions, and reports before planning a switch.

Sources and review notes

Written from Metricwise’s perspective using the linked Toolradar comparison and official vendor information. Metricwise pricing follows our current plans. Vendor details were reviewed on 9 November 2026; confirm current terms before buying.

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