Hex vs Looker
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Hex and Looker are credible business intelligence tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Hex if you want a lower starting price (free – $36/user/mo), a free plan to start on and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Collaborative analytics notebooks with AI.
Looker — Modern BI and embedded analytics by Google Cloud.
Hex vs Looker: side by side
| Dimension | Hex | Looker |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $36/user/moWinner | Custom |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Data Teams | Enterprise, Data Teams |
| Platforms | Web | Web, Api |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.4/5 |
Hex key facts
- Vendor
- Hex
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $36/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web
- Best for
- Data Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Looker key facts
- Vendor
- Pricing
- Subscription — Custom
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Enterprise, Data Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2012
- Headquarters
- Santa Cruz, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Hex better than Looker?
Neither is universally better — Hex edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Hex or Looker cheaper?
Hex is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $36/user/mo. Hex starts at free – $36/user/mo; Looker starts at custom.
Can Hex replace Looker?
Yes for most teams — both are business intelligence tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.