Looker vs Umami — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Looker and Umami to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Umami takes the lead with a 4.4 rating and is best for developers who want free self-hosted analytics. Looker (4.1) is the better pick if you need data teams needing governed, consistent metrics with a semantic modeling layer..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Looker | Umami |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.1(134) | ★★★★ 4.4(57) |
| Pricing Model | paid | open-source |
| Starter Price | Custom pricing | $9/mo (cloud) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web | web, docker |
| Learning Curve | hard | medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Data teams needing governed, consistent metrics with a semantic modeling layer. | Developers who want free self-hosted analytics |
| Verdict | situational | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Looker | Umami |
|---|---|---|
| LookML semantic modeling layer | — | |
| Governed metric definitions | — | |
| Explores for self-serve analysis | — | |
| Embedded analytics | — | |
| Google Cloud/BigQuery integration | — | |
| API-first architecture | — | |
| Self-hostable | — | |
| Privacy-focused | — | |
| Custom events | — | |
| Multiple websites | — | |
| Realtime dashboard | — |
Looker
Pros
- ✓LookML ensures metric consistency across the organization
- ✓Explores provide governed self-serve analytics
- ✓Deep Google Cloud and BigQuery integration
Cons
- ✕Enterprise-only pricing (typically $5K+/month)
- ✕LookML requires data engineering investment
- ✕Google acquisition has created uncertainty about product direction
Umami
Pros
- ✓Free and open source
- ✓Beautiful clean UI
- ✓Easy to self-host
Cons
- ✕Self-hosting requires technical skill
- ✕Fewer features than GA
- ✕Cloud tier is limited
The Bottom Line
Both Looker and Umami are solid tools in the Analytics & Data space. Umami edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.4 vs 4.1) and is the better choice for developers who want free self-hosted analytics. However, if you prioritize data teams needing governed, consistent metrics with a semantic modeling layer., Looker is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.