Looker Studio vs Mode Analytics: Complete Comparison (2026)

Updated: March 12, 20268 min read

Choosing between Looker Studio and Mode Analytics is a common decision for analytics & bi buyers in 2026. Both Looker Studio and Mode Analytics are established players, founded in 2016 and 2013 respectively. Looker Studio serves 10M+ users while Mode Analytics has 4K+ orgs users globally. Looker Studio differentiates with drag-and-drop dashboards and data connectors, while Mode Analytics leads with sql editor and python notebooks. In this head-to-head comparison, Mode Analytics earns a higher hiltonsoftware.co score of 88/100 — but the right choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and team size.

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Looker Studio

Analytics & BI

hiltonsoftware.co Score

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Mode Analytics

Analytics & BI

hiltonsoftware.co Score

RECOMMENDED

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Quick Comparison

Looker Studio

Mode Analytics

Starting Price

Free

Custom pricing

Free Plan

Yes

Users

10M+

4K+ orgs

Founded

2016

2013

Rating

4.3/5

4.4/5

Best For

Marketers and analysts wanting free dashboard repo...

Data teams wanting SQL and Python analytics with c...

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Looker StudioMode Analytics

90Ease of Use93

88Features96

86Value for Money89

79Customer Support83

88Integrations86

85Scalability89

90Learning Curve88

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Looker Studio

+Completely free

+Connects to all Google data easily

-Slower with large datasets

-Limited chart types vs Tableau

Mode Analytics

+Combines SQL and Python in one tool

+Great for data teams

-Requires technical skills

-Dashboard design is limited

AI Verdict

After comparing Looker Studio and Mode Analytics across features, pricing, and user satisfaction, Mode Analytics takes the lead with a score of 88/100 versus Looker Studio's 86/100. Mode Analytics's key advantages include "combines sql and python in one tool" and "great for data teams". That said, Looker Studio has its own strengths — particularly "completely free" — making it a viable alternative for specific use cases.

Both Looker Studio and Mode Analytics offer free plans, lowering the barrier to entry. Looker Studio's paid plans start at Free while Mode Analytics begins at Custom pricing. Evaluate which paid features — Sharing, Templates (Looker Studio) vs Interactive dashboards, Reports (Mode Analytics) — justify upgrading for your team.

Bottom line: Choose Looker Studio if you need marketers and analysts wanting free dashboard reporting on google data. Go with Mode Analytics if your priority is data teams wanting sql and python analytics with collaborative reporting. Both are strong analytics & bi tools — we recommend trying the free plan of each before committing.

CHOOSE LOOKER STUDIO IF:

Marketers and analysts wanting free dashboard reporting on Google data.

CHOOSE MODE ANALYTICS IF:

Data teams wanting SQL and Python analytics with collaborative reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Looker Studio better than Mode Analytics in 2026?

Mode Analytics scores 88/100 on hiltonsoftware.co compared to Looker Studio's 86/100. Looker Studio stands out for "completely free" and is best for Marketers and analysts wanting free dashboard reporting on Google data. Mode Analytics is known for "combines sql and python in one tool" and suits Data teams wanting SQL and Python analytics with collaborative reporting. Your specific workflow and team size should guide the decision.

What is the pricing difference between Looker Studio and Mode Analytics?

Both offer free plans. Looker Studio starts at Free and Mode Analytics at Custom pricing. When comparing value, consider that Looker Studio (founded 2016, 10M+ users) includes features like Drag-and-drop dashboards, Data connectors, Sharing. Mode Analytics (founded 2013, 4K+ orgs users) offers SQL editor, Python notebooks, Interactive dashboards. The right choice depends on which features matter most to your team.

What are the main differences between Looker Studio and Mode Analytics?

The key differences come down to focus and approach. Looker Studio excels at Drag-and-drop dashboards, Data connectors, Sharing, while Mode Analytics focuses on SQL editor, Python notebooks, Interactive dashboards. Looker Studio's main advantage is "completely free", though some users note "slower with large datasets". Mode Analytics's strength is "combines sql and python in one tool", but "requires technical skills" can be a drawback. Both serve the Analytics & BI market but target different user profiles.

Can I switch from Looker Studio to Mode Analytics?

Switching between Looker Studio and Mode Analytics is possible since both operate in the Analytics & BI space. Before migrating, export your data from Looker Studio and check Mode Analytics's import capabilities. Key features to verify compatibility: Drag-and-drop dashboards, Data connectors, Sharing (Looker Studio) vs SQL editor, Python notebooks, Interactive dashboards (Mode Analytics). Consider running both tools in parallel during a trial period to ensure a smooth transition.

Which is better for small teams: Looker Studio or Mode Analytics?

Both tools offer free plans, so evaluate based on features. Looker Studio is ideal for Marketers and analysts wanting free dashboard reporting on Google data, while Mode Analytics fits Data teams wanting SQL and Python analytics with collaborative reporting. Try both during their trial periods to see which fits your team's workflow.

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Visit Looker Studio →Visit Mode Analytics →

Looker Studio vs Mode Analytics: Complete Comparison (2026)

Quick Comparison

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

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