5 Best BigQuery BI Tools for Data Analysis and Visualization
BigQuery is a popular data warehouse by Google. It helps store and analyze large amounts of data. If you use BigQuery, you might need a Business Intelligence (BI) tool to make sense of your data. BI tools turn raw data into easy-to-understand reports and dashboards.
In this blog post, we will review the top BI tools that work well with BigQuery so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
List of 5 BI Tools that Integrate with BigQuery
BlazeSQL
Looker Studio
Power BI
Qlik
Holistics
1. BlazeSQL
BlazeSQL is an AI tool that helps you analyze data without writing code. You can chat with it like you would with ChatGPT to get data insights. It connects to your BigQuery database, automatically writes SQL queries based on your chat input, and helps you create visualizations.
BlazeSQL is designed for anyone needing quick and effective data insights, making it a versatile tool for teams across product, marketing, sales, and operations. You can get data insights, visualizations, and queries with minimal technical effort.
List of Features
Data Visualization
AI Analytics Assitant
Data Security
Quick Database Connection
Interactive Dashboards
Automated Reporting
Team Collaboration
Top 3 Features of BlazeSQL
1. Your Personal AI Analytics Assistant
The AI writes SQL code for you and runs queries, streamlining the data analysis process. This speeds up insights for all users, helping technical users save time on routine tasks and making it accessible for those with limited or no SQL knowledge
2. Generate Analytical Dashboards with AI
Create and share AI dashboards that visualize data clearly and effectively. Dashboards can be customized to fit specific needs, making data more accessible. They are easy to update, ensuring everyone has the latest information.
3. Get AI-Generated Weekly Reports
It uses AI to automatically generate reports summarizing weekly changes, saving time and ensuring accuracy. These reports can be scheduled to run at regular intervals, providing you with up-to-date data without manual effort.
Pros of BlazeSQL
Easy to use, no coding needed.
Integrates with all popular SQL databases.
Saves time and effort, making it accessible to both technical and non-technical users.
Cons of BlazeSQL
A paid subscription is required for continued use after the trial period
Other Supported Databases
Snowflake
PostgreSQL
Microsoft SQL Server
MySQL
MariaDB
AWS Redshift
BlazeSQL Pricing
14-day Free Trial available on the Blaze Team plan.
Blaze Pro: $39/month
Blaze Advanced: $99/month
Blaze Team: $149/month (incl. 3 users, $49 per extra user)
Blaze Team Advanced: $499/month (incl. 3 users, $75 per extra user)
Blaze Enterprise: Custom pricing
Customer Support
Email support
Chat support
Comprehensive help center
Final Verdict
BlazeSQL stands out as one of the best BI tools for BigQuery. Its AI-driven features simplify data analysis, making it an efficient tool for both technical users and business professionals.
If you're looking for a tool that helps you quickly and easily derive insights from your data, BlazeSQL is an excellent choice for managing all data types in BigQuery.
Empower your team with self-service analytics and reduce dependency on technical experts. Get started with BlazeSQL now!
2. Looker Studio
Looker Studio is a powerful Business Intelligence (BI) tool offered by Google that integrates seamlessly with Google BigQuery. It helps businesses create detailed reports and interactive dashboards with simple features and options like cards, graphs, tables, etc.
However, more thorough and exceptional analytics require data engineers and data scientists to dig deeper.
List of Features
Interactive Dashboards
User-Friendly Interface
Effortless Integration with Google Cloud Platform
Real-Time Data Analysis
Advanced Data Analytics
Powerful Visualization Tools
Top 3 Features of Looker Studio
1. Interactive Dashboards
Create highly interactive dashboards that update in real-time with the help of connected data source, helping you visualize your BigQuery data clearly.
2. User-Friendly Interface
The simple and intuitive interface with basic features makes it easy for anyone to navigate and use without needing any technical skills.
3. Effortless Integration
Looker Studio integrates smoothly with BigQuery and other Google Cloud platforms. Users can simply select BigQuery connector and authorize their BigQuery projects to start working on their reports.
Pros of Looker Studio
Real-time data analysis
Provides actionable insights
Easy integration with Google Cloud services
Cons of Looker Studio
Steep learning curve
Dependence on Google ecosystem
Performance issues with large datasheets
Data breaks if anything is altered carelessly.
SQL knowledge is a must when working with BigQuery.
Other Supported Connectors / Data Sources
Google Cloud Platforms
Many external connectors like Shopify, Facebook, MailChimp, etc.
Looker Studio Pricing
Standard Edition:
Pay as you go: $0.04 per slot hour (billed per second with a 1-minute minimum)
Enterprise Edition:
Pay as you go: $0.06 per slot hour (billed per second with a 1-minute minimum)
1-year commitment: $0.048 per slot hour
3-year commitment: $0.036 per slot hour
Enterprise Plus Edition:
Pay as you go: $0.10 per slot hour (billed per second with a 1-minute minimum)
1-year commitment: $0.08 per slot hour
3-year commitment: $0.06 per slot hour
Storage Pricing:
Active logical storage: $0.02 per GiB per month (first 10 GiB free each month)
Long-term logical storage: $0.01 per GiB per month (first 10 GiB free each month)
Active physical storage: $0.04 per GiB per month (first 10 GiB free each month)
Long-term physical storage: $0.02 per GiB per month (first 10 GiB free each month)
Customer Support
Email support
Chat support
Final Verdict
Looker Studio excels in providing a BI solution for BigQuery users. Its real-time data analysis, user-friendly interface, and integration with Google Cloud services make it a considerable choice for businesses.
Nonetheless, users must have SQL knowledge to get the most of the data they require while working on Looker Studio with BigQuery, which limits non-technical users. Tools like BlazeSQL ideally assist them by generating SQL codes and queries with AI and even getting the data visualization they are looking for.
3. Power BI
Power BI is a powerful visualization tool by Microsoft that integrates with BigQuery. It offers extensive visualization capabilities and an easy-to-use interface. With Power BI, users can incorporate enterprise-scale and self-service BI to drive insights and create interactive reports and dashboards, making complex data more accessible and understandable.
Power BI's AI-powered features, like natural language querying and machine learning models, enhance its analytical capabilities. Its ability to share and collaborate on reports across teams makes it valuable for organizations of all sizes.
List of Features
Pre-built templates and visualizations
AI-powered features
Interactive reports and dashboards
Collaboration and sharing capabilities
Intuitive design & extensive visualization capabilities
Top 3 Features of Power BI
1. Easy-to-Understand Designs
Power BI's user-friendly interface makes creating and managing reports simpler for users. Even those without technical expertise can navigate and utilize its features effectively.
2. Self-Service Features
With self-service BI features, Power BI offers uncomplicated analytical capabilities. Users can access and explore data sets even if they don’t have BI knowledge, such as data mining, and get insightful visualizations.
3. Collaboration and Sharing
Power BI allows users to share reports and dashboards across teams seamlessly. This feature enhances collaboration and ensures everyone can access the same data sets and insights.
Pros of Power BI
User-friendly interface
Wide range of templates
Advanced AI features
Embed BI reports for customers
Cons of Power BI
Requires additional configuration for BigQuery.
Advanced features are in paid versions.
Not supported on Linux and Mac.
DateTime type isn't supported through Direct Query.
Other Supported Databases
SQL Server
Azure SQL Database
Oracle
MySQL
PostgreSQL
Microsoft Power BI Pricing
Free Account
Power BI Pro: $10/month per user
Power BI Premium: $20/month per user or $4,995 per capacity per month
Power BI Power BI Embedded: Contact Support
Customer Support
Online documentation and tutorials
Community forums
Direct support through Microsoft support
Final Verdict
Power BI is an impactful data visualization tool that works with BigQuery. Its intuitive design, self-service BI features, and strong collaboration tools make it ideal for businesses of all sizes. While it has some limitations, its benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, making it a valuable tool for turning data into actionable insights.
Also, non-tech users may have to use native query SQL statements to get materialized views from Google BigQuery, which is also only in Power Query Desktop. Users can opt for AI SQL query generators, which can generate required queries for people who are completely unfamiliar with programming languages.
4. Qlik
Qlik is a top choice for BigQuery BI tools because it offers powerful data analytics and visualization capabilities. It helps businesses turn raw data into actionable insights, making it easier to understand trends and make smart decisions.
It connects with Google BigQuery, ensuring smooth data integration and analysis. This makes it a valuable tool for anyone looking to get the most out of their data quickly and efficiently.
List of Features
Associative Engine
Augmented Intelligence
Multi-Cloud Capabilities
Data Integration
Self-Service Analytics
Interactive Dashboards
Real-Time Data Analysis
Data Visualization Tools
Top 3 Features of Qlik
1. Associative Engine
Qlik's associative engine allows you to explore all your data without limitations. It enables you to make connections across all your data sources, providing a comprehensive view and deeper insights.
2. Augmented Intelligence
Qlik uses AI to enhance data discovery and analytics. This feature provides smart insights, automated chart creation, and search-based analysis, making it easier for users to find relevant information.
3. Multi-Cloud Capabilities
Qlik offers flexibility with its multi-cloud deployment options. You can deploy Qlik on-premises, in the cloud, or a hybrid environment, ensuring you can scale and adapt to your business needs.
Pros of Qlik
Easy-to-use interface
Flexible deployment
Scalable
Cons of Qlik
Can be expensive for smaller businesses
Requires significant computational resources,
Customization limitations
Support issues
Other Supported Databases
MySQL
PostgreSQL
Microsoft SQL Server
Oracle
IBM DB2
MariaDB
Amazon RDS
Google Cloud SQL
Microsoft Azure SQL
MongoDB Atlas
Amazon Aurora
Qlik Pricing
Standard: Starts at $825 / Month
Premium: Starts at $2700 / Month
Qlik offers Enterprise and other customized pricing plans
Customer Support
Email support
Chat support
Guided tour
Customer Portal
Training sessions
Final Verdict
Qlik stands out as a strong contender among BigQuery BI tools. Its powerful analytics, easy-to-use interface, and integration with Google BigQuery make it a great choice for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a tech expert or a beginner, Qlik helps you turn data into meaningful insights with minimal hassle.
5. Holistics
Holistics is another great option for BigQuery BI tools. It simplifies data analysis and reporting by providing a straightforward, user-friendly interface. This tool makes it easy for anyone to explore and understand their data.
Holistics connects with Google BigQuery, ensuring you can quickly access and analyze your data. It automates many tasks, saving you time and effort. For businesses looking to automate their data processes, Holistics is a solid choice.
List of Features
Easy-to-use visualization layer
Powerful modeling layer
Advanced SQL Editor
Fast results with a cache layer
Materialized views stored in BigQuery
Automated scheduling of reports and dashboards
Drag-and-drop interface for report generation
Top 3 Features of Holistics
1. Advanced SQL Editor
It streamlines SQL writing process with features like auto-completion, query formatting, and a query history tracker. These enhancements make it easier for analysts to write, run, and refine their SQL queries, ensuring more efficient data analysis and reporting.
2. Materialized Views
Stores query results back to BigQuery for immediate access and fast visualizations and reports.
3. Automated Scheduling
Scheduled reports and dashboards with the latest data in BigQuery are sent directly to your email inbox.
Pros of Holistics
User-friendly visualization layer
Powerful data modeling capabilities
Free version to start with
Cons of Holistics
Newer tool with some advanced features is still in development
Limited interactivity in dashboards compared to other tools
Git-integration and version control are not yet supported
Requires SQL knowledge
Other Supported Databases
PostgreSQL
MySQL
Amazon Redshift
SQL Server
Snowflake
Presto
Athena SQL
Holistics Pricing
Holistics offers a free version to start with. Charges only apply when your team's needs scale up.
Entry $150/mo
Standard $600/mo
Security Compliance Suite (SCS) $800/mo
Customer Support
Community Forums
Support Documentation
Email Support
Final Verdict
Holistics is a reliable and powerful BI tool that works well with Google BigQuery. Its user-friendly interface and strong data modeling capabilities make it a practical choice for businesses for their data analysis processes. The free version and predictable pricing add to its appeal, making it a solid option for those needing effective data visualization and analysis.
Best of the Best: Top 3 BigQuery BI Tools
1. BlazeSQL
BlazeSQL excels in analyzing data with BigQuery, acting as your personal AI Data Analyst and Chatbot. This tool minimizes the need for coding, making it accessible and user-friendly. It connects to your SQL databases and helps you visualize the data effortlessly. BlazeSQL is recognized for its user-friendly design, saving time and effort across all levels of data analysis
Its standout features include AI analytics copilot, Intuitive dashboards, and AI automated reporting. BlazeSQL’s robust capabilities make it an excellent choice for those seeking quick and valuable insights from their BigQuery data.
2. Power BI
Power BI by Microsoft boasts an intuitive interface, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users. The AI-powered features, like natural language querying and machine learning models, provide advanced analytical capabilities.
Additionally, Power BI excels in collaboration, allowing teams to share and work on reports effortlessly. Despite some setup complexities and the need for paid versions for advanced features, its strengths make it the best choice for BigQuery data visualization.
3. Looker Studio
Looker Studio is a business intelligence tool that integrates smoothly with Google BigQuery, designed to provide actionable insights without needing technical skills. It helps businesses create detailed reports and interactive dashboards, making data analysis accessible to non-technical users.
The top features of Looker Studio include interactive dashboards, a user-friendly interface, and effortless integration. Interactive dashboards update in real time, providing clear visualizations of your BigQuery data.
Conclusion
Choosing the right BI tool for BigQuery is important for getting the most out of your data. Each of the 5 tools offers unique features to help you analyze and visualize your data effectively. Some tools are more user-friendly and better suited for non-technical users, while others provide advanced, valuable features for technical teams.
BlazeSQL is the top choice, offering a user-friendly interface, AI chat-powered features for seamless data analysis, robust data visualization capabilities, and unparalleled ease of use.
Get started for free today, or book a demo.