Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Google Looker · 📊 analytics
Google Looker vs MLCraft
Production-ready semantic layer on Cube.js. Here is how MLCraft ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Google Looker ($150/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
MLCraft
$0.00/mo · Open Source
Google Looker vs MLCraft Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-11-04
| Dimension | Google Looker (Paid) | MLCraft (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $150 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $1,800 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,800) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $9,000 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $9,000) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $18,000 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $18,000) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 626 (active feb 2025) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Google Looker to MLCraft
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Google Looker.
How to deploy MLCraft
Clone https://github.com/mlcraft-io/mlcraft or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork MLCraft instead of vibe-coding a Google Looker clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Google Looker or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 4 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Cube.js or LightDash.
Google Looker vs MLCraft FAQ
Is MLCraft a good free alternative to Google Looker?+
Yes. MLCraft is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Google Looker. Production-ready semantic layer on Cube.js.
What is the catch when switching from Google Looker to MLCraft?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Google Looker.
How much do you save switching from Google Looker to MLCraft?+
Google Looker costs $150/mo ($1,800/yr) per seat, whereas MLCraft is $0/mo. Switching saves $1,800/yr for a solo user, $9,000/yr for a 5-person team, and $18,000/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host MLCraft instead of Google Looker?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/mlcraft-io/mlcraft or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.