Looker vs Mode vs Periscope: What are the differences?

Introduction

In today's data-driven world, businesses rely on various data analytics tools to support their decision-making process. Three popular tools in this realm are Looker, Mode, and Periscope. While all three provide similar functionalities, they do have key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will explore and compare these differences to help you understand which tool might be the best fit for your organization.

1. Data Visualization Capabilities: Looker is known for its robust and customizable data visualization capabilities. It offers a wide range of visualization options, including charts, graphs, and geo-mapping, allowing users to present data in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand manner. Mode, on the other hand, focuses more on exploratory analysis and interactive visualizations. It offers a drag-and-drop interface that enables users to build complex charts and dashboards with ease. Periscope, similar to Looker, offers a variety of visualization options but also has built-in collaboration features that allow teams to work together on data exploration and visualization projects.

2. Embedded Analytics: Looker is widely recognized for its embedded analytics capabilities. It allows users to seamlessly embed customized reports, dashboards, and visualizations into their own applications, websites, or portals. This feature is particularly useful for organizations looking to provide their clients or stakeholders with real-time data insights without the need to switch between different platforms. Mode, although it offers some embedding capabilities, is not as advanced in this area as Looker. Periscope, on the other hand, provides a robust set of embedding options, including the ability to share reports and dashboards via email or through a public URL.

3. SQL-Focused Workflow: Mode is specifically designed for SQL-savvy individuals or teams who prefer to work directly with raw data using SQL queries. It provides a powerful SQL editor that enables users to write complex queries, perform ad-hoc analysis, and collaborate on SQL code. Looker, on the other hand, abstracts the underlying SQL complexity and provides a user-friendly interface for querying data. It allows users to build queries using a visual query builder and provides advanced features like derived tables and joins without requiring users to write raw SQL. Periscope, similar to Looker, takes a more visual approach to querying data but also offers advanced SQL editing capabilities for users who prefer to work with raw SQL code.

4. Data Modeling and ETL: Looker is known for its robust data modeling capabilities. It allows users to define data models, create relationships between tables, and perform complex transformations using LookML, Looker's modeling language. This makes it easy for non-technical users to explore and analyze data without needing to have in-depth knowledge of the underlying data structure. Mode, although it offers some data modeling capabilities, is not as advanced as Looker in this area. Periscope, on the other hand, does not have native data modeling capabilities and relies on external data modeling and ETL tools.

5. Collaboration and Sharing: Periscope is designed with collaboration in mind, offering features like in-app commenting and annotation, making it easy for teams to collaborate on data analysis and reporting. Looker also provides collaboration features, allowing users to comment and share insights within the platform. Mode, although it supports collaboration to some extent, does not have as many built-in collaboration features as the other two tools.

6. Pricing and Licensing: Looker, Mode, and Periscope all offer different pricing models based on factors such as the number of users, data volume, and desired features. Looker is typically known to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum and provides enterprise-level features. Mode, on the other hand, offers flexible pricing options including free and paid tiers suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. Periscope offers a transparent pricing model based on the number of users and includes all features in all plans.

In summary, Looker, Mode, and Periscope have distinct differences in their data visualization capabilities, embedded analytics, SQL-focused workflow, data modeling and ETL capabilities, collaboration and sharing features, as well as pricing and licensing models. Understanding these differences can help organizations choose the tool that aligns best with their specific needs and requirements.