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Spreadsheets · head to head

Apache Superset vs BigQuery ML

Apache Superset logo

Apache Superset

Spreadsheets

Modern data exploration and visualization platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
BigQuery ML logo

BigQuery ML

Machine Learning

Machine learning in BigQuery using SQL

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apache Superset no commercial pricing; open-source project; BigQuery ML not available in BigQuery's Standard edition, so the cheapest tier cannot use it
  • They diverge on capability: Apache Superset covers 40+ Visualizations, BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apache Superset and BigQuery ML actually diverge.

Attributes where Apache Superset and BigQuery ML differ
AttributeApache SupersetBigQuery ML
Pricing modelopen-sourceusage-based
PlatformsWeb, Self-hosted, DockerWeb
CategorySpreadsheetsMachine Learning
Founded19992008

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apache Superset

  • 40+ Visualizations
  • SQL IDE
  • Semantic Layer
  • Caching
  • Security
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • Presto

Only in BigQuery ML

  • SQL-based ML
  • AutoML Tables
  • Model export
  • Prediction functions
  • Feature preprocessing
  • BigQuery
  • Vertex AI
  • TensorFlow

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apache Superset

  • Self-service analyticsnot BigQuery ML
  • Data explorationnot BigQuery ML
  • Ad-hoc reportingnot BigQuery ML
  • Collaborative analysisnot BigQuery ML
  • Embedded analyticsnot BigQuery ML

BigQuery ML

  • Training models in SQL without exporting datanot Apache Superset
  • Linear and logistic regression on warehouse datanot Apache Superset
  • K-means clustering and matrix factorisation for recommendationsnot Apache Superset
  • Time series forecasting with ARIMA_PLUSnot Apache Superset
  • Running imported ONNX, TensorFlow or XGBoost models against BigQuery datanot Apache Superset

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apache Superset

  • No commercial pricing; open-source project
  • Commercial hosting available via Preset.io (separate vendor)

BigQuery ML

  • Not available in BigQuery's Standard edition, so the cheapest tier cannot use it
  • Billed through BigQuery compute and storage rather than as its own product, so training cost tracks data scanned
  • Remote models incur extra Agent Platform charges on top
  • Externally trained model types such as boosted trees and AutoML run through Agent Platform rather than inside BigQuery

Pricing, plan by plan

Apache Superset

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full Features
    • Self-hosted
    • Community Support

BigQuery ML

Free
  • Free TierFree
    • 10GB storage
    • 1TB queries
  • On-Demand$5/TB
    • Pay per TB scanned
    • ML training costs

Which should you pick?

Choose Apache Superset if

  • You need 40+ visualizations.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Self-hosted, Docker.
  • You also want sql ide.
Apache Superset review

Choose BigQuery ML if

  • You need sql-based ml.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want automl tables.
BigQuery ML review

Questions people ask

Is Apache Superset or BigQuery ML better?
Neither clearly leads. Apache Superset starts at Free and BigQuery ML at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apache Superset or BigQuery ML?
Apache Superset starts at Free and BigQuery ML at Free.
Does Apache Superset or BigQuery ML run on more platforms?
Apache Superset runs on Web, Self-hosted, Docker. BigQuery ML runs on Web.
Can I use Apache Superset for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Apache Superset best used for?
Apache Superset is most often used for self-service analytics, data exploration, ad-hoc reporting, collaborative analysis. Of those, self-service analytics and data exploration are not what BigQuery ML is typically brought in for.
What can Apache Superset do that BigQuery ML cannot?
Apache Superset covers 40+ Visualizations, SQL IDE, Semantic Layer, Caching. BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, AutoML Tables, Model export, Prediction functions. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apache Superset: What does Apache Superset cost?

Apache Superset is open-source software available free under the Apache 2.0 license. There are no licensing costs, subscription fees, or per-seat charges for using Superset itself.

Source
BigQuery ML: How much does Google Cloud BigQuery ML cost?

BigQuery ML pricing is not specified separately on Google Cloud's pricing page. It follows the same pay-as-you-go model as BigQuery, charging per terabyte of data scanned during analysis. Customers receive $300 in free credits and can use 20+ products free up to monthly limits.

Source
Apache Superset: Is there a paid version of Apache Superset?

Apache Superset itself is free and open-source. Preset.io offers commercial Superset hosting with premium support, but this is a separate vendor service, not an official paid tier of Superset.

Source
BigQuery ML: Does Google Cloud offer a free trial?

Yes, new customers get $300 in free credits and all customers can use 20+ Google Cloud products free up to their monthly usage limits.

Source
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