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Machine Learning · head to head

BigQuery ML vs Cube

BigQuery ML logo

BigQuery ML

Machine Learning

Machine learning in BigQuery using SQL

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Cube logo

Cube

Business Intelligence

AI-native analytics platform with semantic layer and governed access

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: BigQuery ML not available in BigQuery's Standard edition, so the cheapest tier cannot use it; Cube per-developer licensing can be expensive for large analytics teams
  • They diverge on capability: BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, Cube covers Analytics Chat.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which BigQuery ML and Cube actually diverge.

Attributes where BigQuery ML and Cube differ
AttributeBigQuery MLCube
Pricing modelusage-basedPer-developer seats with volume pricing
PlatformsWebCloud, Self-hosted
CategoryMachine LearningBusiness Intelligence
Founded2008Unknown

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 BigQuery ML

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

Only in Cube

  • Analytics Chat
  • Workbooks
  • Dashboards
  • Embedded Analytics
  • AI Integrations
  • Core Data APIs
  • Caching and pre-aggregations

What people use each for

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

BigQuery ML

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

Cube

  • Building governed semantic data models for analyticsnot BigQuery ML
  • Embedding analytics into customer-facing productsnot BigQuery ML
  • Enabling natural language data queries for teamsnot BigQuery ML
  • Creating conversational dashboards with AI assistancenot BigQuery ML

Where each one falls short

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

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

Cube

  • Per-developer licensing can be expensive for large analytics teams
  • Additional cost for Explorer and Viewer roles beyond developers
  • Semantic layer approach requires upfront modeling investment
  • Smaller connector ecosystem than dedicated BI platforms
  • May be overengineered for simple reporting needs

Pricing, plan by plan

BigQuery ML

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

Cube

Free
  • FreeFree
    • For hobbyists and personal projects
    • Basic data source connection
    • Semantic modeling
  • Starter$40/developer/month
    • Extended agent limits
    • Premium LLMs
    • Unlimited workbooks
  • Premium$80/developer/month
    • All Starter features
    • Embedded dashboards
    • Embedded analytics chat
  • Enterprise$null/custom
    • 99.990% uptime SLA
    • Dedicated single-tenant installation
    • Bring Your Own Cloud

Which should you pick?

Choose BigQuery ML if

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

Choose Cube if

  • You need analytics chat.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Cloud, Self-hosted.
  • You also want workbooks.
Cube review

Questions people ask

Is BigQuery ML or Cube better?
Neither clearly leads. BigQuery ML starts at Free and Cube at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, BigQuery ML or Cube?
BigQuery ML starts at Free and Cube at Free.
Does BigQuery ML or Cube run on more platforms?
BigQuery ML runs on Web. Cube runs on Cloud, Self-hosted.
Can I use BigQuery ML for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is BigQuery ML best used for?
BigQuery ML is most often used for training models in sql without exporting data, linear and logistic regression on warehouse data, k-means clustering and matrix factorisation for recommendations, time series forecasting with arima_plus. Of those, training models in sql without exporting data and linear and logistic regression on warehouse data are not what Cube is typically brought in for.
What can BigQuery ML do that Cube cannot?
BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, AutoML Tables, Model export, Prediction functions. Cube covers Analytics Chat, Workbooks, Dashboards, Embedded Analytics.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Cube: What is the cost per developer on Cube?

Starter plan costs $40/developer/month. Premium adds embedded analytics at $80/developer/month. Explorer and Viewer roles cost $40 and $20/month respectively.

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
Cube: What uptime SLAs does Cube offer?

Premium plan offers 99.950% uptime SLA. Enterprise plan provides 99.990% uptime SLA with dedicated support.

Source
Cube: Can I use Cube for free?

Yes, the Free plan includes basic data source connection, semantic modeling, workbooks, and dashboards for hobbyists and personal projects.

Source
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