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Machine Learning · head to head

BigQuery ML vs Glassbox

BigQuery ML logo

BigQuery ML

Machine Learning

Machine learning in BigQuery using SQL

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Glassbox logo

Glassbox

Business Intelligence

Digital experience intelligence

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only BigQuery ML has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: BigQuery ML not available in BigQuery's Standard edition, so the cheapest tier cannot use it; Glassbox no fixed pricing tiers published; custom quotes required based on package, data retention, and session volume
  • They diverge on capability: BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, Glassbox covers Session Replay.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where BigQuery ML and Glassbox differ
AttributeBigQuery MLGlassbox
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelusage-basedsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWeb, Mobile, Hybrid
CategoryMachine LearningBusiness Intelligence
Founded20082010

Identical on both: 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 Glassbox

  • Session Replay
  • Struggle Detection
  • Journey Mapping
  • AI Insights
  • Voice of Customer
  • Adobe Analytics
  • Google Analytics
  • Salesforce

Both cover

  • Web support

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 Glassbox
  • Linear and logistic regression on warehouse datanot Glassbox
  • K-means clustering and matrix factorisation for recommendationsnot Glassbox
  • Time series forecasting with ARIMA_PLUSnot Glassbox
  • Running imported ONNX, TensorFlow or XGBoost models against BigQuery datanot Glassbox

Glassbox

  • User experience analysisnot BigQuery ML
  • Bug reproductionnot BigQuery ML
  • Conversion optimizationnot BigQuery ML
  • Customer journey mappingnot BigQuery ML
  • Usability testingnot 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

Glassbox

  • No fixed pricing tiers published; custom quotes required based on package, data retention, and session volume

Pricing, plan by plan

BigQuery ML

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

Glassbox

On request
  • CustomFree
    • Full Platform
    • Mobile Analytics
    • Enterprise Support

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 Glassbox if

  • You need session replay.
  • You work on Web, Mobile, Hybrid.
  • You also want struggle detection.
Glassbox review

Questions people ask

Is BigQuery ML or Glassbox better?
Neither clearly leads. BigQuery ML starts at Free and Glassbox at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, BigQuery ML or Glassbox?
BigQuery ML has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for BigQuery ML and On request for Glassbox.
Does BigQuery ML or Glassbox run on more platforms?
BigQuery ML runs on Web. Glassbox runs on Web, Mobile, Hybrid.
Can I use BigQuery ML for free?
Yes. BigQuery ML has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Glassbox starts at On request.
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 Glassbox is typically brought in for.
What can BigQuery ML do that Glassbox cannot?
BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, AutoML Tables, Model export, Prediction functions. Glassbox covers Session Replay, Struggle Detection, Journey Mapping, AI Insights. Both handle Web support.

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
Glassbox: How much does Glassbox cost?

Glassbox uses custom pricing based on three factors: the selected package (Production Operation, Marketing/Business, or Product), data retention period, and session volume. The vendor encourages contacting sales to build customized packages.

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
Glassbox: Does Glassbox offer add-ons for specific industries?

Yes, Glassbox offers specialized add-on solutions including fraud prevention, accessibility features, and call center solutions tailored for financial organizations.

Source
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