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Machine Learning · head to head

BigQuery ML vs Sisense

BigQuery ML logo

BigQuery ML

Machine Learning

Machine learning in BigQuery using SQL

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Sisense logo

Sisense

Business Intelligence

Infuse analytics everywhere

From
$10000/year
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; Sisense pricing lacks transparency with opaque scaling costs and hidden fees for onboarding and training
  • They diverge on capability: BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, Sisense covers Embedded Analytics.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where BigQuery ML and Sisense differ
AttributeBigQuery MLSisense
Starting priceFree$10000/year
Pricing modelusage-basedUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWeb, Cloud, On-premises
CategoryMachine LearningBusiness Intelligence
Founded20082004

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 Sisense

  • Embedded Analytics
  • AI/ML Integration
  • In-chip Technology
  • White-labeling
  • REST API
  • Snowflake
  • AWS
  • Azure

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

Sisense

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

Sisense

  • Pricing lacks transparency with opaque scaling costs and hidden fees for onboarding and training
  • Limited connector ecosystem compared to competitors; missing native connectors to many data sources
  • Dashboard customization options are limited; widgets cannot span multiple rows, restricting layout possibilities
  • Performance issues reported with large datasets and stability problems with data cubes

Pricing, plan by plan

BigQuery ML

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

Sisense

$10000/year
  • Small Team$10000/year minimum
    • Basic analytics dashboards
    • Limited data sources
  • Mid-Market$undefined/custom
    • Advanced analytics
    • Multiple data sources
    • Custom integrations
  • Enterprise$60000/year+
    • Advanced AI analytics
    • Premium support
    • Custom development

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 Sisense if

  • You need embedded analytics.
  • You work on Web, Cloud, On-premises.
  • You also want ai/ml integration.
Sisense review

Questions people ask

Is BigQuery ML or Sisense better?
Neither clearly leads. BigQuery ML starts at Free and Sisense at $10000/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, BigQuery ML or Sisense?
BigQuery ML has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for BigQuery ML and $10000/year for Sisense.
Does BigQuery ML or Sisense run on more platforms?
BigQuery ML runs on Web. Sisense runs on Web, Cloud, On-premises.
Can I use BigQuery ML for free?
Yes. BigQuery ML has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Sisense starts at $10000/year.
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 Sisense is typically brought in for.
What can BigQuery ML do that Sisense cannot?
BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, AutoML Tables, Model export, Prediction functions. Sisense covers Embedded Analytics, AI/ML Integration, In-chip Technology, White-labeling. 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
Sisense: What is Sisense primarily used for?

Sisense is an embedded analytics platform that combines data ingestion, modeling, and dashboarding, allowing organizations to embed analytics and insights directly into their applications and workflows.

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
Sisense: Does Sisense have a transparent pricing model?

Sisense pricing is not publicly listed and requires contacting sales. Typical costs start at $10,000 per year for small teams but can scale to $60,000+ annually depending on users, data volume, number of data sources, and complexity. AI capabilities typically add 20-30% to base costs.

Source
Sisense: What data sources can Sisense connect to?

Sisense provides pre-built connectors for popular applications including Salesforce, Google Analytics, Zendesk, and others. It also supports custom connections through APIs and SDKs for specialized data sources.

Source
Sisense: Is Sisense easy to use for non-technical users?

Sisense requires significant technical expertise to set up, particularly for creating Elasticubes (database caches) which often need SQL code. While it promotes codeless reporting, typical implementations require a technical resource.

Source
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