---
description: Compare IBM Cognos Analytics vs Looker. Learn more about each of the software’s price, features, and helpful software reviews for South African business users.
image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/capterra/og_logo-e5a8c001ed0bd1bb922639230fcea71a.png?auto=format%2Cenhance%2Ccompress
title: Compare IBM Cognos Analytics vs Looker - Capterra South Africa 2026
---

Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Business Intelligence Tools](/directory/23/business-intelligence/software) > [IBM Cognos Analytics \<span\>vs\</span\> Looker](https://www.capterra.co.za/compare/162441/169053/ibm-cognos-analytics/vs/looker)

# Compare IBM Cognos Analytics vs Looker

Canonical: https://www.capterra.co.za/compare/162441/169053/ibm-cognos-analytics/vs/looker

> Detailed comparison between IBM Cognos Analytics and Looker. Check ratings, reviews, pricing, and features to make the best decision for your business.

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## At a Glance

| Metric | IBM Cognos Analytics | Looker |
| **Overall rating** | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| **Total Reviews** | 137 | 282 |
| **Starting Price** | US$10,60 | US$2 000,00 |
| **Free Trial** | Yes | Yes |
| **Free Version** | No | No |
| **Deployment** | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Mac (Desktop), Windows (Desktop), Windows (On-Premise), Linux (On-Premise), Android (Mobile), iPhone (Mobile) |
| **Support** | FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Chat |
| **Training** | Webinars, Videos | In Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |

## Best for

### IBM Cognos Analytics

All enterprise organizations, from small to medium to large.

### Looker

Looker is used by data analysts, business intelligence professionals, developers, marketers, IT administrators, and enterprises managing cloud costs.

## Key features

### IBM Cognos Analytics

- API
- Activity Tracking
- Ad hoc Reporting
- Collaboration Tools
- Dashboard
- Financial Reporting
- Functions/Calculations
- High Volume Processing
- Interactive Reports
- KPI Monitoring
- Key Performance Indicators
- Marketing Reports
- Performance Metrics
- Private Dashboards
- Real-Time Analytics
- Real-Time Data
- Reporting/Analytics
- Search/Filter
- Self Service Data Preparation
- Single Sign On

### Looker

- API
- Activity Tracking
- Ad hoc Reporting
- Collaboration Tools
- Dashboard
- Financial Reporting
- Functions/Calculations
- High Volume Processing
- Interactive Reports
- KPI Monitoring
- Key Performance Indicators
- Marketing Reports
- Performance Metrics
- Private Dashboards
- Real-Time Analytics
- Real-Time Data
- Reporting/Analytics
- Search/Filter
- Self Service Data Preparation
- Single Sign On

## Links

- [View IBM Cognos Analytics Profile](https://www.capterra.co.za/software/162441/ibm-cognos-analytics)
- [View Looker Profile](https://www.capterra.co.za/software/169053/looker)
- [View Original Comparison](https://www.capterra.co.za/compare/162441/169053/ibm-cognos-analytics/vs/looker)

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