Overview of Domo vs Looker
Both Domo and Looker are major business intelligence (BI) platforms, aimed at helping organizations analyze and act on their data. Domo takes an all-in-one approach, covering everything from ETL tools to dashboards and embedded analytics in a single environment. Looker stands out for its advanced semantic modeling capabilities and flexible data exploration, but requires integration with external databases. Selecting between the two involves weighing these architectural differences against your organization’s BI needs, especially when it comes to custom visualizations, embedded analytics, and compliance requirements. BI dashboard solutions like Domo and Looker power data-driven decision-making—but the right fit depends on your priorities.
Key Takeaways
- Domo offers end-to-end BI (including ETL and data warehouse), while Looker specializes in semantic modeling and flexible data exploration.
- Both platforms have custom, quote-based pricing with no public rates; Domo is often cited as more expensive for large organizations.
- Each supports SOC 2 Type II compliance, strong user permissions, and encryption, but details on HIPAA compliance and connectors are not publicly specified.
- Data limits are contract-based for both, with no hard public caps for users or storage; always clarify usage terms with vendors.
| Feature | How Domo handles it | How Looker handles it | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| End-to-end BI | Provides ETL, data warehouse, dashboards, embedded analytics in one platform | Focuses on semantic modeling (LookML) and flexible exploration; relies on external database | Domo: Full-stack BI; Looker: Flexible modeling |
| Pricing | Custom quote; generally regarded as higher cost | Custom quote; must contact vendor | Varies by org size/needs |
| Data limits | Unlimited storage/processing (contract-based) | No public limits; contract-based usage | Domo: High volume; both: Large orgs |
| Embedded analytics | Yes; part of platform | Supported | Both: OEM, white-label BI |
| Custom visualizations | Supported | Supported | Both: Advanced dashboards |
| Security & compliance | SOC 2 Type II, SAML, SSO, encryption; user permissions | SOC 2 Type II, SAML, SSO, encryption; granular permissions | Both: Regulated industries |
| Data connectors | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
| Row-level security | Supports user-level permissions | Detailed user permissions | Both: Granular access control |
| HIPAA compliance | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified | Not publicly specified |
Pricing and Contract Considerations
Both Domo Pricing and Looker Pricing are custom and require direct vendor engagement. Domo is typically considered more expensive—especially for larger deployments—though there are no public rates or calculators for either platform. You must contact both vendors for tailored proposals based on your planned user count, data volumes, and required features. Be prepared to share detailed usage needs to obtain accurate pricing and compare total costs.
Data Limits and Storage Policies
Domo offers unlimited data storage and processing, but the actual usage thresholds are governed by your contract. There are no hard, public user limits, making it suitable for high-volume scenarios if negotiated accordingly. Looker does not publish any system or storage caps; limits are determined by your contract terms as well. For both, you’ll need to clarify expected data volumes and concurrency requirements when negotiating your agreement. Details such as precise storage capacity, request limits, or row counts are not shared publicly by either platform.
Core BI Features and End-to-End Capabilities
Domo delivers a comprehensive BI toolset, including data connectors, embedded ETL tools, data warehouse, BI dashboards, and embedded analytics—all inside a single ecosystem. This “one-stop shop” approach appeals to organizations seeking an integrated BI stack without assembling multiple tools. Looker, by contrast, is best known for its LookML semantic modeling language, supporting advanced calculated metrics, governed data definitions, and flexible ad-hoc exploration. However, it requires connections to your own database for storage and processing, so it fits organizations with pre-existing modern data stacks or custom back ends.
Both platforms support embedded analytics and allow for custom visualizations. You can build branded dashboards, embed them in external apps, and tailor visuals to business needs regardless of which you choose.
Data Connectors and Integrations
Data connectors are crucial for integrating your various data sources, but neither Domo nor Looker publicly lists their full connector catalogs. Both are recognized for supporting a wide range of integrations, but the specifics are only available during direct negotiations. As part of your RFP or technical evaluation, request detailed documentation on native connectors, including any limitations and support for custom sources. Consider both current and planned future data systems before finalizing your choice.
Security and Compliance
Security is foundational for BI platforms, especially in regulated industries. Domo and Looker each hold SOC 2 Type II compliance and provide data encryption in transit and at rest. SAML and SSO authentication are supported, helping you align with enterprise IT policies. Both platforms offer robust user permission frameworks, but the precise features—such as audit logging, row-level security, or HIPAA compliance—are not comprehensively detailed in public documentation. Always request compliance attestations and documentation on encryption practices as part of your vendor review.
Row-Level Security and Permissions Management
Domo lets you control access at the user level, supporting granular data sharing and permissions. Looker expands on this with detailed user permissions that can enforce row-level security to restrict data visibility for different groups or individuals. These controls are critical for organizations handling sensitive or regulated data. When evaluating, examine the permission granularity and auditability to ensure your regulatory and internal governance requirements are fully met.
Negotiation Tips and RFP Questions
- Request and clarify all contract-based limits: data storage, user counts, API calls, and support levels.
- Ask about compliance certifications (SOC 2, HIPAA) and get explicit documentation.
- Get a comprehensive list of available data connectors and integration options relevant to your stack.
- Confirm details on embedded analytics, custom visualization capabilities, and row-level security models.
- Seek references from similar organizations on pricing and ongoing support experiences.
- Negotiate term flexibility (e.g., opt-outs, growth plans) and clear service-level agreements (SLAs).
Selecting the Right Platform for Your Organization
Choose Domo if your organization wants a single BI environment that covers data ingestion, processing, storage, and visualization, without assembling multiple best-of-breed tools. Domo is also a strong fit if embedded analytics and unlimited contract-based storage are priorities.
Go with Looker if you prioritize advanced semantic modeling for complex data needs, already have modern data infrastructure, and value flexible, detailed user permissions. Looker is often favored by organizations with strong technical teams that want to model and govern data logic directly.
For all buyers, clarify your custom visualization, embedded analytics, and integration needs up front. Compare total cost of ownership, contract limits, and compliance accreditations before deciding.
Conclusion
The Domo vs Looker decision comes down to your requirements for end-to-end BI versus advanced modeling, how much your team values all-in-one solutions versus custom data back ends, and your specific integration or compliance needs. Both platforms operate on custom contracts, so diligent RFP inquiries and clear requirements are the best way to ensure success in your BI platform selection.
Which is better for enterprise BI: Domo or Looker?
It depends. Domo is better for organizations seeking a single, integrated BI environment, while Looker excels where semantic modeling and data governance flexibility are prioritized. Assess your architecture and compliance needs before choosing.
How do Domo and Looker compare on security features?
Both platforms offer SOC 2 Type II compliance, SSO/SAML, encryption in transit and at rest, and robust user permission frameworks. For further security requirements like HIPAA or advanced audit logging, request specifics from each vendor.
What is the pricing difference between Domo and Looker?
Pricing for both Domo and Looker is quote-based and not public. Domo is often cited as the higher priced option for large organizations, but exact costs require custom proposals from each vendor.
Which platform offers more integrations: Domo or Looker?
Neither vendor publicly lists their full catalog of data connectors or integrations. You must request this information directly during your evaluation process.
Are Domo or Looker better for embedded analytics?
Both support embedded analytics and can power white-label or OEM dashboards. The best choice depends on your customization and integration requirements.
How do Domo and Looker handle data governance?
Domo and Looker both offer strong permission controls and support for governed access, but Looker stands out for its flexible semantic modeling capabilities and detailed permissions settings.
Which platform is easier for non-technical users?
Domo’s all-in-one design may be more accessible for non-technical business users, while Looker can require more technical configuration, especially in semantic model setup.