Comparison
BigQuery vs Databricks
Scored side by side on data-analytics, using the same criteria we apply across the category.
Serverless warehouse with no cluster management and pricing by bytes scanned.
Lakehouse platform unifying data engineering, analytics and machine learning on open formats.
Scored side by side
Query performance
Cost predictability
Governance
Ease of operation
Value for money
BigQuery verdict
The simplest warehouse to operate, especially inside Google Cloud. Enforce partitioning early.
- Genuinely serverless with nothing to manage
- Machine learning directly in SQL
- Strong fit inside Google Cloud
Databricks verdict
The right platform when machine learning is a first-class workload rather than an afterthought.
- Best unified platform for data and machine learning
- Open table formats limit lock-in
- Mature experiment tracking and model serving
FAQ
Common questions
What's the difference between BigQuery and Databricks?
BigQuery: The simplest warehouse to operate, especially inside Google Cloud. Enforce partitioning early. Databricks: The right platform when machine learning is a first-class workload rather than an afterthought.
Which has better reviews, BigQuery or Databricks?
Databricks is rated higher — 4.5/5 versus 4.4/5, from 5,200 and 4,300 reviews respectively.
Does BigQuery or Databricks have a free plan?
Both do. BigQuery starts at $6.25 per TB scanned, and Databricks starts at $0.07 per DBU, consumption-based.