Quick Comparison
Factor | Looker Studio Direct Connector | BigQuery Connector |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Small setups, 1-3 data sources, quick dashboards | Multi-source reporting, agencies, high-volume data |
Dashboard load time | 8-10+ seconds per chart | ~2 seconds |
Cross-channel blending | Included with every connected account, no premium | Unlimited, freeform via SQL or AI query builder |
Historical data | Limited by each platform's API | Unlimited (stored continuously) |
Pricing | $15/account/month (every account, no separate blended tier) | Custom pricing - contact sales |
Free plan eligible | Yes | No |
What Is the Difference?
When you connect marketing data through Porter Metrics, you choose a destination for that data. The two main destinations are Looker Studio (direct) and BigQuery.
Looker Studio Direct Connector
Porter pulls data from the marketing platform's API in real time and sends it straight to your Looker Studio report. Direct connectors are included in all Porter Metrics plans, including the Free Forever plan. Every connected account can be combined with your other accounts into a unified cross-channel view at no extra cost — there's no separate "blended account" pricing tier.
BigQuery Connector
Porter pulls data from the marketing platform's API and stores it in a Google BigQuery data warehouse. Your Looker Studio report (or any other BI tool) then reads from BigQuery instead of calling the live API.
BigQuery has custom pricing. It is a separate product from the standard Looker Studio and Google Sheets connectors. To get BigQuery pricing for your specific needs, contact Porter's sales team.
You Need Cross-Channel Reporting
With Porter's direct connectors, cross-channel reporting is included with every connected account — no separate blended-account pricing. To blend 5 platforms, you connect 5 accounts, at the same $15/mo rate as any other account.
With BigQuery, Porter stores all your data sources in one dataset. You can combine any number of sources freely using SQL or Porter's AI query builder — useful for agencies and teams reporting across many platforms at high volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does BigQuery cost through Porter?
BigQuery has custom pricing. The cost depends on your data volume, number of connectors, and specific requirements. Contact the Porter Metrics sales team for a personalized quote.
Does BigQuery replace Looker Studio?
No. BigQuery is a data warehouse (where data is stored). Looker Studio is a visualization tool (where data is displayed). With Porter plus BigQuery, your data flows from the marketing platform to BigQuery to Looker Studio.
Can I use BigQuery on the Free Forever plan?
No. BigQuery requires a custom plan. Contact the sales team to discuss pricing. The Free Forever plan supports Looker Studio and Google Sheets as destinations.