Side by side
dbt Semantic Layer vs Starburst Enterprise Context Layer
Both stand on semantic layer software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APIExtensionWeb
dbt Semantic Layer gives teams a shared, code-managed way to define and query metrics across supported tools. Access requires a Starter or Enterprise account, and Starter has a monthly metric-query limit.
Visit dbt Semantic Layer
Free plan APISelf-hostedWeb
The Context Layer combines data product governance, version control, lineage checks and a semantic layer. Its deployment options and security controls are relevant to regulated organizations; review per-credit pricing and separately billed AIDA usage where applicable.
Visit Starburst Enterprise Context LayerThe facts
| dbt Semantic Layer | Starburst Enterprise Context Layer | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Runs on | API, Extension, Web | API, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Starter: $100 per user a month | See the plans |
| Plans published | 5 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | getdbt.com | starburst.io |
| On semantic layer software | #3 of 28 | #7 of 28 |
dbt Semantic Layer: what it does well
- Version-controlled YAML definitions include lineage awareness.
- MetricFlow can optimize joins and cache repeated queries.
- GraphQL, JDBC and Python SDK query access.
- Supports Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks and Redshift.
What to know first
- Free Developer plan does not include the Semantic Layer.
- Starter costs $100 a month per user.
- Starter is limited to 5,000 queried metrics monthly.
Starburst Enterprise Context Layer: what it does well
- Data Products include definitions, access policies and lineage.
- YAML definitions can be committed to git and tested.
- Automated checks validate upstream freshness before publishing.
- Supports JDBC and REST consumption.
- Runs in air-gap-ready private cloud, hybrid or on-premises environments.
What to know first
- Paid plans start at $0.50 per credit.
- AIDA token usage is billed separately on Enterprise and Mission-Critical.
- Free plan includes up to three clusters.
Alternatives to dbt Semantic Layer Alternatives to Starburst Enterprise Context Layer The whole list