Side by side
Metriql 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.
Choose Metriql if you want a free, self-hosted way to define metrics centrally and expose them through BI and data tools. Teams that need mature BI integrations or want Metriql to run their dbt table or incremental models should account for the project's alpha integrations and model-running requirement.
Visit Metriql
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
| Metriql | Starburst Enterprise Context Layer | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | No |
| Runs on | API, Self-hosted, Web | API, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | See the plans |
| Plans published | None | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | metriql.com | starburst.io |
| On semantic layer software | #11 of 28 | #7 of 28 |
Metriql: what it does well
- Open-source metrics store for defining metrics as code.
- Integrates with dbt and maps its resources to datasets.
- Provides a REST API, JDBC driver, and CLI.
- Listed adapters include Postgres, BigQuery, Snowflake, and ClickHouse.
- Supports centrally defined, governed metrics and dimensions with joins.
What to know first
- All listed BI integrations are in alpha.
- Metriql does not run dbt models; teams must run table or incremental models themselves.
- Not all dbt adapters are supported.
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 Metriql Alternatives to Starburst Enterprise Context Layer The whole list