Comparison

SearchBird vs Looker Studio for GSC Reporting

Both tools can give you a better GSC dashboard than the native interface. Here's how they compare.

The Short Version

FeatureLooker StudioSearchBird
Setup timeHours to days60 seconds
CustomizationUnlimitedOpinionated defaults
CostFreeFree tier + paid
Multiple propertiesManual setup eachAutomatic
MaintenanceYou maintain itWe maintain it
Mobile appNoiOS app + widget
Data blendingYes, any sourceGSC only

When to Use Looker Studio

Looker Studio (formerly Data Studio) is Google's free business intelligence tool. It's powerful, flexible, and can connect to almost any data source.

You want complete control over visualization

Build exactly the charts and layouts you want. Every pixel is customizable.

You need to combine GSC with other data sources

Blend GSC data with Google Analytics, BigQuery, spreadsheets, or any other connector.

You have time to set up and maintain dashboards

Initial setup takes hours. Updates and maintenance are ongoing.

You enjoy building dashboards

If dashboard design is fun for you, Looker Studio is a playground.

When to Use SearchBird

SearchBird is purpose-built for one thing: seeing all your GSC properties in one view. It's opinionated by design.

You want a working dashboard in 60 seconds

Connect your Google account and you're done. No configuration, no data source setup.

You manage many properties and want them all in one view

Every property you have access to appears automatically. Add a new client? It shows up.

You don't want to maintain a custom solution

We handle updates, API changes, and new features. You just use it.

You want mobile access with an actual app

Native iOS app with home screen widget. Check your sites while waiting for coffee.

Detailed Comparison

Setup Process

Looker Studio

  1. 1. Create new report
  2. 2. Add GSC data source
  3. 3. Configure connection for each property
  4. 4. Design your layout
  5. 5. Add charts, tables, filters
  6. 6. Style and format
  7. 7. Repeat for each property you want to track

SearchBird

  1. 1. Click "Connect with Google"
  2. 2. Done

All properties appear automatically.

Multiple Properties

Looker Studio

Each property needs its own data source. To see 20 properties in one report, you need 20 data sources and creative blending or multiple pages. Most people create separate reports per property.

SearchBird

All properties in one sortable table. Filter, sort, compare — they're all there from the start. New properties appear automatically when you get access.

Mobile Experience

Looker Studio

Web-only. Reports can be viewed on mobile browsers but aren't optimized for it. No native app, no widgets.

SearchBird

Native iOS app designed for mobile. Home screen widget shows your top properties at a glance. Check performance without opening an app.

Cost

Looker Studio

Free to use. Cost is your time: setup, customization, and ongoing maintenance.

SearchBird

Free tier for up to 3 properties. Pro plans for more properties and advanced features. No per-property pricing.

The Bottom Line

Choose Looker Studio if you need complete customization, want to blend multiple data sources, or enjoy building dashboards.

Choose SearchBird if you want to see all your GSC properties in one view with zero setup, on mobile and desktop.

Try SearchBird Free

See all your GSC properties in 60 seconds

Related Guides

GSC Limitations

5 frustrating GSC limits and how to work around them.

GSC API Guide

Build your own GSC dashboard with Python or JavaScript.