AI Tool

Steampipe Review

Steampipe allows users to query cloud APIs, code, and other data sources using SQL, offering zero-ETL access to over 150 data sources.

shipped Sep 16, 2026freemium

Domain rating64Monthly visits1.6K/mo

Why it matters

1Provides zero-ETL access to over 150 data sources.

2Utilizes an embedded PostgreSQL database and a plugin-based architecture with over 140 plugins.

3Supports auditing, inventory management, and compliance checks across multiple cloud providers.

4Integrated with Powerpipe for dashboards and benchmarks since March 2024.

Specs

API Docs

View Documentation →

GitHub

View Repository →

API Available

Yes, public API

overview

What is Steampipe?

Steampipe is an open-source, zero-ETL tool developed by Turbot that enables users to query cloud services, APIs, and other data sources using standard SQL. It presents dynamic data from various platforms as relational tables, enabling real-time querying and analysis without complex data ingestion or storage. The platform transforms cloud APIs into SQL-queryable tables, providing flexibility for custom security posture checks and resource identification. It includes an embedded PostgreSQL database and a plugin-based architecture, supporting over 140 plugins for various cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP), SaaS applications (GitHub, Okta, Cloudflare), and other services (Kubernetes, OpenAI). Steampipe requires SQL knowledge and custom query development for specific use cases.

features

Key Features of Steampipe

Steampipe provides a comprehensive set of features designed for real-time data access and analysis across diverse platforms. Its core functionality revolves around transforming complex API data into a universally understood SQL format, facilitating various operational and security tasks.

Query cloud APIs, code, and other data sources using SQL.
Zero-ETL access to over 150 data sources via plugins.
Transforms cloud APIs into SQL-queryable tables.
Enables custom security posture checks and resource identification.
Provides a common SQL interface for diverse clouds and services.
Open-source core with an embedded PostgreSQL database.
No external database required for basic operation.
Offers standalone Export CLIs for data extraction.

use cases

Who Should Use Steampipe?

Steampipe is primarily designed for technical professionals who require real-time, SQL-based access to cloud and API data for auditing, management, and compliance. Its capabilities are particularly beneficial for roles involved in cloud operations, security, and data analysis.

Cloud Engineers & DevOps Professionals: For unified cloud asset management, inventory, and real-time operational insights across AWS, Azure, GCP, and other services.
Security & Compliance Teams: To create SQL-based checks for security misconfigurations, monitor compliance with frameworks like CIS, NIST, and PCI DSS, and ensure audit readiness.
Data Analysts & Scientists: For simplified access to metadata and real-time operational data from various APIs for data science projects and troubleshooting.
Developers: To integrate real-time checks into CI/CD pipelines and avoid writing one-off scripts for API data access.
IT Auditors: To perform comprehensive audits and generate reports on cloud resource configurations and compliance status.

how to use

How to Use Steampipe

Getting started with Steampipe involves installing the CLI, configuring plugins for desired data sources, and then executing standard SQL queries to retrieve and analyze data. The tool leverages an embedded PostgreSQL database for query processing.

1Install the Steampipe CLI (e.g., brew install steampipe on macOS).
2Install desired plugins for cloud providers or SaaS applications (e.g., steampipe plugin install aws).
3Configure plugin credentials (e.g., AWS access keys) in ~/.steampipe/config/aws.spc.
4Start the Steampipe service (steampipe service start).
5Connect to Steampipe using the steampipe query command or a PostgreSQL client.
6Execute SQL queries against the virtual tables exposed by the plugins (e.g., select title, akas from aws_s3_bucket;).

pricing

Steampipe Pricing & Plans

Steampipe operates on a freemium model, offering its core open-source CLI and plugins for free. The Cloud tier is also available free for developers, providing additional features and managed services. Specific pricing for enterprise or advanced cloud features is not publicly detailed but is part of the broader Turbot Pipes ecosystem.

Freemium: Includes the open-source Steampipe CLI and all plugins.
Cloud: Free for developers, offering enhanced features and managed services.

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Pros

+Unified SQL interface for over 150 diverse data sources, reducing context switching.
+Zero-ETL architecture ensures real-time data access without complex ingestion or storage.
+Highly flexible for custom security posture checks, compliance auditing, and inventory management.
+Open-source core with an extensive plugin ecosystem (over 140 plugins).
+Low learning curve for users familiar with SQL, enabling rapid adoption.
+Integration with Powerpipe for advanced dashboards and benchmarks.

Cons

−Requires SQL knowledge for effective custom query development.
−Performance can be dependent on the responsiveness of the underlying APIs being queried.
−While open-source, advanced features and managed services are part of a broader commercial ecosystem (Turbot Pipes).
−The deprecation of steampipe mod, check, and dashboard commands in favor of Powerpipe requires users to adapt to a new tool for these functionalities.