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Machine Learning · head to head

Alteryx vs SAS

Alteryx logo

Alteryx

Machine Learning

Analytics automation platform

From
$250/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SAS logo

SAS

Machine Learning

Analytics, AI and data management software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SAS has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Alteryx starter is $250 per user per month billed annually, and the Professional and Enterprise editions are quote-only; SAS sAS publishes no rate, no minimum and no named cost driver; the how to buy page offers only a customized price quote based on your requirements and deployment preferences
  • They diverge on capability: Alteryx covers Data preparation, SAS covers Statistical analysis.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Alteryx and SAS actually diverge.

Attributes where Alteryx and SAS differ
AttributeAlteryxSAS
Starting price$250/monthFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, WebLinux, Windows, Web
Founded19971976

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Machine Learning).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Alteryx

  • Data preparation
  • Data blending
  • Predictive analytics
  • Spatial analytics
  • Reporting
  • Snowflake
  • AWS
  • Tableau

Only in SAS

  • Statistical analysis
  • Machine learning
  • Forecasting
  • Text analytics
  • Optimization
  • Hadoop
  • Spark
  • Cloud platforms

Both cover

  • Python
  • R
  • Windows support
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Alteryx

  • Data preparation and building AI-ready datasetsnot SAS
  • Predictive analytics without writing codenot SAS
  • Automating and orchestrating repeatable analytics workflowsnot SAS
  • Enterprise reporting with governed, reusable logicnot SAS
  • Connecting to Snowflake, Databricks and cloud warehouses alongside on-premises systemsnot SAS

SAS

  • Regulated statistical analysis and clinical reportingnot Alteryx
  • Enterprise data management, visualization and decisioning on one licensed platformnot Alteryx

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Alteryx

  • Starter is $250 per user per month billed annually, and the Professional and Enterprise editions are quote-only
  • Automation runs are metered, with 50 included on Starter and 15,000 on Professional, and more must be bought
  • Cost depends on three separate dimensions at once: edition, user role and automation capacity
  • Advanced analytics, governance and orchestration are withheld from the entry edition

SAS

  • SAS publishes no rate, no minimum and no named cost driver; the how to buy page offers only a customized price quote based on your requirements and deployment preferences
  • Most new and existing customers are routed through authorized resellers rather than buying direct
  • Cloud marketplace purchases require choosing between pay as you go and bring your own licence, each with different licensing terms

Pricing, plan by plan

Alteryx

$250/month
  • Starter Edition$250/month
    • 1-10 users
    • 50 automation runs included
    • Cloud only
  • Professional Edition$null/month
    • Basic and Full users
    • 15,000 automation runs included
    • Cloud and desktop deployment
  • Enterprise Edition$null/month
    • All user types
    • 15,000 automation runs included
    • All deployment options

SAS

Free
  • SAS OnDemand for AcademicsFree
    • Academic use
    • Core SAS
  • SAS ViyaFree
    • Full platform
    • Cloud-native
    • AI/ML

Which should you pick?

Choose Alteryx if

  • You need data preparation.
  • You work on Windows, Web.
  • You also want data blending.
Alteryx review

Choose SAS if

  • You need statistical analysis.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, Web.
  • You also want machine learning.
SAS review

Questions people ask

Is Alteryx or SAS better?
Neither clearly leads. Alteryx starts at $250/month and SAS at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Alteryx or SAS?
SAS has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $250/month for Alteryx and Free for SAS.
Does Alteryx or SAS run on more platforms?
Alteryx runs on Windows, Web. SAS runs on Linux, Windows, Web.
Can I use SAS for free?
Yes. SAS has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Alteryx starts at $250/month.
What is Alteryx best used for?
Alteryx is most often used for data preparation and building ai-ready datasets, predictive analytics without writing code, automating and orchestrating repeatable analytics workflows, enterprise reporting with governed, reusable logic. Of those, data preparation and building ai-ready datasets and predictive analytics without writing code are not what SAS is typically brought in for.
What can Alteryx do that SAS cannot?
Alteryx covers Data preparation, Data blending, Predictive analytics, Spatial analytics. SAS covers Statistical analysis, Machine learning, Forecasting, Text analytics. Both handle Python, R, Windows support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Alteryx: How much does Alteryx Starter cost?

Alteryx Starter Edition costs $250 USD per user per month when billed annually, for teams of 1-10 users.

Source
SAS: Does SAS offer a free trial?

Yes, SAS offers a free trial through a private trial environment for SAS Viya. Interested customers can request access by submitting a trial form on their website.

Source
Alteryx: Is there a free trial for Alteryx?

Yes, Alteryx offers a 30-day free trial to evaluate the platform before committing to a paid plan.

Source
SAS: How does SAS price its software?

SAS does not publish standard pricing on its website. Instead, it uses a custom enterprise sales model where customers can choose between paying as-you-go or purchasing SAS Viya Enterprise. Specific pricing must be requested directly from their sales team.

Source
Alteryx: What differentiates Alteryx Professional from Starter?

Professional Edition supports both Basic and Full user roles, includes 15,000 automation runs, offers cloud and desktop deployment, connects to 100+ data sources, and enables advanced data preparation and macros. Professional and Enterprise editions require contacting sales for pricing.

Source
SAS: What are my pricing options?

SAS offers flexible purchasing models including pay-as-you-go and enterprise licensing options. The company states they can help you find the environment that fits your needs, but specific terms must be discussed with sales.

Source
SAS: How do I get a pricing quote?

You can request pricing through their website by using the quote request form, requesting a customized demo, or contacting their sales team directly.

Source
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