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Spreadsheet & Data · head to head

Apache Superset vs Apache Spark MLlib

Apache Superset logo

Apache Superset

Spreadsheet & Data

Modern data exploration and visualization platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Apache Spark MLlib logo

Apache Spark MLlib

Machine Learning & Data Science

Scalable machine learning on Apache Spark

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apache Superset distributed under Apache License 2.0 with no official vendor-hosted SaaS; deploying it requires self-managed infrastructure since the Apache Software Foundation does not sell a managed offering.; Apache Spark MLlib apache Spark MLlib is Apache 2.0 licensed and free with no paid tier from the Apache project itself; SLA-backed support has to be sourced from a third party such as a managed Spark vendor rather than from Apache.
  • They diverge on capability: Apache Superset covers 40+ Visualizations, Apache Spark MLlib covers Classification.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apache Superset and Apache Spark MLlib actually diverge.

Attributes where Apache Superset and Apache Spark MLlib differ
AttributeApache SupersetApache Spark MLlib
PlatformsWeb, Self-hosted, DockerLinux, macOS, Windows
CategorySpreadsheet & DataMachine Learning & Data Science

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), founded (1999).

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 Apache Superset

  • 40+ Visualizations
  • SQL IDE
  • Semantic Layer
  • Caching
  • Security
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • Presto

Only in Apache Spark MLlib

  • Classification
  • Regression
  • Clustering
  • Collaborative filtering
  • Feature engineering
  • Apache Spark
  • Hadoop
  • Kafka

What people use each for

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

Apache Superset

  • Self-service analyticsnot Apache Spark MLlib
  • Data explorationnot Apache Spark MLlib
  • Ad-hoc reportingnot Apache Spark MLlib
  • Collaborative analysisnot Apache Spark MLlib
  • Embedded analyticsnot Apache Spark MLlib

Apache Spark MLlib

  • Large-scale distributed machine learning on Spark clustersnot Apache Superset
  • Classification and regression with decision trees, random forests, gradient-boosted treesnot Apache Superset
  • Clustering with K-means and Gaussian Mixture Modelsnot Apache Superset

Where each one falls short

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

Apache Superset

  • Distributed under Apache License 2.0 with no official vendor-hosted SaaS; deploying it requires self-managed infrastructure since the Apache Software Foundation does not sell a managed offering.

Apache Spark MLlib

  • Apache Spark MLlib is Apache 2.0 licensed and free with no paid tier from the Apache project itself; SLA-backed support has to be sourced from a third party such as a managed Spark vendor rather than from Apache.

Pricing, plan by plan

Apache Superset

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full Features
    • Self-hosted
    • Community Support

Apache Spark MLlib

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Apache Spark MLlib review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Apache Superset if

  • You need 40+ visualizations.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Self-hosted, Docker.
  • You also want sql ide.

Choose Apache Spark MLlib if

  • You need classification.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want regression.

Questions people ask

Is Apache Superset or Apache Spark MLlib better?
Neither clearly leads. Apache Superset starts at Free and Apache Spark MLlib at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apache Superset or Apache Spark MLlib?
Apache Superset starts at Free and Apache Spark MLlib at Free.
Does Apache Superset or Apache Spark MLlib run on more platforms?
Apache Superset runs on Web, Self-hosted, Docker. Apache Spark MLlib runs on Linux, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Apache Superset for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Apache Superset best used for?
Apache Superset is most often used for self-service analytics, data exploration, ad-hoc reporting, collaborative analysis. Of those, self-service analytics and data exploration are not what Apache Spark MLlib is typically brought in for.
What can Apache Superset do that Apache Spark MLlib cannot?
Apache Superset covers 40+ Visualizations, SQL IDE, Semantic Layer, Caching. Apache Spark MLlib covers Classification, Regression, Clustering, Collaborative filtering.

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