Softwr

Machine Learning & Data Science · head to head

AWS SageMaker vs Labster

AWS SageMaker logo

AWS SageMaker

Machine Learning & Data Science

Build, train, and deploy machine learning models at scale

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Labster logo

Labster

Education & E-Learning

Virtual science labs for immersive learning

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only AWS SageMaker has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: AWS SageMaker vendor lock-in to AWS ecosystem makes migration to other platforms difficult; Labster customization is limited and labs cannot be easily adapted to specific course learning outcomes
  • They diverge on capability: AWS SageMaker covers Jupyter notebooks, Labster covers Virtual simulations.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AWS SageMaker and Labster actually diverge.

Attributes where AWS SageMaker and Labster differ
AttributeAWS SageMakerLabster
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
CategoryMachine Learning & Data ScienceEducation & E-Learning
Founded20062011

Identical on both: platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 AWS SageMaker

  • Jupyter notebooks
  • Built-in algorithms
  • Automatic model tuning
  • One-click deployment
  • Model monitoring
  • S3
  • Lambda
  • Step Functions

Only in Labster

  • Virtual simulations
  • 3D environments
  • Theory pages
  • Quizzes
  • Lab reports
  • Progress tracking
  • Mobile access
  • Multiplayer

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

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

AWS SageMaker

  • Machine learningnot Labster
  • Data analysisnot Labster
  • Model trainingnot Labster
  • Predictive analyticsnot Labster

Labster

  • Virtual labsnot AWS SageMaker
  • Pre-lab preparationnot AWS SageMaker
  • Supplemental learningnot AWS SageMaker
  • Remote educationnot AWS SageMaker

Where each one falls short

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

AWS SageMaker

  • Vendor lock-in to AWS ecosystem makes migration to other platforms difficult
  • Opaque pricing can lead to unexpected expenses like forgotten EBS volume charges
  • Does not include native job scheduling, requiring Lambda or EventBridge integration

Labster

  • Customization is limited and labs cannot be easily adapted to specific course learning outcomes
  • Simulations can lag or freeze depending on operating system and connection speed
  • Cannot fully replace hands-on physical lab experience and data collection
  • Students report preference for tactile physical lab experience over virtual simulations

Pricing, plan by plan

AWS SageMaker

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the AWS SageMaker review.

Labster

On request
  • Student Access$49/month
    • Course simulations
    • Mobile access
    • Progress tracking
  • Institution$undefined/month
    • All simulations
    • LMS integration
    • Analytics
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • Custom content
    • API access
    • Priority support

Which should you pick?

Choose AWS SageMaker if

  • You need jupyter notebooks.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want built-in algorithms.
AWS SageMaker review

Choose Labster if

  • You need virtual simulations.
  • You also want 3d environments.
Labster review

Questions people ask

Is AWS SageMaker or Labster better?
Neither clearly leads. AWS SageMaker starts at Free and Labster at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AWS SageMaker or Labster?
AWS SageMaker has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for AWS SageMaker and On request for Labster.
Does AWS SageMaker or Labster run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use AWS SageMaker for free?
Yes. AWS SageMaker has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Labster starts at On request.
What is AWS SageMaker best used for?
AWS SageMaker is most often used for machine learning, data analysis, model training, predictive analytics. Of those, machine learning and data analysis are not what Labster is typically brought in for.
What can AWS SageMaker do that Labster cannot?
AWS SageMaker covers Jupyter notebooks, Built-in algorithms, Automatic model tuning, One-click deployment. Labster covers Virtual simulations, 3D environments, Theory pages, Quizzes. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

AWS SageMaker: What is AWS SageMaker used for?

AWS SageMaker is a machine learning service for building, training, and deploying ML models at scale. It provides tools for data preparation, model training, inference endpoints, and performance optimization.

Source
Labster: What STEM subjects does Labster cover?

Labster provides interactive 3D simulations across biology, chemistry, physics, and other STEM subjects, designed for university, college, and high school students.

AWS SageMaker: How is AWS SageMaker priced?

SageMaker uses pay-as-you-go pricing with no upfront costs or long-term commitments. Pricing starts at $0.04 per hour for basic notebook instances and scales based on instance type. ML Savings Plans offer up to 64% off with hourly spend commitments.

Source
Labster: How many students has Labster served?

Labster has served over 6 million students and thousands of institutions globally with its virtual lab simulations.

AWS SageMaker: Does AWS SageMaker have a free tier?

Yes, the free tier includes 250 hours of notebook usage, 50 hours of training, and 125 hours of hosting on ml.t3.medium instances during the first two months.

Source
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Related pages

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