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Azure Machine Learning vs BigQuery ML

Azure Machine Learning logo

Azure Machine Learning

Software

Enterprise-grade machine learning service

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
BigQuery ML logo

BigQuery ML

Software

Machine learning in BigQuery using SQL

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Azure Machine Learning requires knowledge of Azure ecosystem and integration with other Azure services; BigQuery ML not available in BigQuery's Standard edition, so the cheapest tier cannot use it
  • They diverge on capability: Azure Machine Learning covers Automated ML, BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Azure Machine Learning and BigQuery ML actually diverge.

Attributes where Azure Machine Learning and BigQuery ML differ
AttributeAzure Machine LearningBigQuery ML
PlatformsAzure CloudWeb
Founded19752008

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (usage-based), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Azure Machine Learning

  • Automated ML
  • Designer (drag-and-drop)
  • Notebooks
  • MLOps
  • Model registry
  • Azure Blob Storage
  • Azure DevOps
  • Power BI

Only in BigQuery ML

  • SQL-based ML
  • AutoML Tables
  • Model export
  • Prediction functions
  • Feature preprocessing
  • BigQuery
  • Vertex AI
  • TensorFlow

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Azure Machine Learning

  • Machine learningnot BigQuery ML
  • Data analysisnot BigQuery ML
  • Model trainingnot BigQuery ML
  • Predictive analyticsnot BigQuery ML

BigQuery ML

  • Training models in SQL without exporting datanot Azure Machine Learning
  • Linear and logistic regression on warehouse datanot Azure Machine Learning
  • K-means clustering and matrix factorisation for recommendationsnot Azure Machine Learning
  • Time series forecasting with ARIMA_PLUSnot Azure Machine Learning
  • Running imported ONNX, TensorFlow or XGBoost models against BigQuery datanot Azure Machine Learning

Where each one falls short

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

Azure Machine Learning

  • Requires knowledge of Azure ecosystem and integration with other Azure services
  • Compute resources for training and inference generate separate charges

BigQuery ML

  • Not available in BigQuery's Standard edition, so the cheapest tier cannot use it
  • Billed through BigQuery compute and storage rather than as its own product, so training cost tracks data scanned
  • Remote models incur extra Agent Platform charges on top
  • Externally trained model types such as boosted trees and AutoML run through Agent Platform rather than inside BigQuery

Pricing, plan by plan

Azure Machine Learning

Free
  • Free TierFree
    • Limited compute
    • Basic features
  • Pay-as-you-go$0.05/hour
    • Full platform
    • All compute options
    • Enterprise features

BigQuery ML

Free
  • Free TierFree
    • 10GB storage
    • 1TB queries
  • On-Demand$5/TB
    • Pay per TB scanned
    • ML training costs

Which should you pick?

Choose Azure Machine Learning if

  • You need automated ml.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Azure Cloud.
  • You also want designer (drag-and-drop).
Azure Machine Learning review

Choose BigQuery ML if

  • You need sql-based ml.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want automl tables.
BigQuery ML review

Questions people ask

Is Azure Machine Learning or BigQuery ML better?
Neither clearly leads. Azure Machine Learning starts at Free and BigQuery ML at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Azure Machine Learning or BigQuery ML?
Azure Machine Learning starts at Free and BigQuery ML at Free.
Does Azure Machine Learning or BigQuery ML run on more platforms?
Azure Machine Learning runs on Azure Cloud. BigQuery ML runs on Web.
Can I use Azure Machine Learning for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Azure Machine Learning best used for?
Azure Machine Learning is most often used for machine learning, data analysis, model training, predictive analytics. Of those, machine learning and data analysis are not what BigQuery ML is typically brought in for.
What can Azure Machine Learning do that BigQuery ML cannot?
Azure Machine Learning covers Automated ML, Designer (drag-and-drop), Notebooks, MLOps. BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, AutoML Tables, Model export, Prediction functions. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Azure Machine Learning: Does Azure Machine Learning have any platform licensing fees?

No, Azure Machine Learning carries no extra cost. You only pay for the underlying compute resources utilized during model training or inference.

Source
Azure Machine Learning: What AutoML capabilities does Azure Machine Learning provide?

Azure Machine Learning supports automated model creation for classification, regression, vision, and natural language processing tasks.

Source
Azure Machine Learning: Does Azure ML support language model fine-tuning?

Yes, Azure Machine Learning supports fine-tuning of foundation models from providers including OpenAI, Meta, Hugging Face, and Cohere.

Source
Azure Machine Learning: What MLOps features are included?

Azure ML includes end-to-end pipeline automation with CI/CD capabilities, managed endpoints for model deployment, and monitoring tools.

Source
Azure Machine Learning: Can I access foundation models from multiple vendors?

Yes, Azure Machine Learning provides access to a model catalog with foundation models from Microsoft, OpenAI, Hugging Face, Meta, and Cohere.

Source
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Related pages

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