Machine Learning & Data Science · head to head
BigQuery ML vs Alteryx
BigQuery ML
Machine Learning & Data Science
Machine learning in BigQuery using SQL
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: BigQuery ML not available in BigQuery's Standard edition, so the cheapest tier cannot use it; Alteryx starter is $250 per user per month billed annually, and the Professional and Enterprise editions are quote-only
- They diverge on capability: BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, Alteryx covers Data preparation.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which BigQuery ML and Alteryx actually diverge.
| Attribute | BigQuery ML | Alteryx |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | usage-based | subscription |
| Platforms | Web | Windows, Web |
| Founded | 2008 | 1997 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Machine Learning & Data Science).
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 BigQuery ML
- SQL-based ML
- AutoML Tables
- Model export
- Prediction functions
- Feature preprocessing
- BigQuery
- Vertex AI
- TensorFlow
Only in Alteryx
- Data preparation
- Data blending
- Predictive analytics
- Spatial analytics
- Reporting
- Python
- R
- Snowflake
Both cover
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
BigQuery ML
- Training models in SQL without exporting datanot Alteryx
- Linear and logistic regression on warehouse datanot Alteryx
- K-means clustering and matrix factorisation for recommendationsnot Alteryx
- Time series forecasting with ARIMA_PLUSnot Alteryx
- Running imported ONNX, TensorFlow or XGBoost models against BigQuery datanot Alteryx
Alteryx
- Data preparation and building AI-ready datasetsnot BigQuery ML
- Predictive analytics without writing codenot BigQuery ML
- Automating and orchestrating repeatable analytics workflowsnot BigQuery ML
- Enterprise reporting with governed, reusable logicnot BigQuery ML
- Connecting to Snowflake, Databricks and cloud warehouses alongside on-premises systemsnot BigQuery ML
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
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
Pricing, plan by plan
BigQuery ML
Free- Free TierFree
- 10GB storage
- 1TB queries
- On-Demand$5/TB
- Pay per TB scanned
- ML training costs
Alteryx
Free- TrialFree
- 14-day trial
- Full features
- Designer Desktop$5195/year
- Data prep
- Blending
- Analytics
Which should you pick?
Choose BigQuery ML if
- You need sql-based ml.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want automl tables.
Choose Alteryx if
- You need data preparation.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Web.
- You also want data blending.
Questions people ask
- Is BigQuery ML or Alteryx better?
- Neither clearly leads. BigQuery ML starts at Free and Alteryx at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, BigQuery ML or Alteryx?
- BigQuery ML starts at Free and Alteryx at Free.
- Does BigQuery ML or Alteryx run on more platforms?
- BigQuery ML runs on Web. Alteryx runs on Windows, Web.
- Can I use BigQuery ML for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is BigQuery ML best used for?
- BigQuery ML is most often used for training models in sql without exporting data, linear and logistic regression on warehouse data, k-means clustering and matrix factorisation for recommendations, time series forecasting with arima_plus. Of those, training models in sql without exporting data and linear and logistic regression on warehouse data are not what Alteryx is typically brought in for.
- What can BigQuery ML do that Alteryx cannot?
- BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, AutoML Tables, Model export, Prediction functions. Alteryx covers Data preparation, Data blending, Predictive analytics, Spatial analytics. Both handle Web support.
Related pages
More on BigQuery ML
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