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Machine Learning & Data Science · head to head

BigQuery ML vs Anaconda

BigQuery ML logo

BigQuery ML

Machine Learning & Data Science

Machine learning in BigQuery using SQL

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Anaconda logo

Anaconda

Machine Learning & Data Science

The world's most popular data science platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: BigQuery ML not available in BigQuery's Standard edition, so the cheapest tier cannot use it; Anaconda dependency resolution slower than pip due to SAT solver complexity
  • They diverge on capability: BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, Anaconda covers Conda package manager.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which BigQuery ML and Anaconda actually diverge.

Attributes where BigQuery ML and Anaconda differ
AttributeBigQuery MLAnaconda
Pricing modelusage-basedUnknown
PlatformsWebWindows, macOS, Linux, Web/Cloud
Founded20082012

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 Anaconda

  • Conda package manager
  • Environment management
  • 1500+ packages
  • Navigator GUI
  • Cross-platform support
  • Jupyter
  • VS Code
  • PyCharm

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 Anaconda
  • Linear and logistic regression on warehouse datanot Anaconda
  • K-means clustering and matrix factorisation for recommendationsnot Anaconda
  • Time series forecasting with ARIMA_PLUSnot Anaconda
  • Running imported ONNX, TensorFlow or XGBoost models against BigQuery datanot Anaconda

Anaconda

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

Anaconda

  • Dependency resolution slower than pip due to SAT solver complexity
  • Not all PyPI packages available through default Anaconda repository
  • Requires paid licenses for organizations with 200+ employees
  • Larger disk footprint than minimal Python installations

Pricing, plan by plan

BigQuery ML

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

Anaconda

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 600+ pre-installed packages
    • Anaconda Navigator
    • 5GB cloud storage
  • Starter$15/month
    • 10GB cloud storage per user
    • Professional development environment
    • Team workspace controls
  • Business$50/month
    • Automated vulnerability scanning
    • Audit trails
    • Enterprise SSO

Which should you pick?

Choose BigQuery ML if

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

Choose Anaconda if

  • You need conda package manager.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, Web/Cloud.
  • You also want environment management.
Anaconda review

Questions people ask

Is BigQuery ML or Anaconda better?
Neither clearly leads. BigQuery ML starts at Free and Anaconda at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, BigQuery ML or Anaconda?
BigQuery ML starts at Free and Anaconda at Free.
Does BigQuery ML or Anaconda run on more platforms?
BigQuery ML runs on Web. Anaconda runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Web/Cloud.
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 Anaconda is typically brought in for.
What can BigQuery ML do that Anaconda cannot?
BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, AutoML Tables, Model export, Prediction functions. Anaconda covers Conda package manager, Environment management, 1500+ packages, Navigator GUI.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Anaconda: Does Anaconda have a free version?

Yes. Anaconda Distribution is free and includes 600+ pre-installed data science packages, Navigator, and 5GB of cloud storage. Organizations with 200+ employees must use paid plans unless they qualify for academic or non-profit exemptions.

Source
Anaconda: What is the difference between Anaconda Distribution and Miniconda?

Anaconda Distribution includes 600+ pre-installed packages optimized for data science out of the box. Miniconda is lightweight with only conda, Python, and essential packages, requiring manual installation of additional libraries.

Source
Anaconda: Does Anaconda integrate with VS Code?

Yes. Anaconda environments can be activated in VS Code, and you can run Jupyter Notebooks directly. Both JupyterLab and conda can be managed through the VS Code Jupyter extension.

Source
Anaconda: What platforms does Anaconda support?

Anaconda runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with cloud-based deployment options. Anaconda Notebooks provides a cloud-based JupyterLab environment requiring no local installation.

Source
Anaconda: Do all PyPI packages work with Anaconda?

Not all PyPI packages are available through Anaconda's default conda repository. When a package is unavailable in conda, you can install it from conda-forge or pip as an alternative.

Source
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