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Machine Learning · head to head

BigQuery ML vs DataCamp

BigQuery ML logo

BigQuery ML

Machine Learning

Machine learning in BigQuery using SQL

From
Free
Rated
-
DataCamp logo

DataCamp

Education

Learn data science and AI skills online

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; DataCamp free tier limited to first chapter of every course only
  • They diverge on capability: BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, DataCamp covers Interactive courses.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where BigQuery ML and DataCamp differ
AttributeBigQuery MLDataCamp
Pricing modelusage-basedfreemium
PlatformsWebWeb, Mobile
CategoryMachine LearningEducation
Founded20082013

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 BigQuery ML

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

Only in DataCamp

  • Interactive courses
  • Hands-on projects
  • Skill assessments
  • Career tracks
  • Certifications
  • Workspace
  • Mobile app
  • Practice mode

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

DataCamp

  • Interactive data science and AI education with 790+ coursesnot BigQuery ML
  • Career-track learning (36-44 hours) for role-specific competencynot BigQuery ML
  • Team upskilling with admin dashboards and learning activity trackingnot BigQuery ML
  • Hands-on projects, certifications, and industry-recognised credentialsnot 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

DataCamp

  • Free tier limited to first chapter of every course only
  • Premium plan requires annual billing with no monthly option
  • Teams plan requires minimum 2+ users with annual upfront billing
  • Free tier excludes access to 790+ courses and skill assessments

Pricing, plan by plan

BigQuery ML

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

DataCamp

Free
  • BasicFree
    • First chapter of every course
    • All cheat sheets and tutorials
    • Mobile learning
  • Premium$28/month
    • 790+ courses
    • Projects
    • Certificates
  • Teams$28/month_per_user
    • Everything in Premium
    • Admin dashboard
    • License management

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 DataCamp if

  • You need interactive courses.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want hands-on projects.

Questions people ask

Is BigQuery ML or DataCamp better?
Neither clearly leads. BigQuery ML starts at Free and DataCamp at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, BigQuery ML or DataCamp?
BigQuery ML starts at Free and DataCamp at Free.
Does BigQuery ML or DataCamp run on more platforms?
BigQuery ML runs on Web. DataCamp runs on Web, Mobile.
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 DataCamp is typically brought in for.
What can BigQuery ML do that DataCamp cannot?
BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, AutoML Tables, Model export, Prediction functions. DataCamp covers Interactive courses, Hands-on projects, Skill assessments, Career tracks. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

BigQuery ML: How much does Google Cloud BigQuery ML cost?

BigQuery ML pricing is not specified separately on Google Cloud's pricing page. It follows the same pay-as-you-go model as BigQuery, charging per terabyte of data scanned during analysis. Customers receive $300 in free credits and can use 20+ products free up to monthly limits.

Source
DataCamp: What does DataCamp's free plan include?

DataCamp Basic is free and includes access to the first chapter of every course, all cheat sheets, tutorials, mobile learning, live code-alongs, competitions, a professional profile, and skill assessments.

Source
BigQuery ML: Does Google Cloud offer a free trial?

Yes, new customers get $300 in free credits and all customers can use 20+ Google Cloud products free up to their monthly usage limits.

Source
DataCamp: How much does DataCamp Premium cost annually?

Premium costs $28 per month when billed annually, and DataCamp advertises savings of $90 with yearly billing compared to monthly rates. Premium unlocks 790+ courses, projects, certificates, and priority support.

Source
DataCamp: Does DataCamp offer team or multi-user pricing?

Yes, DataCamp Teams is available for teams of 2 and up at $28 per user per month billed annually. It includes admin dashboard, license management, team performance reports, and SSO options (Google or Microsoft).

Source
DataCamp: What currencies does DataCamp accept?

DataCamp pricing is available in USD, GBP, CAD, AUD, EUR, BRL, MXN, and INR, allowing customers to pay in their local currency.

Source
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