Machine Learning & Data Science · head to head
BigQuery ML vs IBM SPSS

BigQuery ML
Machine Learning & Data Science
Machine learning in BigQuery using SQL
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -

IBM SPSS
Machine Learning & Data Science
Statistical analysis software for data science
- 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; IBM SPSS add-on packages are priced separately from the base subscription, and the promotional 45% discount on them excludes renewals
- They diverge on capability: BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, IBM SPSS covers Statistical analysis.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which BigQuery ML and IBM SPSS actually diverge.
| Attribute | BigQuery ML | IBM SPSS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | usage-based | subscription |
| Platforms | Web | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Founded | 2008 | 1911 |
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 IBM SPSS
- Statistical analysis
- Predictive modeling
- Data visualization
- Survey analysis
- Decision trees
- Python
- R
- Excel
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 IBM SPSS
- Linear and logistic regression on warehouse datanot IBM SPSS
- K-means clustering and matrix factorisation for recommendationsnot IBM SPSS
- Time series forecasting with ARIMA_PLUSnot IBM SPSS
- Running imported ONNX, TensorFlow or XGBoost models against BigQuery datanot IBM SPSS
IBM SPSS
- Statistical testing and regression analysis for academic and market researchnot BigQuery ML
- Predictive modelling and forecasting without writing codenot 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
IBM SPSS
- Add-on packages are priced separately from the base subscription, and the promotional 45% discount on them excludes renewals
- Subscription cost renews at the then current price at the end of the first year, so the advertised rate applies to the first term only
- Prices shown are described by IBM as indicative, vary by country and exclude applicable taxes and duties
- Extended access periods of 12 months or more are handled as tailored pricing rather than a published rate
- Advanced statistics, custom tables, decision trees and forecasting are separate add-ons rather than part of the base product
Pricing, plan by plan
BigQuery ML
Free- Free TierFree
- 10GB storage
- 1TB queries
- On-Demand$5/TB
- Pay per TB scanned
- ML training costs
IBM SPSS
Free- TrialFree
- 14-day trial
- Full features
- Base$99/month
- Core statistics
- Data 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 IBM SPSS if
- You need statistical analysis.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Linux, Mac, Windows.
- You also want predictive modeling.
Questions people ask
- Is BigQuery ML or IBM SPSS better?
- Neither clearly leads. BigQuery ML starts at Free and IBM SPSS at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, BigQuery ML or IBM SPSS?
- BigQuery ML starts at Free and IBM SPSS at Free.
- Does BigQuery ML or IBM SPSS run on more platforms?
- BigQuery ML runs on Web. IBM SPSS runs on Linux, Mac, Windows.
- 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 IBM SPSS is typically brought in for.
- What can BigQuery ML do that IBM SPSS cannot?
- BigQuery ML covers SQL-based ML, AutoML Tables, Model export, Prediction functions. IBM SPSS covers Statistical analysis, Predictive modeling, Data visualization, Survey analysis.
Related pages
More on BigQuery ML
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- IBM SPSS vs Comet ML
- IBM SPSS vs Keras
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