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Machine Learning & Data Science · head to head

DataRobot vs Keras

DataRobot logo

DataRobot

Machine Learning & Data Science

Enterprise AI platform for automated machine learning

From
On request
Rated
-
Keras logo

Keras

Machine Learning & Data Science

Deep learning API for humans

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Only Keras has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: DataRobot model transparency is limited, often resembling a black box with limited explainability; Keras limited customization compared to TensorFlow; advanced users may find constraints in complex model designs
  • They diverge on capability: DataRobot covers Automated ML, Keras covers Sequential and Functional API.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DataRobot and Keras actually diverge.

Attributes where DataRobot and Keras differ
AttributeDataRobotKeras
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebPython, Google Colab, Jupyter
Founded20122015

Identical on both: 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 DataRobot

  • Automated ML
  • Model deployment
  • Time series
  • MLOps
  • Model monitoring
  • Snowflake
  • Databricks
  • AWS

Only in Keras

  • Sequential and Functional API
  • Pre-built neural network layers
  • Model training and evaluation
  • Transfer learning
  • Model serialization
  • TensorFlow
  • JAX
  • PyTorch

What people use each for

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

DataRobot

  • Machine learning
  • Data analysis
  • Model training
  • Predictive analytics

Keras

  • Machine learning
  • Data analysis
  • Model training
  • Predictive analytics

Both are used for machine learning, data analysis, model training, predictive analytics, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

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

DataRobot

  • Model transparency is limited, often resembling a black box with limited explainability
  • Requires integration with separate data manipulation tools for complex data transformation
  • Lacks native Python and R code customization for proprietary algorithms
  • Dependence on cloud connectivity means offline capabilities are not available
  • Uploading sensitive data to third-party servers raises data privacy and security concerns

Keras

  • Limited customization compared to TensorFlow; advanced users may find constraints in complex model designs
  • Error messages can be vague and unhelpful, making debugging challenging
  • Smaller ecosystem and fewer pre-trained models than TensorFlow or PyTorch

Pricing, plan by plan

DataRobot

On request
  • TrialFree
    • Limited access
    • Basic features
  • EnterpriseFree
    • Full platform
    • AutoML
    • MLOps

Keras

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • High-level API
    • Pre-built layers
    • Model serialization

Which should you pick?

Choose DataRobot if

  • You need automated ml.
  • You also want model deployment.

Choose Keras if

  • You need sequential and functional api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Python, Google Colab, Jupyter.
  • You also want pre-built neural network layers.

Questions people ask

Is DataRobot or Keras better?
Neither clearly leads. DataRobot starts at On request and Keras at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DataRobot or Keras?
Keras has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for DataRobot and Free for Keras.
Does DataRobot or Keras run on more platforms?
DataRobot runs on Web. Keras runs on Python, Google Colab, Jupyter.
Can I use Keras for free?
Yes. Keras has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. DataRobot starts at On request.
What is DataRobot best used for?
DataRobot is most often used for machine learning, data analysis, model training, predictive analytics.
What can DataRobot do that Keras cannot?
DataRobot covers Automated ML, Model deployment, Time series, MLOps. Keras covers Sequential and Functional API, Pre-built neural network layers, Model training and evaluation, Transfer learning.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

DataRobot: Does DataRobot require data science expertise?

DataRobot automates much of the ML pipeline including data preparation, feature engineering, and model selection, making it more accessible to non-experts, though it is still an enterprise platform.

Source
Keras: What is Keras?

Keras is a high-level deep learning API built on top of TensorFlow that simplifies building and training neural networks. Keras 3 supports multiple backends including TensorFlow, PyTorch, and JAX, making it backend-agnostic.

Source
DataRobot: What does DataRobot cost?

DataRobot uses custom enterprise pricing with typical starting costs around $2,500 per month for smaller organizations. For 10 users, monthly costs range from $15,000 to $20,000. Implementation and professional services are 20-40% of first-year contract value.

Source
Keras: What model architectures does Keras support?

Keras supports the Sequential model for linear stacks of layers, the Functional API for arbitrary graph architectures, and model subclassing for custom implementations. All approaches provide access to layers, optimizers, metrics, and callbacks.

Source
DataRobot: Does DataRobot support generative AI?

Yes, DataRobot offers generative AI capabilities with API-first integrations for LLMs, vector databases, and embedding models.

Source
Keras: Can Keras models run on TPUs and GPUs?

Yes, Keras models can run on TPU Pods or large GPU clusters, be exported to run in browsers or on mobile devices, and be served via web APIs.

Source
DataRobot: Can DataRobot handle unstructured data?

Yes, DataRobot supports machine learning on both structured and unstructured data, including deep learning, NLP, and image analysis.

Source
Keras: Does Keras offer pre-trained models?

Yes, Keras provides pre-trained models through KerasHub and Keras Applications for common deep learning tasks like image classification, object detection, and NLP.

Source
Keras: Who should use Keras?

Keras is ideal for beginners and rapid prototyping due to its simplicity and user-friendly interface. Advanced users and production deployments may benefit more from lower-level frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch for greater customization.

Source

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