Software · head to head
IBM SPSS vs SAS
The short version
- Each has a real cost: IBM SPSS add-on packages are priced separately from the base subscription, and the promotional 45% discount on them excludes renewals; SAS sAS publishes no rate, no minimum and no named cost driver; the how to buy page offers only a customized price quote based on your requirements and deployment preferences
- They diverge on capability: IBM SPSS covers Predictive modeling, SAS covers Machine learning.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which IBM SPSS and SAS actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (subscription), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 IBM SPSS
- Predictive modeling
- Data visualization
- Survey analysis
- Decision trees
- Excel
- SQL databases
- Mac support
Only in SAS
- Machine learning
- Forecasting
- Text analytics
- Optimization
- Hadoop
- Spark
- Cloud platforms
- Web support
Both cover
- Statistical analysis
- Python
- R
- Linux support
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
IBM SPSS
- Statistical testing and regression analysis for academic and market researchnot SAS
- Predictive modelling and forecasting without writing codenot SAS
SAS
- Regulated statistical analysis and clinical reportingnot IBM SPSS
- Enterprise data management, visualization and decisioning on one licensed platformnot IBM SPSS
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
SAS
- SAS publishes no rate, no minimum and no named cost driver; the how to buy page offers only a customized price quote based on your requirements and deployment preferences
- Most new and existing customers are routed through authorized resellers rather than buying direct
- Cloud marketplace purchases require choosing between pay as you go and bring your own licence, each with different licensing terms
Pricing, plan by plan
IBM SPSS
Free- TrialFree
- 14-day trial
- Full features
- Base$99/month
- Core statistics
- Data management
SAS
Free- SAS OnDemand for AcademicsFree
- Academic use
- Core SAS
- SAS ViyaFree
- Full platform
- Cloud-native
- AI/ML
Which should you pick?
Choose IBM SPSS if
- You need predictive modeling.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Linux, Mac, Windows.
- You also want data visualization.
Choose SAS if
- You need machine learning.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Linux, Windows, Web.
- You also want forecasting.
Questions people ask
- Is IBM SPSS or SAS better?
- Neither clearly leads. IBM SPSS starts at Free and SAS at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, IBM SPSS or SAS?
- IBM SPSS starts at Free and SAS at Free.
- Does IBM SPSS or SAS run on more platforms?
- IBM SPSS runs on Linux, Mac, Windows. SAS runs on Linux, Windows, Web.
- Can I use IBM SPSS for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is IBM SPSS best used for?
- IBM SPSS is most often used for statistical testing and regression analysis for academic and market research, predictive modelling and forecasting without writing code. Of those, statistical testing and regression analysis for academic and market research and predictive modelling and forecasting without writing code are not what SAS is typically brought in for.
- What can IBM SPSS do that SAS cannot?
- IBM SPSS covers Predictive modeling, Data visualization, Survey analysis, Decision trees. SAS covers Machine learning, Forecasting, Text analytics, Optimization. Both handle Statistical analysis, Python, R, Linux support.