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Machine Learning & Data Science · head to head

IBM SPSS vs Apache Spark MLlib

IBM SPSS logo

IBM SPSS

Machine Learning & Data Science

Statistical analysis software for data science

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Apache Spark MLlib logo

Apache Spark MLlib

Machine Learning & Data Science

Scalable machine learning on Apache Spark

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; Apache Spark MLlib apache Spark MLlib is Apache 2.0 licensed and free with no paid tier from the Apache project itself; SLA-backed support has to be sourced from a third party such as a managed Spark vendor rather than from Apache.
  • They diverge on capability: IBM SPSS covers Statistical analysis, Apache Spark MLlib covers Classification.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which IBM SPSS and Apache Spark MLlib actually diverge.

Attributes where IBM SPSS and Apache Spark MLlib differ
AttributeIBM SPSSApache Spark MLlib
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
PlatformsLinux, Mac, WindowsLinux, macOS, Windows
Founded19111999

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 IBM SPSS

  • Statistical analysis
  • Predictive modeling
  • Data visualization
  • Survey analysis
  • Decision trees
  • Python
  • R
  • Excel

Only in Apache Spark MLlib

  • Classification
  • Regression
  • Clustering
  • Collaborative filtering
  • Feature engineering
  • Apache Spark
  • Hadoop
  • Kafka

Both cover

  • Linux support
  • Mac 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 Apache Spark MLlib
  • Predictive modelling and forecasting without writing codenot Apache Spark MLlib

Apache Spark MLlib

  • Large-scale distributed machine learning on Spark clustersnot IBM SPSS
  • Classification and regression with decision trees, random forests, gradient-boosted treesnot IBM SPSS
  • Clustering with K-means and Gaussian Mixture Modelsnot 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

Apache Spark MLlib

  • Apache Spark MLlib is Apache 2.0 licensed and free with no paid tier from the Apache project itself; SLA-backed support has to be sourced from a third party such as a managed Spark vendor rather than from Apache.

Pricing, plan by plan

IBM SPSS

Free
  • TrialFree
    • 14-day trial
    • Full features
  • Base$99/month
    • Core statistics
    • Data management

Apache Spark MLlib

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Apache Spark MLlib review.

Which should you pick?

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.
IBM SPSS review

Choose Apache Spark MLlib if

  • You need classification.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want regression.
Apache Spark MLlib review

Questions people ask

Is IBM SPSS or Apache Spark MLlib better?
Neither clearly leads. IBM SPSS starts at Free and Apache Spark MLlib at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, IBM SPSS or Apache Spark MLlib?
IBM SPSS starts at Free and Apache Spark MLlib at Free.
Does IBM SPSS or Apache Spark MLlib run on more platforms?
IBM SPSS runs on Linux, Mac, Windows. Apache Spark MLlib runs on Linux, macOS, Windows.
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 Apache Spark MLlib is typically brought in for.
What can IBM SPSS do that Apache Spark MLlib cannot?
IBM SPSS covers Statistical analysis, Predictive modeling, Data visualization, Survey analysis. Apache Spark MLlib covers Classification, Regression, Clustering, Collaborative filtering. Both handle Linux support, Mac support, Windows support.
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