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Machine Learning · head to head

IBM SPSS vs Stata

IBM SPSS logo

IBM SPSS

Machine Learning

Statistical analysis software for data science

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Stata logo

Stata

Machine Learning

Data science software for research professionals

From
$48/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only IBM SPSS has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • 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; Stata the entry Stata/BE edition is capped at 2,048 variables and 798 independent variables in a model
  • They diverge on capability: IBM SPSS covers Predictive modeling, Stata covers Data management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which IBM SPSS and Stata actually diverge.

Attributes where IBM SPSS and Stata differ
AttributeIBM SPSSStata
Starting priceFree$48/year
Free tierYesNo
Founded19111985

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), platforms (Linux, Mac, Windows), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Machine Learning).

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
  • Decision trees
  • R
  • SQL databases

Only in Stata

  • Data management
  • Graphics
  • Econometrics
  • ODBC
  • SAS

Both cover

  • Statistical analysis
  • Survey analysis
  • Python
  • Excel
  • 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 Stata
  • Predictive modelling and forecasting without writing codenot Stata

Stata

  • Statistical analysis and data analysisnot IBM SPSS
  • Econometric modelingnot IBM SPSS
  • Biostatistics and epidemiologynot IBM SPSS
  • Academic and research data analysisnot 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

Stata

  • The entry Stata/BE edition is capped at 2,048 variables and 798 independent variables in a model
  • Raising the variable limit to 32,767 requires Stata/SE and 120,000 requires Stata/MP
  • Stata/MP is licensed by core count, so 2 core and 4 core licences are priced separately
  • Student licences require proof of enrolment at a degree granting institution
  • Stata/MP is not sold on a 6 month student term
  • Perpetual student licences cost several times the annual price, for example $298 against $94 for Stata/BE

Pricing, plan by plan

IBM SPSS

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

Stata

$48/year
  • Stata/BE$48/year
    • Basic edition
    • Core features
  • Stata/SE$295/year
    • Standard edition
    • Larger datasets

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.
IBM SPSS review

Choose Stata if

  • You need data management.
  • You work on Linux, Mac, Windows.
  • You also want graphics.
Stata review

Questions people ask

Is IBM SPSS or Stata better?
Neither clearly leads. IBM SPSS starts at Free and Stata at $48/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, IBM SPSS or Stata?
IBM SPSS has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for IBM SPSS and $48/year for Stata.
Does IBM SPSS or Stata run on more platforms?
Both run on Linux, Mac, Windows, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use IBM SPSS for free?
Yes. IBM SPSS has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Stata starts at $48/year.
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 Stata is typically brought in for.
What can IBM SPSS do that Stata cannot?
IBM SPSS covers Predictive modeling, Data visualization, Decision trees, R. Stata covers Data management, Graphics, Econometrics, ODBC. Both handle Statistical analysis, Survey analysis, Python, Excel.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Stata: How much does Stata cost?

Stata does not publish specific pricing on its website. Customers must use the 'Order Stata' or 'Request a quote' functions to obtain pricing. StataNow is available as a subscription option, but specific monthly or annual costs are not displayed publicly.

Source
Stata: What are the differences between Stata editions?

Stata offers multiple editions including Stata/BE and Stata/MP, with different capabilities and performance characteristics. Edition selection affects pricing, but specific comparisons and costs require requesting a quote.

Source
Stata: Does Stata offer a subscription model?

Yes, StataNow is offered as a subscription option that delivers new features immediately upon release. However, specific pricing for StataNow subscriptions is not published on the website.

Source
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