Machine Learning & Data Science · head to head
IBM SPSS vs Stata
IBM SPSS
Machine Learning & Data Science
Statistical analysis software for data science
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
Stata
Machine Learning & Data Science
Data science software for research professionals
- From
- $48/year
- Rated
- -
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.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which IBM SPSS and Stata actually diverge.
Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), platforms (Linux, Mac, Windows), 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
- 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 econometrics on panel and survey datanot IBM SPSS
- Reproducible research with do files and logsnot IBM SPSS
- Teaching quantitative methods to studentsnot 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.
Choose Stata if
- You need data management.
- You work on Linux, Mac, Windows.
- You also want graphics.
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.