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Machine Learning · head to head

MATLAB vs SAS

MATLAB logo

MATLAB

Machine Learning

Programming and numeric computing platform

From
$940/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SAS logo

SAS

Machine Learning

Analytics, AI and data management software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SAS has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: MATLAB a standard individual licence is $940 a year, and it is annual rather than perpetual; 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: MATLAB covers Matrix computations, SAS covers Statistical analysis.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MATLAB and SAS actually diverge.

Attributes where MATLAB and SAS differ
AttributeMATLABSAS
Starting price$940/yearFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsLinux, Mac, WindowsLinux, Windows, Web
Founded19841976

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), 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 MATLAB

  • Matrix computations
  • Data visualization
  • Deep learning
  • Signal processing
  • Simulink
  • C/C++
  • Java
  • Excel

Only in SAS

  • Statistical analysis
  • Forecasting
  • Text analytics
  • Optimization
  • R
  • Hadoop
  • Spark
  • Cloud platforms

Both cover

  • Machine learning
  • Python
  • Linux support
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

MATLAB

  • Numerical computing and analysisnot SAS
  • Algorithm developmentnot SAS
  • Academic research and teachingnot SAS

SAS

  • Regulated statistical analysis and clinical reportingnot MATLAB
  • Enterprise data management, visualization and decisioning on one licensed platformnot MATLAB

Where each one falls short

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

MATLAB

  • A standard individual licence is $940 a year, and it is annual rather than perpetual
  • Add on toolboxes are bought separately through the web store rather than being included
  • No price is displayed for the academic, student, home or startup licences, each of which requires a quote
  • Eligibility rather than price separates most tiers, so a commercial user has one option

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

MATLAB

$940/year
  • Individual Standard$940/year
    • MATLAB
    • Simulink
    • Online Training Suite
  • Startups$null/year
    • MATLAB
    • Simulink
    • 90+ add-on products
  • Academic$null/year
    • MATLAB
    • Simulink
  • Student$null/year
    • MATLAB

SAS

Free
  • SAS OnDemand for AcademicsFree
    • Academic use
    • Core SAS
  • SAS ViyaFree
    • Full platform
    • Cloud-native
    • AI/ML

Which should you pick?

Choose MATLAB if

  • You need matrix computations.
  • You work on Linux, Mac, Windows.
  • You also want data visualization.
MATLAB review

Choose SAS if

  • You need statistical analysis.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, Web.
  • You also want forecasting.
SAS review

Questions people ask

Is MATLAB or SAS better?
Neither clearly leads. MATLAB starts at $940/year and SAS at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MATLAB or SAS?
SAS has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $940/year for MATLAB and Free for SAS.
Does MATLAB or SAS run on more platforms?
MATLAB runs on Linux, Mac, Windows. SAS runs on Linux, Windows, Web.
Can I use SAS for free?
Yes. SAS has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. MATLAB starts at $940/year.
What is MATLAB best used for?
MATLAB is most often used for numerical computing and analysis, algorithm development, academic research and teaching. Of those, numerical computing and analysis and algorithm development are not what SAS is typically brought in for.
What can MATLAB do that SAS cannot?
MATLAB covers Matrix computations, Data visualization, Deep learning, Signal processing. SAS covers Statistical analysis, Forecasting, Text analytics, Optimization. Both handle Machine learning, Python, Linux support, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MATLAB: What is the cost of an individual MATLAB license?

USD 940 per year for Standard individual license, which includes MATLAB, Simulink, Online Training Suite, and add-on products. All licenses include MathWorks Software Maintenance Service.

Source
SAS: Does SAS offer a free trial?

Yes, SAS offers a free trial through a private trial environment for SAS Viya. Interested customers can request access by submitting a trial form on their website.

Source
MATLAB: Are pricing quotes available online for academic and startup licenses?

No, online pricing is not available for Academic, Student, Startup, or Home license types. Downloadable price lists are available only for Standard and Academic individual licenses. Contact sales for other tiers.

Source
SAS: How does SAS price its software?

SAS does not publish standard pricing on its website. Instead, it uses a custom enterprise sales model where customers can choose between paying as-you-go or purchasing SAS Viya Enterprise. Specific pricing must be requested directly from their sales team.

Source
MATLAB: Can I switch between license terms (annual vs perpetual)?

Both Standard and Home licenses offer annual and perpetual licensing options. Academic licenses also offer both terms. Startup licenses are available on annual basis only.

Source
SAS: What are my pricing options?

SAS offers flexible purchasing models including pay-as-you-go and enterprise licensing options. The company states they can help you find the environment that fits your needs, but specific terms must be discussed with sales.

Source
SAS: How do I get a pricing quote?

You can request pricing through their website by using the quote request form, requesting a customized demo, or contacting their sales team directly.

Source
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