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PyTorch vs Stata

PyTorch logo

PyTorch

Software

Deep learning framework with dynamic computation graphs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Stata logo

Stata

Software

Data science software for research professionals

From
$48/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only PyTorch has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: PyTorch dynamic computation graph can be less efficient for production inference than static graphs; Stata the entry Stata/BE edition is capped at 2,048 variables and 798 independent variables in a model
  • They diverge on capability: PyTorch covers Dynamic computation graphs, Stata covers Statistical analysis.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PyTorch and Stata actually diverge.

Attributes where PyTorch and Stata differ
AttributePyTorchStata
Starting priceFree$48/year
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsLinux, Windows, macOSLinux, Mac, Windows
Founded20161985

Identical on both: 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 PyTorch

  • Dynamic computation graphs
  • Automatic differentiation
  • GPU acceleration
  • Distributed training
  • TorchScript
  • TorchVision
  • TorchText
  • TorchAudio

Only in Stata

  • Statistical analysis
  • Data management
  • Graphics
  • Econometrics
  • Survey analysis
  • Python
  • ODBC
  • Excel

Both cover

  • Linux support
  • Mac support
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

PyTorch

  • Machine learningnot Stata
  • Data analysisnot Stata
  • Model trainingnot Stata
  • Predictive analyticsnot Stata

Stata

  • Statistical analysis and econometrics on panel and survey datanot PyTorch
  • Reproducible research with do files and logsnot PyTorch
  • Teaching quantitative methods to studentsnot PyTorch

Where each one falls short

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

PyTorch

  • Dynamic computation graph can be less efficient for production inference than static graphs
  • Requires more manual code for distributed training compared to some alternatives
  • Documentation focused heavily on research use cases rather than production deployment

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

PyTorch

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PyTorch review.

Stata

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

Which should you pick?

Choose PyTorch if

  • You need dynamic computation graphs.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, macOS.
  • You also want automatic differentiation.
PyTorch review

Choose Stata if

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

Questions people ask

Is PyTorch or Stata better?
Neither clearly leads. PyTorch 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, PyTorch or Stata?
PyTorch has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for PyTorch and $48/year for Stata.
Does PyTorch or Stata run on more platforms?
PyTorch runs on Linux, Windows, macOS. Stata runs on Linux, Mac, Windows.
Can I use PyTorch for free?
Yes. PyTorch has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Stata starts at $48/year.
What is PyTorch best used for?
PyTorch is most often used for machine learning, data analysis, model training, predictive analytics. Of those, machine learning and data analysis are not what Stata is typically brought in for.
What can PyTorch do that Stata cannot?
PyTorch covers Dynamic computation graphs, Automatic differentiation, GPU acceleration, Distributed training. Stata covers Statistical analysis, Data management, Graphics, Econometrics. Both handle Linux support, Mac support, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

PyTorch: Is PyTorch free and open source?

Yes. PyTorch is an open source machine learning framework that is completely free to use. It was originally created and open-sourced by Facebook (now Meta) in 2016.

Source
PyTorch: What platforms does PyTorch support?

PyTorch supports Linux, Windows, and macOS. It provides strong GPU acceleration through CUDA and other backends for high-performance computing.

Source
PyTorch: Can I use PyTorch for production deployments?

Yes. PyTorch provides graph-based execution, distributed training, mobile deployment, and quantization features to support production deployments.

Source
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