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Machine Learning & Data Science · head to head

SAS vs Alteryx

SAS logo

SAS

Machine Learning & Data Science

Analytics, AI and data management software

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Alteryx logo

Alteryx

Machine Learning & Data Science

Analytics automation platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 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; Alteryx starter is $250 per user per month billed annually, and the Professional and Enterprise editions are quote-only
  • They diverge on capability: SAS covers Statistical analysis, Alteryx covers Data preparation.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SAS and Alteryx actually diverge.

Attributes where SAS and Alteryx differ
AttributeSASAlteryx
PlatformsLinux, Windows, WebWindows, Web
Founded19761997

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (subscription), 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 SAS

  • Statistical analysis
  • Machine learning
  • Forecasting
  • Text analytics
  • Optimization
  • Hadoop
  • Spark
  • Cloud platforms

Only in Alteryx

  • Data preparation
  • Data blending
  • Predictive analytics
  • Spatial analytics
  • Reporting
  • Snowflake
  • AWS
  • Tableau

Both cover

  • Python
  • R
  • Windows support
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

SAS

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

Alteryx

  • Data preparation and building AI-ready datasetsnot SAS
  • Predictive analytics without writing codenot SAS
  • Automating and orchestrating repeatable analytics workflowsnot SAS
  • Enterprise reporting with governed, reusable logicnot SAS
  • Connecting to Snowflake, Databricks and cloud warehouses alongside on-premises systemsnot SAS

Where each one falls short

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

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

Alteryx

  • Starter is $250 per user per month billed annually, and the Professional and Enterprise editions are quote-only
  • Automation runs are metered, with 50 included on Starter and 15,000 on Professional, and more must be bought
  • Cost depends on three separate dimensions at once: edition, user role and automation capacity
  • Advanced analytics, governance and orchestration are withheld from the entry edition

Pricing, plan by plan

SAS

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

Alteryx

Free
  • TrialFree
    • 14-day trial
    • Full features
  • Designer Desktop$5195/year
    • Data prep
    • Blending
    • Analytics

Which should you pick?

Choose SAS if

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

Choose Alteryx if

  • You need data preparation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Web.
  • You also want data blending.
Alteryx review

Questions people ask

Is SAS or Alteryx better?
Neither clearly leads. SAS starts at Free and Alteryx at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SAS or Alteryx?
SAS starts at Free and Alteryx at Free.
Does SAS or Alteryx run on more platforms?
SAS runs on Linux, Windows, Web. Alteryx runs on Windows, Web.
Can I use SAS for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is SAS best used for?
SAS is most often used for regulated statistical analysis and clinical reporting, enterprise data management, visualization and decisioning on one licensed platform. Of those, regulated statistical analysis and clinical reporting and enterprise data management, visualization and decisioning on one licensed platform are not what Alteryx is typically brought in for.
What can SAS do that Alteryx cannot?
SAS covers Statistical analysis, Machine learning, Forecasting, Text analytics. Alteryx covers Data preparation, Data blending, Predictive analytics, Spatial analytics. Both handle Python, R, Windows support, Web support.
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