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Machine Learning · head to head

SAS vs Stata

SAS logo

SAS

Machine Learning

Analytics, AI and data management software

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

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SAS and Stata actually diverge.

Attributes where SAS and Stata differ
AttributeSASStata
Starting priceFree$48/year
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsLinux, Windows, WebLinux, Mac, Windows
Founded19761985

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 SAS

  • Machine learning
  • Forecasting
  • Text analytics
  • Optimization
  • R
  • Hadoop
  • Spark
  • Cloud platforms

Only in Stata

  • Data management
  • Graphics
  • Econometrics
  • Survey analysis
  • ODBC
  • Excel
  • SAS
  • Mac support

Both cover

  • Statistical analysis
  • Python
  • Linux support
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

SAS

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

Stata

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

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

SAS

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

Stata

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

Which should you pick?

Choose SAS if

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

Choose Stata if

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

Questions people ask

Is SAS or Stata better?
Neither clearly leads. SAS 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, SAS or Stata?
SAS has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SAS and $48/year for Stata.
Does SAS or Stata run on more platforms?
SAS runs on Linux, Windows, Web. Stata runs on Linux, Mac, Windows.
Can I use SAS for free?
Yes. SAS has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Stata starts at $48/year.
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 Stata is typically brought in for.
What can SAS do that Stata cannot?
SAS covers Machine learning, Forecasting, Text analytics, Optimization. Stata covers Data management, Graphics, Econometrics, Survey analysis. Both handle Statistical analysis, Python, Linux support, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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
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
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
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
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
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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