Software · head to head
Stata vs Alteryx
The short version
- Only Alteryx has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Stata the entry Stata/BE edition is capped at 2,048 variables and 798 independent variables in a model; Alteryx starter is $250 per user per month billed annually, and the Professional and Enterprise editions are quote-only
- They diverge on capability: Stata covers Statistical analysis, Alteryx covers Data preparation.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Stata and Alteryx actually diverge.
Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), 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 Stata
- Statistical analysis
- Data management
- Graphics
- Econometrics
- Survey analysis
- ODBC
- Excel
- SAS
Only in Alteryx
- Data preparation
- Data blending
- Predictive analytics
- Spatial analytics
- Reporting
- R
- Snowflake
- AWS
Both cover
- Python
- Windows support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Stata
- Statistical analysis and econometrics on panel and survey datanot Alteryx
- Reproducible research with do files and logsnot Alteryx
- Teaching quantitative methods to studentsnot Alteryx
Alteryx
- Data preparation and building AI-ready datasetsnot Stata
- Predictive analytics without writing codenot Stata
- Automating and orchestrating repeatable analytics workflowsnot Stata
- Enterprise reporting with governed, reusable logicnot Stata
- Connecting to Snowflake, Databricks and cloud warehouses alongside on-premises systemsnot Stata
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
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
Stata
$48/year- Stata/BE$48/year
- Basic edition
- Core features
- Stata/SE$295/year
- Standard edition
- Larger datasets
Alteryx
Free- TrialFree
- 14-day trial
- Full features
- Designer Desktop$5195/year
- Data prep
- Blending
- Analytics
Which should you pick?
Choose Stata if
- You need statistical analysis.
- You work on Linux, Mac, Windows.
- You also want data management.
Choose Alteryx if
- You need data preparation.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Web.
- You also want data blending.
Questions people ask
- Is Stata or Alteryx better?
- Neither clearly leads. Stata starts at $48/year and Alteryx at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Stata or Alteryx?
- Alteryx has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $48/year for Stata and Free for Alteryx.
- Does Stata or Alteryx run on more platforms?
- Stata runs on Linux, Mac, Windows. Alteryx runs on Windows, Web.
- Can I use Alteryx for free?
- Yes. Alteryx has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Stata starts at $48/year.
- What is Stata best used for?
- Stata is most often used for statistical analysis and econometrics on panel and survey data, reproducible research with do files and logs, teaching quantitative methods to students. Of those, statistical analysis and econometrics on panel and survey data and reproducible research with do files and logs are not what Alteryx is typically brought in for.
- What can Stata do that Alteryx cannot?
- Stata covers Statistical analysis, Data management, Graphics, Econometrics. Alteryx covers Data preparation, Data blending, Predictive analytics, Spatial analytics. Both handle Python, Windows support.