Software · head to head
Stata vs Azure Machine Learning
Azure Machine Learning
Software
Enterprise-grade machine learning service
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only Azure Machine Learning 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; Azure Machine Learning requires knowledge of Azure ecosystem and integration with other Azure services
- They diverge on capability: Stata covers Statistical analysis, Azure Machine Learning covers Automated ML.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Stata and Azure Machine Learning actually diverge.
| Attribute | Stata | Azure Machine Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $48/year | Free |
| Pricing model | subscription | usage-based |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Linux, Mac, Windows | Azure Cloud |
| Founded | 1985 | 1975 |
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 Stata
- Statistical analysis
- Data management
- Graphics
- Econometrics
- Survey analysis
- Python
- ODBC
- Excel
Only in Azure Machine Learning
- Automated ML
- Designer (drag-and-drop)
- Notebooks
- MLOps
- Model registry
- Azure Blob Storage
- Azure DevOps
- Power BI
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 Azure Machine Learning
- Reproducible research with do files and logsnot Azure Machine Learning
- Teaching quantitative methods to studentsnot Azure Machine Learning
Azure Machine Learning
- Machine learningnot Stata
- Data analysisnot Stata
- Model trainingnot Stata
- Predictive analyticsnot 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
Azure Machine Learning
- Requires knowledge of Azure ecosystem and integration with other Azure services
- Compute resources for training and inference generate separate charges
Pricing, plan by plan
Stata
$48/year- Stata/BE$48/year
- Basic edition
- Core features
- Stata/SE$295/year
- Standard edition
- Larger datasets
Azure Machine Learning
Free- Free TierFree
- Limited compute
- Basic features
- Pay-as-you-go$0.05/hour
- Full platform
- All compute options
- Enterprise features
Which should you pick?
Choose Stata if
- You need statistical analysis.
- You work on Linux, Mac, Windows.
- You also want data management.
Choose Azure Machine Learning if
- You need automated ml.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Azure Cloud.
- You also want designer (drag-and-drop).
Questions people ask
- Is Stata or Azure Machine Learning better?
- Neither clearly leads. Stata starts at $48/year and Azure Machine Learning at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Stata or Azure Machine Learning?
- Azure Machine Learning has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $48/year for Stata and Free for Azure Machine Learning.
- Does Stata or Azure Machine Learning run on more platforms?
- Stata runs on Linux, Mac, Windows. Azure Machine Learning runs on Azure Cloud.
- Can I use Azure Machine Learning for free?
- Yes. Azure Machine Learning 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 Azure Machine Learning is typically brought in for.
- What can Stata do that Azure Machine Learning cannot?
- Stata covers Statistical analysis, Data management, Graphics, Econometrics. Azure Machine Learning covers Automated ML, Designer (drag-and-drop), Notebooks, MLOps.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Azure Machine Learning: Does Azure Machine Learning have any platform licensing fees?
No, Azure Machine Learning carries no extra cost. You only pay for the underlying compute resources utilized during model training or inference.
SourceAzure Machine Learning: What AutoML capabilities does Azure Machine Learning provide?
Azure Machine Learning supports automated model creation for classification, regression, vision, and natural language processing tasks.
SourceAzure Machine Learning: Does Azure ML support language model fine-tuning?
Yes, Azure Machine Learning supports fine-tuning of foundation models from providers including OpenAI, Meta, Hugging Face, and Cohere.
SourceAzure Machine Learning: What MLOps features are included?
Azure ML includes end-to-end pipeline automation with CI/CD capabilities, managed endpoints for model deployment, and monitoring tools.
SourceAzure Machine Learning: Can I access foundation models from multiple vendors?
Yes, Azure Machine Learning provides access to a model catalog with foundation models from Microsoft, OpenAI, Hugging Face, Meta, and Cohere.
Source