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Software · head to head

Stata vs TensorFlow

Stata logo

Stata

Software

Data science software for research professionals

From
$48/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
TensorFlow logo

TensorFlow

Software

Open-source machine learning framework by Google

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only TensorFlow 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; TensorFlow pyTorch dominates NLP research ecosystem with Hugging Face Transformers starting as PyTorch-only
  • They diverge on capability: Stata covers Statistical analysis, TensorFlow covers Deep learning framework.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Stata and TensorFlow actually diverge.

Attributes where Stata and TensorFlow differ
AttributeStataTensorFlow
Starting price$48/yearFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsLinux, Mac, WindowsPython, JavaScript, C++, Java, Go, Rust
Founded19851998

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 TensorFlow

  • Deep learning framework
  • Neural network training
  • Model deployment
  • TensorBoard visualization
  • Distributed training
  • Keras
  • TensorFlow Lite
  • TensorFlow.js

Both cover

  • Linux support
  • Mac support
  • 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 TensorFlow
  • Reproducible research with do files and logsnot TensorFlow
  • Teaching quantitative methods to studentsnot TensorFlow

TensorFlow

  • 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

TensorFlow

  • PyTorch dominates NLP research ecosystem with Hugging Face Transformers starting as PyTorch-only
  • Broader ecosystem is more complex to navigate for new users compared to PyTorch's more Pythonic API
  • Performance advantage over PyTorch exists mainly at very large scale with TPUs, not for most workloads

Pricing, plan by plan

Stata

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

TensorFlow

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the TensorFlow review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Stata if

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

Choose TensorFlow if

  • You need deep learning framework.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Python, JavaScript, C++, Java, Go, Rust.
  • You also want neural network training.
TensorFlow review

Questions people ask

Is Stata or TensorFlow better?
Neither clearly leads. Stata starts at $48/year and TensorFlow at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Stata or TensorFlow?
TensorFlow has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $48/year for Stata and Free for TensorFlow.
Does Stata or TensorFlow run on more platforms?
Stata runs on Linux, Mac, Windows. TensorFlow runs on Python, JavaScript, C++, Java, Go, Rust.
Can I use TensorFlow for free?
Yes. TensorFlow 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 TensorFlow is typically brought in for.
What can Stata do that TensorFlow cannot?
Stata covers Statistical analysis, Data management, Graphics, Econometrics. TensorFlow covers Deep learning framework, Neural network training, Model deployment, TensorBoard visualization. Both handle Linux support, Mac support, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

TensorFlow: Can I run TensorFlow in a web browser?

Yes. TensorFlow.js allows you to develop and deploy machine learning models directly in the browser using JavaScript. It supports both WebGL GPU backend and WebAssembly backends for acceleration.

Source
TensorFlow: Does TensorFlow support deployment on mobile devices?

Yes. TensorFlow Lite enables on-device machine learning on Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, and embedded systems. LiteRT provides high-performance AI inference for resource-constrained IoT devices.

Source
TensorFlow: What hardware accelerators does TensorFlow support?

TensorFlow supports GPU acceleration and Google's proprietary Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) for specialized matrix operations. Cloud TPUs offer native high-performance support for large-scale machine learning.

Source
TensorFlow: Is TensorFlow free and open-source?

Yes. TensorFlow is completely free and open-source under the Apache 2.0 license. Google released TensorFlow as open-source on November 9, 2015 for anyone to use without licensing costs.

Source
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