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Stata vs Weights & Biases

Stata logo

Stata

Software

Data science software for research professionals

From
$48/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Weights & Biases logo

Weights & Biases

Software

Developer tools for machine learning

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Weights & Biases 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; Weights & Biases pricing can be prohibitive for large teams without enterprise discounts
  • They diverge on capability: Stata covers Statistical analysis, Weights & Biases covers Experiment tracking.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Stata and Weights & Biases actually diverge.

Attributes where Stata and Weights & Biases differ
AttributeStataWeights & Biases
Starting price$48/yearFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsLinux, Mac, WindowsWeb, Python SDK, REST API
Founded19852017

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 Weights & Biases

  • Experiment tracking
  • Dataset versioning
  • Model registry
  • Hyperparameter sweeps
  • Collaborative dashboards
  • PyTorch
  • TensorFlow
  • Keras

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 Weights & Biases
  • Reproducible research with do files and logsnot Weights & Biases
  • Teaching quantitative methods to studentsnot Weights & Biases

Weights & Biases

  • 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

Weights & Biases

  • Pricing can be prohibitive for large teams without enterprise discounts
  • Limited integrations compared to some competitors
  • Dashboard customization options limited on lower plans
  • Requires some setup and configuration knowledge

Pricing, plan by plan

Stata

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

Weights & Biases

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 5 model seats
    • 5 GB storage
    • 1 GB/month Weave ingestion
  • Pro$60/month
    • 10 seats
    • 100 GB storage
    • Private projects
  • Teams$179/month
    • Team collaboration
    • Advanced analytics
    • Dedicated support

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 Weights & Biases if

  • You need experiment tracking.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Python SDK, REST API.
  • You also want dataset versioning.
Weights & Biases review

Questions people ask

Is Stata or Weights & Biases better?
Neither clearly leads. Stata starts at $48/year and Weights & Biases at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Stata or Weights & Biases?
Weights & Biases has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $48/year for Stata and Free for Weights & Biases.
Does Stata or Weights & Biases run on more platforms?
Stata runs on Linux, Mac, Windows. Weights & Biases runs on Web, Python SDK, REST API.
Can I use Weights & Biases for free?
Yes. Weights & Biases 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 Weights & Biases is typically brought in for.
What can Stata do that Weights & Biases cannot?
Stata covers Statistical analysis, Data management, Graphics, Econometrics. Weights & Biases covers Experiment tracking, Dataset versioning, Model registry, Hyperparameter sweeps. Both handle Linux support, Mac support, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Weights & Biases: Does Weights & Biases have a free plan?

Yes. The Free tier includes 5 model seats, 5 GB storage, and 1 GB/month Weave ingestion. Academic users get unlimited tracked hours, 200 GB storage, and 100 seats at no cost.

Source
Weights & Biases: What are the paid plans for Weights & Biases?

Pro starts at $60/month with 10 seats and 100 GB storage. Team plans start at $179/month. Enterprise pricing is custom.

Source
Weights & Biases: What machine learning features does W&B provide?

Weights & Biases captures hyperparameters, metrics, and model outputs automatically. Features include experiment tracking, interactive Reports for sharing findings, Artifacts for managing datasets and models, advanced hyperparameter sweeps, and model deployment tools.

Source
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