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Head-to-head · Statistical Analysis Software

JASP vs gretl

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score JASP #5 in Statistical Analysis Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit JASP
gretl #17 in Statistical Analysis Software 7.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit gretl

JASP leads on 0 checks, gretl on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreJASP · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth

JASP scores higher on our rubric for statistical analysis software: 9.0 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #17.

JASP is the better fit for free Bayesian and frequentist analysis. gretl is the better fit for free econometrics and time-series work.

  • JASP fits best

    Free Bayesian and frequentist analysis

  • gretl fits best

    Free econometrics and time-series work

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Side by side

Feature JASP 9.0/10 Visit ↗ gretl 7.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 7.8
Ranking #5 in Statistical Analysis Software #17 in Statistical Analysis Software
Best for Free Bayesian and frequentist analysis Free econometrics and time-series work
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Email, Community, Docs Community, Docs
Integrations 1 integrations 6 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features JASP 4/4 · gretl 4/4
Statistical tests ✓ ✓
Regression models ✓ ✓
Scripting support ✓ ✓
Bayesian analysis ✓ ✓
Specs
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Data import formats .csv, .tsv, .txt, .sav, .zsav, .por, .sas7bda, .sas7bcatt, .xpt, .ods, .xls, .xlsx, .dta, .rdata, .rds, .mwx, .mpx XML, CSV, Excel, Gnumeric, OpenDocument, Stata, SPSS, EViews, JMulTi, RATS 4 and PC-Give
Our review
Pros
  • Supports both frequentist and Bayesian statistical analyses
  • Covers regression, factor analysis, SEM, and specialized modules
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with many import formats
  • Covers ARIMA, GARCH, VAR, VECM, panel, and limited-dependent models
  • Supports hansl scripting with matrix operations for reproducible analysis
  • Exchanges data with R, Python, Julia, Octave, Ox, and Stata
Cons
  • Desktop deployment does not provide a browser-based workflow
  • Its main listed integration is limited to Open Science Framework
  • R syntax support may suit users comfortable with scripting
  • Desktop deployment may not suit browser-based statistical workflows
  • Bayesian estimation is provided through the BayTool function package
  • Its broad econometric scope may be more than basic spreadsheet analysis needs
Our verdict

JASP is free, open-source desktop software for conducting and teaching statistics. It is designed for researchers, students, and instructors who need both frequentist and Bayesian methods in a graphical environment. Its spreadsheet-style…

Read the review →

gretl is a free, open-source desktop package for econometric and statistical analysis on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It combines a graphical interface with the hansl scripting language, making it suited to students, researchers, and…

Read the review →
  1. JASPStatistical Analysis Software 9.0Free plan
  2. gretlStatistical Analysis Software 7.8Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • JASP — where it wins

    • Supports both frequentist and Bayesian statistical analyses
    • Covers regression, factor analysis, SEM, and specialized modules
    • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with many import formats

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop deployment does not provide a browser-based workflow
    • Its main listed integration is limited to Open Science Framework
    • R syntax support may suit users comfortable with scripting

  • gretl — where it wins

    • Covers ARIMA, GARCH, VAR, VECM, panel, and limited-dependent models
    • Supports hansl scripting with matrix operations for reproducible analysis
    • Exchanges data with R, Python, Julia, Octave, Ox, and Stata

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop deployment may not suit browser-based statistical workflows
    • Bayesian estimation is provided through the BayTool function package
    • Its broad econometric scope may be more than basic spreadsheet analysis needs
  • JASP9.0/10 · Free plan

    A free desktop statistics package combining drag-and-drop analysis with R-based workflows.

    Visit JASPFull verdict →
  • gretl7.8/10 · Free plan

    A capable free desktop package for econometrics, time-series, panel, and reproducible scripting work.

    Visit gretlFull verdict →

More comparisons

All statistical analysis software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update