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Head-to-head · Statistical Analysis Software

R vs gretl

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score R #1 in Statistical Analysis Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit R
gretl #17 in Statistical Analysis Software 7.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit gretl

R 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 scoreR · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresgretl · 4 of 4

R scores higher on our rubric for statistical analysis software: 9.4 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #17.

R is the better fit for broad, extensible statistical computing. gretl is the better fit for free econometrics and time-series work.

  • R fits best

    Broad, extensible statistical computing

  • gretl fits best

    Free econometrics and time-series work

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Side by side

Feature R 9.4/10 Visit ↗ gretl 7.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 7.8
Ranking #1 in Statistical Analysis Software #17 in Statistical Analysis Software
Best for Broad, extensible statistical computing 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 Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features R 3/4 · gretl 4/4
Statistical tests ✓ ✓
Regression models ✓ ✓
Scripting support ✓ ✓
Bayesian analysis Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Data import formats text files, XML, spreadsheet-like files, Excel, SPSS, SAS, Stata, databases, binary files, image files XML, CSV, Excel, Gnumeric, OpenDocument, Stata, SPSS, EViews, JMulTi, RATS 4 and PC-Give
Our review
Pros
  • Free and open source across Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Covers tests, modeling, time series, classification, and clustering
  • Imports databases, spreadsheets, statistical files, images, and other 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
  • Requires programmable scripting for core workflows
  • Specialized methods may depend on contributed packages
  • Desktop deployment may not suit browser-first teams
  • 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

R is an open-source programming language and software environment for statistical computing, data manipulation, modeling, visualization, and graphics. It is designed for researchers, statisticians, analysts, educators, and developers who…

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. RStatistical Analysis Software 9.4Free plan
  2. gretlStatistical Analysis Software 7.8Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • R — where it wins

    • Free and open source across Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Covers tests, modeling, time series, classification, and clustering
    • Imports databases, spreadsheets, statistical files, images, and other formats

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires programmable scripting for core workflows
    • Specialized methods may depend on contributed packages
    • Desktop deployment may not suit browser-first teams

  • 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
  • R9.4/10 · Free plan

    A free, programmable environment for statistical analysis, modeling, visualization, and data import.

    Visit RFull 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