Head-to-head · Data Preparation Software
SAS Data Preparation vs OpenRefine
SAS Data Preparation leads on 0 checks, OpenRefine on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreSAS Data Preparation · 8.7/10
- Free planonly OpenRefine
- Free trialonly SAS Data Preparation
- Most featuresSAS Data Preparation · 3 of 3
SAS Data Preparation scores higher on our rubric for data preparation software: 8.7 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.
OpenRefine offers free plan; SAS Data Preparation doesn't. On deployment, SAS Data Preparation gives you Hybrid where OpenRefine offers Desktop.
SAS Data Preparation is the better fit for governed enterprise data preparation. OpenRefine is the better fit for free open-source data cleanup.
- SAS Data Preparation fits best
Governed enterprise data preparation
- OpenRefine fits best
Free open-source data cleanup
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Side by side
| Feature | SAS Data Preparation 8.7/10 Visit ↗ | OpenRefine 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.7 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #6 in Data Preparation Software | #7 in Data Preparation Software |
| Best for | Governed enterprise data preparation | Free open-source data cleanup |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | Pricing on request · 14-day trial | Free plan |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 14 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted | Desktop |
| Platforms | Web | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Phone, Community, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 11 integrations | 4 integrations |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features SAS Data Preparation 3/3 · OpenRefine 1/3 | ||
| Data profiling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visual workflows | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Scheduled runs | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment | Hybrid | Desktop |
| Source connectors | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Row limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | SAS Data Preparation is an enterprise data-preparation capability within the SAS Viya ecosystem. It is designed for business analysts, data analysts, data scientists and other data users who need to ingest data, manage connections, profile… Read the review → |
OpenRefine is free, open-source software for cleaning, transforming, and extending messy datasets. It runs locally through a web browser on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a fit for individuals and teams that want a desktop-based data… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
SAS Data Preparation — where it wins
- Profiles, blends, cleanses and transforms data visually
- Supports lineage, governance and scheduled repeatable workflows
- Connects with Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks and other enterprise sources
Where it doesn't
- Quote-based pricing makes value comparison less transparent
- The offering is focused on enterprise data-management needs
- Web platform coverage may not suit teams seeking broader interfaces
OpenRefine — where it wins
- Facets, filters, clustering, and transformations support detailed data cleanup
- Expressions in GREL, Clojure, and Jython extend transformation workflows
- Exports to CSV, Excel, Google Sheets, Wikidata, SQL, and other formats
Where it doesn't
- No native scheduled runs for recurring data preparation
- Integration coverage is narrower than broader data platforms
- Batch automation relies on external tools, not OpenRefine-maintained features
- SAS Data Preparation8.7/10 · Pricing on request · 14-day trial
A broad SAS Viya data-preparation offering for governed enterprise workflows.
Visit SASFull verdict → - OpenRefine8.2/10 · Free plan
A flexible local workspace for exploring, cleaning, reconciling, and exporting messy datasets.
Visit OpenRefineFull verdict →
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All data preparation software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





