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Head-to-head · Statistical Analysis Software

Stata vs IBM SPSS Statistics

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Stata #2 in Statistical Analysis Software 9.3/10 Paid ✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Stata
IBM SPSS Statistics #3 in Statistical Analysis Software 9.2/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 4 features Visit IBM SPSS

Stata leads on 0 checks, IBM SPSS Statistics 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 scoreStata · 9.3/10
  • Free trialonly IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Most featuresStata · 4 of 4

Stata scores higher on our rubric for statistical analysis software: 9.3 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

Stata is the better fit for professional, reproducible applied analysis. IBM SPSS Statistics is the better fit for established all-purpose statistical analysis.

  • Stata fits best

    Professional, reproducible applied analysis

  • IBM SPSS Statistics fits best

    Established all-purpose statistical analysis

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Side by side

Feature Stata 9.3/10 Visit ↗ IBM SPSS Statistics 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.2
Ranking #2 in Statistical Analysis Software #3 in Statistical Analysis Software
Best for Professional, reproducible applied analysis Established all-purpose statistical analysis
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $175/user/yr —
Free plan — —
Free trial — 14 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Community, Docs Community, Docs
Integrations 7 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Stata 4/4 · IBM SPSS Statistics 3/4
Statistical tests ✓ ✓
Regression models ✓ ✓
Scripting support ✓ ✓
Bayesian analysis ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Data import formats Excel XLS/XLSX, CSV and delimited text, SAS, SPSS, Parquet, dBase, SQL databases via JDBC/ODBC, FRED, and Haver Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Broad modeling across Bayesian, time-series, panel, survival, and multilevel methods
  • Command scripting, Mata programming, and reproducible reporting
  • Python, Jupyter, database, and common statistical-format integration
  • Covers testing, regression, forecasting, predictive modeling, and reporting
  • Supports R and Python through APIs, embedded code, and extensions
  • Includes data preparation, missing-value analysis, and custom reporting
Cons
  • No free plan; published academic pricing requires university affiliation proof
  • Desktop deployment may not suit browser-first or cloud-only workflows
  • Higher-tier MP editions cost more as core counts increase
  • No free plan; subscription pricing starts at $99 per authorized user
  • Advanced capabilities are split across optional feature add-ons
  • Desktop deployment is limited to Windows and macOS
Our verdict

Stata is an integrated desktop application for data management, statistical modeling, visualization, reporting, and reproducible workflows. It is designed for researchers, analysts, educators, and organizations that need applied analysis…

Read the review →

IBM SPSS Statistics is desktop statistical analysis software for organizations, researchers, analysts, and professionals. Its scope spans data preparation, statistical and hypothesis testing, linear, categorical, and nonlinear regression,…

Read the review →
  1. StataStatistical Analysis Software 9.3Paid
  2. IBM SPSS StatisticsStatistical Analysis Software 9.214-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Stata — where it wins

    • Broad modeling across Bayesian, time-series, panel, survival, and multilevel methods
    • Command scripting, Mata programming, and reproducible reporting
    • Python, Jupyter, database, and common statistical-format integration

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; published academic pricing requires university affiliation proof
    • Desktop deployment may not suit browser-first or cloud-only workflows
    • Higher-tier MP editions cost more as core counts increase

  • IBM SPSS Statistics — where it wins

    • Covers testing, regression, forecasting, predictive modeling, and reporting
    • Supports R and Python through APIs, embedded code, and extensions
    • Includes data preparation, missing-value analysis, and custom reporting

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; subscription pricing starts at $99 per authorized user
    • Advanced capabilities are split across optional feature add-ons
    • Desktop deployment is limited to Windows and macOS
  • Stata9.3/10 · Paid

    A broad, scriptable desktop environment for professional and reproducible applied analysis.

    Visit StataFull verdict →
  • IBM SPSS Statistics9.2/10 · 14-day trial

    A broad desktop statistics suite with testing, modeling, forecasting, reporting, and R/Python integration.

    Visit IBM SPSSFull 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