gretl

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.8 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Free econometrics and time-series work
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Deployment
  Desktop
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• 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

Our verdict on gretl

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 analysts working with regression, time-series, panel, and other econometric methods. Core estimation includes least-squares, maximum-likelihood, and GMM, while the package also supports hypothesis testing, graphing, and imports from common spreadsheet, statistical-package, and econometric formats.

Its strongest fit is econometric depth within a free package. Time-series work includes ARIMA, GARCH, VAR, and VECM methods, alongside unit-root and cointegration tests. Limited-dependent-variable models include logit, probit, and tobit, while panel-data tools include instrumental-variables and dynamic-panel estimators. Bayesian estimation is available through the BayTool function package. This breadth makes gretl a practical choice when the analysis requires established econometric methods rather than only basic descriptive statistics or simple regression.

The ecosystem is another important consideration. gretl supports data exchange with GNU R, GNU Octave, Python, Julia, Ox, and Stata, and its hansl language provides matrix operations for scripted, reproducible work. Gnuplot-based graphing is included, and supported import formats include XML, CSV, Excel, Gnumeric, OpenDocument, Stata, SPSS, EViews, JMulTi, RATS 4, and PC-Give. Choose gretl for free cross-platform econometric analysis with both GUI and scripting options. Consider another tool if browser deployment is central to your workflow or if you need a narrower, simpler environment for basic statistical tasks.

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gretl pricing

gretl fact sheet

gretl integrations

gretl lists 6 integrations on its own site.

• GNU R
• GNU Octave
• Python
• Julia
• Ox
• Stata

Alternatives to gretl

• RA free, programmable environment for statistical analysis, modeling, visualization, and data import.9.4
• SStataA broad, scriptable desktop environment for professional and reproducible applied analysis.9.3
• IBM SPSS StatisticsA broad desktop statistics suite with testing, modeling, forecasting, reporting, and R/Python integration.9.2

See all gretl alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

gretl is listed in our Statistical Analysis Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update