Best gretl Alternatives in 2026
The top gretl alternatives are R, Stata and IBM SPSS Statistics: 15 statistical analysis software our editors would look at instead of gretl, in our ranking order.
gretl: A capable free desktop package for econometrics, time-series, panel, and reproducible scripting work. Where it falls short: desktop deployment may not suit browser-based statistical workflows.
Switching from gretl? For most statistical analysis software buyers the best gretl alternative is R, built for broad, extensible statistical computing.
Why People Look for a gretl Alternative
- 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
Quick Picks by What You Need
All 15 gretl Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forBroad, extensible statistical computing
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 9.4 vs 7.8
A free, programmable environment for statistical analysis, modeling, visualization, and data import.
- Regression models
- Statistical tests
- Scripting support
9.4/10★★★★★Visit R -
Best forProfessional, reproducible applied analysis
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 7.8
A broad, scriptable desktop environment for professional and reproducible applied analysis.
- Bayesian analysis
- Regression models
- Statistical tests
9.3/10★★★★★Visit Stata -
Best forEstablished all-purpose statistical analysis
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 7.8
A broad desktop statistics suite with testing, modeling, forecasting, reporting, and R/Python integration.
- Regression models
- Statistical tests
- Scripting support
9.2/10★★★★★Visit IBM SPSS -
Best forEnterprise predictive modeling and forecasting
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 7.8
A broad SAS Viya analytics platform for enterprise modeling, forecasting and model operations.
9.1/10★★★★★Visit SAS -
Best forFree Bayesian and frequentist analysis
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 7.8
A free desktop statistics package combining drag-and-drop analysis with R-based workflows.
- Bayesian analysis
- Regression models
- Statistical tests
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit JASP -
Best forAccessible analysis with R extensibility
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 8.9 vs 7.8
Accessible point-and-click statistics with R extensibility and reproducible projects.
- Bayesian analysis
- Regression models
- Statistical tests
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit jamovi -
Best forOrganizations needing deep SAS statistical procedures
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 7.8
A broad SAS toolkit for organizations that need advanced statistical procedures.
- Bayesian analysis
- Regression models
- Statistical tests
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit SAS -
Best forInteractive quality and experimental analysis
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 7.8
A mature desktop option for interactive quality and experimental analysis.
- Regression models
- Statistical tests
- Scripting support
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit JMP -
Best forAdvanced econometrics and time series
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 7.8
A focused desktop suite for advanced econometrics, time-series analysis, and forecasting.
- Bayesian analysis
- Regression models
- Statistical tests
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit EViews -
Best forPublication-ready biomedical statistics
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 7.8
A focused statistics and graphing suite for publication-ready biomedical research.
- Regression models
- Statistical tests
- Scripting support
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit GraphPad Prism -
Best forEnterprise visual modeling and statistical exploration
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 7.8
A visual and programmable modeling environment for teams developing and assessing statistical models.
- Regression models
- Statistical tests
- Scripting support
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit SAS -
Best forIndustrial quality and process analytics
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 7.8
A broad statistical toolkit for industrial quality teams with a high annual starting price.
- Bayesian analysis
- Regression models
- Statistical tests
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Minitab -
Best forStatistical analysis with Spotfire deployment
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 7.8
A broad statistical toolkit with scripting, R integration, and Spotfire deployment.
- Regression models
- Statistical tests
- Scripting support
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Spotfire -
Best forBroad Windows statistical and quality analysis
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 7.8
A broad Windows toolkit for statistics, quality analysis, modeling, and machine learning.
- Regression models
- Statistical tests
- Scripting support
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Statgraphics -
Best forFree ecological and multivariate analysis
- Better than gretl:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 7.8
A free desktop package for ecological, biological and multivariate analysis.
- Regression models
- Statistical tests
- Scripting support
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit PAST
gretl Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to gretl?
R: #1 in our Statistical Analysis Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. A free, programmable environment for statistical analysis, modeling, visualization, and data import.
Is there a free alternative to gretl?
Yes. R, JASP, jamovi, EViews and PAST have a free plan or a free tier.
Why do people look for gretl alternatives?
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.
How do I switch from gretl?
Export your data from gretl (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel gretl.
How to Switch from gretl
- Export your data from gretl (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel gretl.
gretl vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Deployment | Statistical tests | Regression models | Scripting support | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | gretl | Yes | Free | Desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.8 |
| 1 | R | Yes | Free | Desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.4 |
| 2 | Stata | No | $175/user/yr | Desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.3 |
| 3 | IBM SPSS Statistics | No | Desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.2 | |
| 4 | SAS Advanced Analytics | 9.1 | ||||||
| 5 | JASP | Yes | Free | Desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.0 |
| 6 | jamovi | Yes | Both | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.9 | |
| 7 | SAS/STAT | Both | Yes | Yes | 8.8 | |||
| 8 | JMP | No | Desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.7 | |
| 9 | EViews | Yes | $700 one-time | Desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.6 |
| 10 | GraphPad Prism | No | $142/user/yr | Both | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.5 |
| 11 | SAS Visual Statistics | Cloud | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.4 | ||
| 12 | Minitab Statistical Software | No | $2,394/user/yr | Both | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.3 |
| 13 | Statistica | No | Both | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.2 | |
| 14 | Statgraphics Centurion | No | Desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.1 | |
| 15 | PAST | Yes | Free | Desktop | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.0 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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