Best Statistical Analysis Software Shortlist
You can find my shortlist of the best statistical analysis software tools I found below.
- IBM SPSS - Best for large teams with different skillsets
- Minitab - Best for six sigma professionals
- Tableau - Best for Salesforce users
- SAS Viya - Best cross-department tool
- JMP - Best for Mac users
- OriginPro - Best for graphing
- Stata - Best for advanced programmers
- MATLAB - Best for cleaning large volumes of data
- XLStat - Best for Microsoft Excel users
- Domo - Best dashboards
- Scilab - Best open-source statistical analysis software
- NCSS - Best for output navigation
Finding the right statistical analysis software can be more complicated than performing business analysis—especially when it requires searching through dense and often opaque product pages. That’s why I created this article to help you find and compare the best statistical analysis software on the market.
Below, you’ll find a summary of each platform’s core offerings, an explanation of who I think it’s best suited for, and information about trials and pricing.
What is Statistical Analysis Software?
Statistical analysis software is a software product or tool designed to help you analyze, manage, and visualize data. By using statistical analysis software, you’ll be able to better understand your business data, derive actionable insights, and make data-backed decisions.
What Can You Use Statistical Analysis Software For?
Statistical analysis software can be used to perform a number of different statistical analyses:
- Regression analysis
- A/B Testing
- Data visualization
- Customer segmentation
- Predictive analysis
- Data-driven analysis
Overview of the 12 Best Statistical Analysis Software
Here's a description of each statistical analysis software that includes the best use cases for each note, any noteworthy features, pros and cons, and pricing information. You’ll also see a screenshot of the interface to give you an idea of what using each tool is like.
1. IBM SPSS - Best for large teams with different skill sets
IBM SPSS is a statistical software platform with a user-friendly interface that lets users prepare and analyze data without knowing how to code. The tool uses drag-and-drop functionality to perform analysis and provides a range of technical demos to help you get started.
Why I picked IBM SPSS: Some statistical software platforms overwhelm users with a wealth of features. Others limit capabilities to appeal to a novice audience. But IBM SPSS manages to strike a balance between the two, positioning itself as a user-friendly option while also having a range of comprehensive features (like regression analyses). This makes it easy for inexperienced analysts to get to grips with the platform but means they won't have to switch to a different solution once they become competent.
IBM SPSS Standout Features and Integrations
Features that separate IBM SPSS from competitors include a clean, easy-to-use interface and drag-and-drop functionality. All users need to do is point and click on the relevant model to run an analysis on their data. There's a vast number of statistical models to choose from, ranging from basic functions like frequency modeling to advanced regression modeling, and the platform even automates much of the data preparation process.
Integrations include a range of other data analysis tools, including TIMi and JMP, and survey platforms such as Voxco Online and Rotator Survey
Price: From $99 per user per month
Free Trial: Free trial available
Pros
- Fantastic user interface
- Wide range of statistical models
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Some very advanced models are missing
- Reporting features lack flexibility
2. Minitab - Best for Six Sigma professionals
Minitab is a statistical software platform that provides data visualization, statistical analysis, and predictive analytics functions to help you make data-driven decisions. It provides all of the tools you need to complete Lean Six Sigma projects from start to finish.
Why I picked Minitab: Minitab comes with an integrated DfSS toolkit. You can follow a pre-built DMAIC roadmap or design your own, with the platform's tools linked to each stage of the process. The platform allows you to run Monte Carlo simulations, create a Pugh Matrix, and perform DOE planning. If it’s your first time running an analysis on Minitab, the software offers an Assistant to guide you through the entire analysis and help interpret data.
Minitab Standout Features and Integrations
Features include an integrated DfSS toolkit, a huge range of quality-related tools (run charts, Pareto charts, variables control charts, Tolerance intervals, Acceptance sampling and OC curves, etc.), and simulation and distribution tools. There's also an in-depth education hub, and the company offers on-site or virtual training.
Integrations include several cloud databases, such as Apache HBase and Amazon Redshift, as well as JMP Statistical Software, Qualtrics CoreXM, and Talend Data Integration.
Price: From $1780 per year
Free Trial: Free trial available
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- Wide range of Six Sigma tools
- Assistant tool to help you perform analysis
Cons
- Can be expensive for some companies
- Can’t be used offline
3. Tableau - Best for Salesforce users
Tableau is Salesforce’s visual analytics platform. You can deploy it on your own servers, in the cloud, or natively integrate it with your Salesforce CRM—perfect if you plan to analyze customer data.
Why I picked Tableau: The native integration with Salesforce is a significant selling point for any business that already uses the company’s CRM. It’s pretty much the only statistical analysis software with this kind of integration. Of course, you can connect just about any other data source to the platform, too. The software is also powered by Salesforce’s Einstein AI, which allows you to use the tool to make AI-driven predictions based on your data.
Tableau Standout Features and Integrations
Features include a native Salesforce integration, a standout feature for Salesforce users. The platform also features a drag-and-drop modeling tool (so you don’t need to know how to code to use the platform), Einstein AI, which delivers predictions and recommendations based on your data, and a bespoke data preparation tool, Tableau Prep Builder.
Integrations include Salesforce CRM and a host of other data sources (such as Excel, Amazon Redshift, Snowflake, and Splunk. It also integrates with several other business applications, including AWS, Google Cloud, SAP, Alibaba.com, and Informatica.
Price: $70 per user per month
Free Trial: Free trial available
Pros
- Native Salesforce integration
- Huge range of other third-party integrations
- Intuitive dashboard with drag-and-drop functionality
Cons
- Visualization features could be improved
- Can take a while to download large data sets
4. SAS Viya - Best cross-department tool
SAS Viya is a cloud-based AI, analytics, and data management platform. You can integrate data from almost any source and run collaborative data prep and analysis functions as a team.
Why I picked SAS Viya: Collaboration is at the heart of the SAS Viya platform. Businesses can create a shared space where anyone in the data team can work on analysis together. For example, data engineers can create scalable pipelines, data scientists can transform those data sets into structured data, and business analysts can use advanced analytics tools to derive insights.
SAS Viya Standout Features and Integrations
Features include a wide range of tools that help your team upload and analyze data. Data management capabilities integrate a range of data sources, and a suggestion engine speeds up data preparation. AI tools provide intelligent recommendations that accelerate decision-making. You can even bring your team’s language to the platform.
Integrations are possible with a range of tools using open-source integrations such as the Rest API, Python APIs, Java APIs, and iOS and Android SDKs.
Price: $0.55 per SU per hour
Free Trial: Free two-week trial available
Pros
- Great collaborative features
- Easy to connect different data sources
- Very fast processing
Cons
- Can be expensive depending on usage
- Not the most intuitive platform
5. JMP - Best for Mac users
JMP is a desktop statistical software designed to suit all levels of analysis, from engineers to business analysts to scientists. As you’d expect from any Mac product, it features a clean user interface making it straightforward for anyone to start using the tool.
Why I picked JMP: The native macOS client is a significant selling point, given that not all desktop-based statistical analysis software tools work on the operating system. The platform is not limited because of that, though. You’ll still get all of the tools you need to understand business data delivered through a no-code solution.
JMP Standout Features and Integrations
Features cover everything you’d expect from a statistical analysis tool, including data import and preparation functionality, a full range of templated statistical analysis options, linked analysis and graphics, interactive visualization, and statistical modeling.
Integrations include a range of data sources like Microsoft Access, SQLite, MySQL, and Amazon Aurora, as well as other statistical analysis tools like Minitab, SAP, and SAS Viya.
Price: Pricing upon request
Free Trial: Free trial available
Pros
- Native Mac client available
- Great dashboarding capabilities
- Wide range of graphics
Cons
- Can have a long learning curve
- Fixing errors and bugs can be time-consuming
6. OriginPro - Best for graphing
Origin Pro is a scientific graphing and data analysis tool used by over half a million engineers and scientists to create visual representations of data without the need for programming.
Why I picked OriginPro: If you want to visually represent data there are few better options than OriginPro. The software has over 100 built-in graph types and allows point-and-click customization of every element of them. You can even save customized graphs as new templates, so you don’t have to create them from scratch for future reports.
OriginPro Standout Features and Integrations
Features include 100+ graph types (such as column, bar, line plot, trellis plot, vector plot, and 3D charts). The software also has a full suite of customization options, annotation features, and a high-speed data-importing function.
Integrations include Microsoft Excel, MATLAB, Microsoft Word, Catman, Touchstone, and Google.
Price: From $465 per year
Free Trial: Free trial available
Pros
- Great graphical analysis
- Intuitive UI
- Good support team
Cons
- Program occasionally crashes
- Lacking help section
7. Stata - Best for advanced programming
Stata is a comprehensive software package that runs the statistical analysis gamut from data preparation and manipulation through to visualization and automated reporting. The program includes Mata, an advanced programming language that adds direct support for matrix programming.
Why I picked Stata: While you don’t need to program to use Stata, the platform’s in-built language gives advanced users a development environment where they can produce and compile code. The tool also offers PyStata, a Python integration that lets you integrate Python into your code.
Stata Standout Features and Integrations
Features include the advanced programming language discussed so far, PyStata, and functionality to incorporate C, C++, and Java plugins in your Stata programs. The programming capabilities of the platform also mean that new community-contributed features are being built and added daily, all of which can be installed with a single click.
Integrations include programming languages like Python, C, C++, and Java.
Price: From $840 per year
Free Trial: No trial available
Pros
- Wide range of support for coding languages
- Regularly updated
- Exceptional support
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Not as beginner-friendly as other tools
8. MATLAB - Best for cleaning large volumes of data
MATLAB is a statistical analysis software for data cleansing, analysis, and visualization. The platform’s live editor lets you interactively perform iterative tasks like cleansing and labeling data.
Why I picked MATLAB: Messy data can ruin results. That’s why MATLAB is suitable for any CFO blessed with a large data set who wants to cleanse and label data before analyzing thoroughly. Don’t let the fact that the tool is primarily used for academic purposes—it’s very useful for analyzing business data and generating meaningful reports.
MATLAB Standout Features and Integrations
Features include the MATLAB Live Editor, which uses a prebuilt family of functions to speed up the data cleansing process. Further, the Data Cleaner app automatically identifies issues with your data set and applies multiple methods to clean data.
Integrations include a range of data platforms and statistical analysis software. These include Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, MongoDB, JMP, EASA, and Azure Cosmos DB.
Price: From $940 per year
Free Trial: Free trial available
Pros
- Multiple data cleansing tools
- Intuitive graphical interface
- Custom visual creation
Cons
- Requires significant processing power to run
- Learning curve can be steep
9. XLSTAT - Best for Microsoft Excel users
XLSTAT is a leading statistical analysis software solution designed specifically for Microsoft Excel. It natively integrates into the spreadsheet, allowing you to analyze business data without leaving the platform.
Why I picked XLSTAT: If the native integration with Microsoft Excel wasn’t enough, business analysts and CFOs can use XLSTAT without knowing how to code. You can produce in-depth data reports and customizable Excel charts, and replicate many of the other capabilities of the other platforms on this list.
XLSTAT Standout Features and Integrations
Features that make XLSTAT a suitable standalone tool for data analysis include data reporting, custom visualizations, and straightforward data preparation. The tool also comes with a range of add-ons (for marketing, quality control, etc.) that expand functionality even further.
Integrations include Microsoft Excel.
Price: From $345 per year
Free Trial: 14-day free trial
Pros
- Native integration with Excel
- Excellent customer support
- Easy to use
Cons
- Premium pricing can be expensive
- Can be difficult for novices to use
10. Domo - Best dashboards
Domo is a cloud-based data platform designed to help everyone in your organization better use business data. The software’s intuitive dashboards and reporting make it simple for even first-time analysts to generate insights and put data to work.
Why I picked Domo: Of all the statistical analysis software tools in this list, Domo is probably the most user-friendly. The software automates data extraction, meaning data can be transferred from spreadsheets to dashboards in real-time. Embedded analytics even lets you share dashboards externally with clients or partners.
Domo Standout Features and Integrations
Features focus on making it easy to understand data. The platform offers personalized and customizable visualizations, custom dashboards, automatic alerts when data changes, and external sharing capabilities.
Integrations include Google Drive, Google Analytics, Microsoft Excel, Dropbox Business, Basecamp, Shopify, Hubspot, and dozens more business apps.
Price: Pricing upon request
Free Trial: Free trial available
Pros
- Customizable dashboards and reports
- Real-time data feeds
- Great UI
Cons
- Lacks advanced functionality
- Customer support is lacking
11. Scilab - Best open-source statistical analysis software
Scilab is a free, open-source statistical analysis software under the GPL License. That means you can use the software for any purpose, change the software, and share the software with colleagues.
Why I picked Scilab: Scilab is the only statistical analysis software on this list you can use for free long-term. But that doesn’t mean the software is lacking in capabilities. It still provides many of the data analysis tools and features you need, including numerical analysis, data visualization, and simulations.
Scilab Standout Features and Integrations
Features include pre-built statistical models like interpolation and regression analysis, linear systems of equations, and Fourier analysis. As well as a full range of charts and animations, scientific programming capabilities, and algorithm development.
Integrations There are no native integrations available.
Price: Free
Free Trial: No trial available.
Pros
- Free to use and edit
- Clean UI
- Fast processing
Cons
- Lacks features compared to premium products
- Not that intuitive to use
12. NCSS - Best for output navigation
NCSS is a comprehensive statistical analysis software platform, complete with hundreds of graphic tools, and a unique output navigational system that makes it easier to understand results.
Why I picked NCSS: It can be hard to juggle multiple data visualization outputs with some statistical analysis tools, but not NCSS. The platform’s output window allows each graph to be viewed in a separate window, meaning you can compare analysis side by side within the program.
NCSS Standout Features and Integrations
Features include intuitive data import and management that supports all major file types. This, along with prebuilt procedures available from a dropdown menu, makes it faster for you to analyze data. Over 80 plots are available when it comes time to visualize data, all of which are customizable.
Integrations include most major data platforms and statistical software tools, including Microsoft Excel, JMP, MATLAB, Minitab, SPSS, and Statistica.
Price: From $2,995 for an annual license
Free Trial: 30-day free trial
Pros
- Dozens of visual tools
- Easy to compare results
- Intuitive platform
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Hard to manipulate large datasets
Other Statistical Analysis Software Options
Here are a few more worthwhile options that didn’t make my best statistical analysis software list but are still worth checking out.
- GraphPad Prism - Best for scientific research
- Knime - Best for open-source users
- Looker - Best for Google Cloud users
- SUDAAN - Best for analyzing complex studies
- TIMi - Best for processing large amounts of data
- Phocas - Best for small teams
Selection Criteria for Statistical Analysis Software
Wondering how I developed my shortlist? Here’s a short summary of the main selection and evaluation criteria I used to analyze each of the best statistical analysis software for this article:
Core Functionality
The first thing I did was research a wide range of tools to assess the extent to which they met the core functionality you’d expect from a statistical analysis tool. That includes:
- Allowing you to import data from a range of sources
- Making it possible to conduct multiple forms of statistical analysis using the latest techniques
- Visualizing your results in a range of graphs and visualization tools
Key Features
In order to deliver the core functionality, each statistical analysis software had to have most of the following key features:
- Data import functionality: platforms should make it simple to upload datasets or natively integrate with data warehouses.
- Pre-built statistical models: This feature saves time and makes it simple for novice analysts to create in-depth reports and models
- Charts and visualization dashboard: Platforms should have an abundance of charts and graphs to make results easy to understand.
- Documentation and training: Statistical analysis software isn’t always easy to use. Platforms should have in-depth training material to help get you up to speed.
Usability
Statistical analysis can be complicated enough without having to suffer platforms with complicated user interfaces. With that in mind, I prioritized tools that provided an excellent user experience.
Additional points were awarded to platforms that had drag-and-drop functionality, meaning users didn’t have to know how to code to generate insights.
Pricing
I’ve provided several pricing options (subscription, per usage, one-off licenses) so that you can choose a tool that suits your budget and payment preferences.
People Also Ask
Still have questions about finding the best statistical analysis software for your business? My frequently asked questions section below should help.
What are the benefits of statistical analysis software?
Is there a free statistical analysis software tool?
What are the different types of statistical analysis software?
What types of graphs and visualizations can be produced using statistical analysis software?
Can statistical analysis software be customized for specific research needs?
Did You Find the Statistical Analysis Software You Were Looking For?
I hope you found what you were looking for in my list of the best statistical analysis software for 2023.
These platforms have vastly different use cases and can serve very different purposes, which makes recommending a one-size-fits-all tool impossible. That’s why I’ve tried my best to categorize each of the platforms by their best use case and core features. Hopefully, that helps you find the right one for you.
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