XLSTAT vs Stata

Minitab

MATLAB

IBM SPSS Statistics

Minitab is a statistical and data analytics software, which helps organizations predict, visualize, and analyze business data to forecast patterns, discover trends, view relationships between variables, and more. The built-in assistant lets users manage data analysis and interpretation operations.

MATLAB is a programming and numeric computing platform, which enables businesses and educational institutions to create models, develop algorithms, analyze data sets and more. Professionals can use the live editor to create scripts and enhance code with hyperlinks, images, and headings.


IBM SPSS Statistics is a business intelligence software that helps businesses of all sizes conduct statistical analysis utilizing big data, machine learning algorithms, open-source extensibility, and other methodologies from within a unified platform.

The leading data analysis and statistical solution for Microsoft EXCEL®

Association Discovery

Customer Database

Customizable Reports

Dashboard

Data Analysis Tools

Data Capture and Transfer

Data Discovery

Data Management

Data Preparation

Data Visualization

Forecasting

Machine Learning

ML Algorithm Library

Model Training

Multivariate Analysis

Predictive Analytics

Regression Analysis

Reporting/Analytics

Reporting & Statistics

Self-service Analytics

Statistical Analysis

Statistical Process Control

Statistical Simulation

Survival Analysis

Text Analysis

Time Series Analysis

Some users report that XLSTAT offers affordable pricing and good value, especially for students with academic discounts. However, some reviewers find it expensive for academics and small businesses, and they mention extra costs for premium features and limited pricing flexibility.

Value for money

The XLSTAT integration most frequently cited by reviewers is Microsoft Excel, a spreadsheet product rated 4.9 out of 5 for its integration with XLSTAT.

Integrations

By industry, XLSTAT reviewers are most commonly professionals in research (16%). The most frequent use case for XLSTAT cited by reviewers is statistical analysis (84% of reviewers).

Proprietary

XLSTAT

Windows

Web-based

Stata

XLSTAT BASIC

XLSTAT BASIC+

Premium

High cost for many users

51% of reviewers feel negative about XLSTAT’s pricing. Users say the software is expensive, particularly for students, small businesses, and those with limited budgets. Reviewers indicate that the cost of subscriptions and additional premium packages can be prohibitive, making it difficult for some to access the features they need. Some reviewers find the academic pricing still too high, and they express concern about affordability once student discounts are no longer available. They mention that the inability to purchase only specific tools adds to the expense.

Frequent crashes and glitches

68% of reviewers feel negative about XLSTAT’s bugs and issues. Reviewers report frequent crashes, freezing, and glitches, especially when handling large datasets or using the software on Mac systems. Users indicate that updates and installations can be problematic, sometimes requiring complete reinstalls. Some reviewers say compatibility issues with certain Excel versions and operating systems cause frustration. They mention that error messages are often unhelpful, and technical problems can disrupt their workflow, leading to lost work or repeated restarts.

Seamless Excel integration

97% of reviewers feel positive about XLSTAT’s integrations. Users think the seamless integration with Microsoft Excel is a major advantage, as it allows them to work within a familiar environment without switching between multiple tools. Reviewers appreciate that XLSTAT functions as an add-in, making data transfer and analysis straightforward. Some reviewers find the compatibility with R software valuable, and many say the integration saves time and increases efficiency. They indicate that this approach avoids the need for standalone statistical software, streamlining their workflow.

Comprehensive statistics in Excel

98% of reviewers feel positive about XLSTAT’s statistics capabilities. Reviewers indicate the software provides a wide range of statistical analyses directly within Excel, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced users. They appreciate being able to perform descriptive and inferential statistics without needing separate programs. Users think the integration with Excel simplifies teaching and learning statistics, and they find it especially helpful for academic and business tasks. Some reviewers feel it enhances their understanding of statistical concepts and allows them to achieve better results in their coursework or research.

Intuitive and simple operation

Researcher

I have been using XLSTATE for more than 11 years and I found it as easy to use and effeicent

94% of reviewers feel positive about XLSTAT’s ease of use. Reviewers indicate the software is straightforward to install, set up, and operate, even for those with limited technical backgrounds. Users say that if they are comfortable with Excel, they can quickly adapt to XLSTAT without a steep learning curve. Some reviewers find the interface clear and the help guides useful, making it easy to complete tasks efficiently. They appreciate that the software is accessible for both academic and professional purposes, enabling them to focus on analysis rather than technical hurdles.

Research Staff

The best part is where Sen's slope test is incorporated in Mann-Kendall analysis, an aspect often missing in great softwares like SAS.

The limitations on graphics and data visualization as it requires additional purchase of Zenplot.

It is restricted to one machine so I have to carry my laptop to wherever I need to work.

Associated profesor

There are some methods for reordering data, or adding missing values, but it not works in some times.

professor

This flexibility is probably its greatest feature.

ownter

Basic stats should include survival statistics - found another program to do this for less than the upgrade to life sciences

I migrated from older Statview and Systat, a great move.

research assistant

Some advanced features require additional learning, and the pricing can be a bit high for individual users.

It integrates seamlessly with Excel, making data analysis straightforward.

Officer

An annual subscription system that requires customers to renew every year.

The wide range of features is beneficial, though some complex functions require extra time to master

Researcher of Plant Breeding of Hevea Rubber

On the go statistic application for Excel type of data.

PhD Candidate

Using the excel environment for data analyses and visualisation is a winner; creates a short learning curve for any new analyst.

Sensory Manager

Overall, it covers the essential sensory tools and methodologies used by Sensory Science these days such as TCATA, Temporal and Time Intensity.

The calculations and diagrams that were written with it made possible for us to publish in high-ranking publications

medical physicist

Limited product packages - no possibility of customization by combining selected functionalities from different packages.

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST

The Excel compatibility, It is certainly a great addition.

Professor

XLSTAT has been a "one-stop" statistical analysis tool for me, a real time-saver, improving my ability to explore complex datasets without hopping around different programs.  

Owner

It is easy to use with small to moderately sized databases.

Math Professor and Doctoral Student

I use XLSTAT to my thesis and is awesome!

Easy to use since this application is added on Excel.

Young researcher

When perform several consecutive analysis for results in different sheets, the software returns me to the previous sheet in which the analysis was performed, unless I immediately press the reset button.

Senior News Editor

It has a wide range of features and tools, including advanced statistical testing, data visualization, and predictive analytics.

Xlstat is exactly the statistical software I need.

Scientific Researcher 

I wish I could use my license in any computer, with a pincode that identify myself....

PhD Student

R functions integrated, especially AML ones, and the bundle of statistical functions.

Analytics Market Manager

As part of a Market research project we needed to further analyse the relationship between ordinal variables.

Better documentation for interpreting the outcomes of the various modèles.

Technical Officer

I'm using XLSTAT for multivariate analysis in general (surveys and also scientific experiments) and specifically for sensory analysis.

Clinical Research Consultant

The exercise compels non-statisticians to pay attention to the statistical considerations at the earliest stages of clinical trial design and protocol development.

Graduate Assistant

There are only few of options available, but i was wondering if we can use the volcano plot.

Within XLSTAT's clustering methods (AFC in our case) was a perfect fit.

Maitre de conférences

Lack of tutorials for using data analysis

Data Analyst

The one thing that keeps me coming back to XLSTAT despite many alternatives is the ability of the software to write a summary interpretation of statistical tests

Given that I have advanced level knowledge in excel, this streamlines my workflow significantly with the way it is integrated into excel.

Student

Xlsat has allowed me to analyze and predict data beyond any scope I have before.

CEO 

No need for complicated formulas to get your results.

PhD student

On xlstat website some feature sheets should be completed by the way access to it in the software (exemple PCR).

Also the use of non-linear regression allows to predict the behaviour of these parameters during time.

With its intuitive user interface, users of all levels of expertise can quickly develop insights from their data.

Works in Excel, easy to use even for a beginner with limited knowledge of statistics

For Cohen's d, provide the option of entering either SD or SE and N, because one or the other, but not both, are reported in journal articles.

As I have already written, it helped us in our medical research

Data are easily formatted, I prefer rows for treatments and columns for measured variables.

The friendly environment to use statistics, make it easier.

Data Analysis

Features

License and Purchase

Statistics

Excel Integration

Statistical Tests

Bugs and Issues

Sensory Analysis

Output and Export

Freelancers

Large Enterprises

Small Business

Mid-size Business

Lumivero

Microsoft Power BI

Microsoft Power BI converts data into rich interactive visualizations, utilizing business analytics tools to share dashboard-based insights across all devices

Google Analytics 360

Enterprise-level analytics platform for marketers, BI staff, and online businesses to gain insights into customer website interactions.

Tableau

Tableau is a business intelligence and analytics platform that enables users to connect to databases, create data visualizations, and share insights. The platform offers deployment options including cloud-based, self-hosted, and desktop environments with drag-and-drop functionality for building interactive dashboards. It features AI-based analytics capabilities, integration with Salesforce CRM, and supports visual storytelling and collaboration across organizations.

Stata is an integrated statistical software for data analysis, visualization, and management across disciplines. It offers tools like linear and logistic regression, time-series, panel-data, survival models, causal inference, Bayesian analysis, and machine learning. Stata provides publication-quality graphics with customizable layouts and supports automated report generation, exporting to Word, Excel, PDF, and HTML formats.

Bayesian Analysis

Charting

Customization

Database Support

Data Extraction

Data Import/Export

Data Mapping

Data Migration

Data Quality Control

Data Storage Management

Drag & Drop

File Storage

Multiple Data Sources

Performance Metrics

Real-Time Analytics

Real-Time Data

Real-Time Reporting

Sales Trend Analysis

Search/Filter

Self Service Data Preparation

Third-Party Integrations

Trend Analysis

User Management

Visual Analytics

Reviewers indicate that Stata is more affordable than some competitors and appreciate its flexible pricing, especially for individuals or those in developing countries. However, many users report high costs, burdensome licensing, and limited accessibility for students or small teams.

By industry, Stata reviewers are most commonly professionals in research (19%). The most frequent use case for Stata cited by reviewers is statistical analysis (85% of reviewers).

Linux

Business single-user (Stata/SE)

Business single-user (Stata/MP 2 Core)

Business single-user (Stata/MP 4 Core)

Business single-user (Stata/MP >4 Core)

High cost and accessibility issues

The other problem is that it is a tool for which you have to pay an annual or monthly subscription if you want to use it, it is not that it restricts some tools or not, it just does not let you use any of the tools that this software has.

71% of reviewers feel negative about Stata’s pricing. Some reviewers say the software is prohibitively expensive, especially for students and individual users, and note that licenses must be renewed periodically. They indicate that the high cost limits accessibility and may push users toward more affordable alternatives. Users report frustration with the lack of a free or partially free version for educational purposes. Some reviewers feel that the price is not justified given the comparable functionality available in less expensive or open-source software, and they mention challenges with customer service related to licensing.

Comprehensive econometric tools

96% of reviewers feel positive about Stata’s econometric analysis features. Some reviewers find that Stata is especially effective for implementing advanced econometric methods, including panel data techniques and forecasting. They say the software’s straightforward commands and built-in procedures save time and simplify complex modeling. Users think the active user community and extensive support resources help them resolve econometric questions efficiently. Reviewers appreciate that Stata is widely adopted in academic and professional economics environments, making collaboration and code sharing easier across teams.

Versatile statistical capabilities

Assistant Professor

The syntax is fairly intuitive and the software is able to handle most advanced statistical techniques.

98% of reviewers feel positive about Stata’s statistical analysis capabilities. Reviewers indicate that Stata offers a broad range of advanced statistical tools, allowing them to perform everything from basic regressions to complex multilevel and Bayesian models. Some users report that the intuitive interface and comprehensive documentation make it accessible for both beginners and advanced analysts. They appreciate the ability to generate clear, visually appealing reports and value the software’s reliability and speed for data analysis tasks. Users think Stata’s integration with other platforms like R and Python further enhances their analytical workflows.

Assistant Professor of Finance

I like that Stata has one of the most thorough documentations out there, and tremendously supports statistical analyses.

I do not like that Stata is - as a software - sometimes a bit slow, especially for large datasets and matrices.

Project Consultant

Occasional performance issues with very large datasets can slow down analysis.

Professor 

The do file feature where I could easily write and store my commands save me a loads of time.

Statistician 

The most interesting thing is we can maintain a do file so that we can reuse the same analysis again and again.

XLSTAT vs Stata Comparison (2026)

XLSTAT

Stata

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives