Side by side
Dataplot vs SPM
Both stand on statistical analysis software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Dataplot if you need a free desktop tool for scientific and engineering analysis, with statistical methods, modeling, and graphics in one system. It is a stronger fit for users comfortable with its command language and platform specific installation steps. Look elsewhere if you need a native mobile installation or guaranteed official support.
Visit DataplotChoose SPM if you need free desktop software for statistical analysis of brain imaging data across its supported modalities and formats. Look elsewhere if the MATLAB-based installation options or the standalone runtime requirement do not suit your setup, or if you need community extensions with guaranteed compatibility.
Visit SPMThe facts
| Dataplot | SPM | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Dataplot | SPM |
| Website | itl.nist.gov | fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk |
| On statistical analysis software | #16 of 106 | #12 of 106 |
Dataplot: what it does well
- Free public-domain software for Windows, Linux/Unix, and macOS.
- Covers statistical tests, regression, time-series, reliability, and process control.
- Supports 2D, 3D, contour, and multi-plot graphics.
- Imports delimited text, limited Fortran binary, and Excel workbooks.
- Can be extended with macros, GUI menu changes, or source changes.
What to know first
- The graphical interface requires Tcl/Tk installed separately.
- Linux/Unix and macOS distributions must be built from source.
- Native smartphone and tablet installations are not provided.
- Official support is not guaranteed and prioritizes NIST staff.
SPM: what it does well
- Free and open-source under the GPL-2.0 license.
- Designed for fMRI, PET, SPECT, EEG and MEG analysis.
- Supports statistical tests, regression models and Bayesian analysis.
- Imports NIfTI, Analyze, OPM, TSV, JSON, FIF and LVM formats.
- Online tutorials, datasets and courses are available.
What to know first
- The recommended installation is within MATLAB.
- Standalone SPM includes MATLAB Runtime, requiring about 2.5 GB.
- Some community extensions may be incompatible, and usability is not guaranteed.