Apache Spark MLlib vs Weka
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Apache Spark MLlib starts at Free and Weka starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Distributed model training
- ML pipelines
- Classification and clustering
- Hadoop data sources
- Java, Scala, Python and R APIs
- Classification and regression
- Clustering
- Data preprocessing
- Visualization
- Experiment comparison
- Java API
| Feature | Apache Spark MLlib | Weka |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Distributed machine learning library built into Apache Spark | Open-source Java workbench for machine learning and data mining |
| Category | Data & analytics | Data & analytics |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Apache Software Foundation | University of Waikato |
| Based in | – | New Zealand |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Apache Spark MLlib starts at Free and Weka starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Nov 5, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Apache Spark MLlib
- Scales across large clusters
- Fits into existing Spark jobs
- Free and open source
- Needs a Spark cluster to be useful
- Few deep learning features
- Heavier setup than single-machine libraries
Weka
- Free and open source
- Graphical interface for beginners
- Courses and a book to learn from
- Dated desktop interface
- Struggles with very large datasets
- Little support for deep learning
Which one should you choose?
Choose Apache Spark MLlib if you want:
- Scales across large clusters
- Fits into existing Spark jobs
- Free and open source
Watch out: needs a spark cluster to be useful.
Choose Weka if you want:
- Free and open source
- Graphical interface for beginners
- Courses and a book to learn from
Watch out: dated desktop interface.
Apache Spark MLlib vs Weka FAQ
What is the difference between Apache Spark MLlib and Weka?
Apache Spark MLlib: Distributed machine learning library built into Apache Spark. Weka: Open-source Java workbench for machine learning and data mining. Both are data & analytics tools.
Is Apache Spark MLlib or Weka cheaper?
Apache Spark MLlib starts at Free and Weka starts at Free. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Apache Spark MLlib and Weka have free plans?
Apache Spark MLlib: Yes, fully free. Weka: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Apache Spark MLlib?
Apache Spark MLlib is made by Apache Software Foundation.
Who makes Weka?
Weka is made by University of Waikato, based in New Zealand.
Which should I choose, Apache Spark MLlib or Weka?
Choose Apache Spark MLlib if you value scales across large clusters and fits into existing spark jobs. Choose Weka if you value free and open source and graphical interface for beginners.