MATLAB vs SAS Viya
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. MATLAB starts at See pricing page and SAS Viya starts at See pricing page. 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
- MATLAB Copilot
- Deep Learning Toolbox
- Data analysis and plotting
- Simulink integration
- Code generation for hardware
- Data management
- Visual machine learning
- Visual Analytics reporting
- Forecasting and optimization
- Model deployment and governance
- SAS, Python and R support
| Feature | MATLAB | SAS Viya |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Numerical computing environment with AI coding help and deep learning | Cloud-native SAS platform for analytics, machine learning and AI |
| Category | Data & analytics | Data & analytics |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Free trial |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No, trial available | No, trial available |
| Made by | MathWorks | SAS Institute |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
MATLAB starts at See pricing page and SAS Viya starts at See pricing page. 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
MATLAB
- Standard tool in engineering and research
- Large set of specialist toolboxes
- Strong documentation and community
- Licenses and toolboxes are expensive
- Copilot and toolboxes cost extra
- Proprietary language
SAS Viya
- Mature, broad analytics toolset
- Strong model governance for regulated sectors
- Both visual and code-based workflows
- Quote-based and costly
- Heavy platform for small teams
- Steep learning curve
Which one should you choose?
Choose MATLAB if you want:
- Standard tool in engineering and research
- Large set of specialist toolboxes
- Strong documentation and community
Watch out: licenses and toolboxes are expensive.
Choose SAS Viya if you want:
- Mature, broad analytics toolset
- Strong model governance for regulated sectors
- Both visual and code-based workflows
Watch out: quote-based and costly.
MATLAB vs SAS Viya FAQ
What is the difference between MATLAB and SAS Viya?
MATLAB: Numerical computing environment with AI coding help and deep learning. SAS Viya: Cloud-native SAS platform for analytics, machine learning and AI. Both are data & analytics tools.
Is MATLAB or SAS Viya cheaper?
MATLAB starts at See pricing page and SAS Viya starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do MATLAB and SAS Viya have free plans?
MATLAB: No, trial available. SAS Viya: No, trial available.
Who makes MATLAB?
MATLAB is made by MathWorks, based in United States.
Who makes SAS Viya?
SAS Viya is made by SAS Institute, based in United States.
Which should I choose, MATLAB or SAS Viya?
Choose MATLAB if you value standard tool in engineering and research and large set of specialist toolboxes. Choose SAS Viya if you value mature, broad analytics toolset and strong model governance for regulated sectors.