MATLAB vs Simple ML for Sheets
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Simple ML for Sheets is completely free, while MATLAB is free trial.
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
- Predict missing values
- Spot abnormal values
- Forecasting
- Train and evaluate models
- Model export
| Feature | MATLAB | Simple ML for Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Numerical computing environment with AI coding help and deep learning | Google Sheets add-on for machine learning and forecasting |
| Category | Data & analytics | Data & analytics |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Free |
| Starting price | See pricing page | Free |
| Free plan | No, trial available | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | MathWorks | Google (TensorFlow Decision Forests team) |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Simple ML for Sheets is completely free, while MATLAB is free trial.
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
Simple ML for Sheets
- Free add-on from Google
- No coding or ML knowledge needed
- Data is not shared with third parties
- Works only in Google Sheets
- Limited to tabular data
- Not suited to large datasets
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 Simple ML for Sheets if you want:
- Free add-on from Google
- No coding or ML knowledge needed
- Data is not shared with third parties
Watch out: works only in google sheets.
MATLAB vs Simple ML for Sheets FAQ
What is the difference between MATLAB and Simple ML for Sheets?
MATLAB: Numerical computing environment with AI coding help and deep learning. Simple ML for Sheets: Google Sheets add-on for machine learning and forecasting. Both are data & analytics tools.
Is MATLAB or Simple ML for Sheets cheaper?
Simple ML for Sheets is completely free, while MATLAB is free trial.
Do MATLAB and Simple ML for Sheets have free plans?
MATLAB: No, trial available. Simple ML for Sheets: Yes, fully free.
Who makes MATLAB?
MATLAB is made by MathWorks, based in United States.
Who makes Simple ML for Sheets?
Simple ML for Sheets is made by Google (TensorFlow Decision Forests team), based in United States.
Which should I choose, MATLAB or Simple ML for Sheets?
Choose MATLAB if you value standard tool in engineering and research and large set of specialist toolboxes. Choose Simple ML for Sheets if you value free add-on from google and no coding or ml knowledge needed.