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17 Machine Learning Tools to Try in 2024 (+Pricing!)

Machine learning tools tackle data analysis and predictive modeling, making advanced technologies more accessible in data science.

This guide introduces you to a range of powerful machine-learning tools.

Each is designed to simplify the process and enhance your projects, whether you're a seasoned data scientist or a beginner in the field.

What Is Machine Learning?

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) where computers learn from data, much like we learn from experience.

Machine learning is a crucial component of data science, teaching computers to recognize patterns and make decisions with minimal human input.

Machine learning uses algorithms, which are instructions that guide computers in analyzing and learning from data analytics. These algorithms help build a machine learning model that improves its knowledge and accuracy as it processes more data.

Amazon’s “customers also bought” feature is an example of machine learning.

When you shop online, machine learning algorithms analyze your purchases and suggest other products based on similar customers' purchases.

This personalization directly results from machine learning continuously adapting to buying patterns.

Deep learning, a subset of machine learning, deals with even more complex tasks. 

For instance, when you speak to a virtual assistant like Siri or Alexa, deep learning algorithms process your speech, recognize your voice’s nuances, and understand your commands.

This capability to interpret intricate sound patterns or images sets deep learning apart from broader machine learning techniques.

By empowering machines to understand and interact with our world, machine learning and deep learning are revolutionizing our daily digital experiences, making them more intuitive and tailored to our needs.

Types of machine learning

There are three types of core machine learning. 

1. Supervised machine learning 

Supervised learning is like a teacher-student scenario where the machine learns under guidance.

Here, the algorithm is “trained” on a pre-labeled dataset, meaning it learns by comparing its results against the known outcomes.

2. Unsupervised machine learning 

Unsupervised learning involves algorithms that learn from data without guidance, finding hidden patterns and relationships independently.

This type is crucial for clustering and association tasks in data science, like grouping customers based on purchasing behavior.

3. Reinforcement machine learning

Reinforcement learning is an aspect of data science focused on decision-making and learning from the outcomes.

It’s like playing a video game where the machine learning algorithm learns to make better choices through trial and error to achieve a goal.

This method is used in navigation systems and real-time decision-making applications.

Top Machine Learning Tools

As data science evolves, these machine-learning software options will shape the future of data analysis, data reconciliation and predictive modeling.

1. Anaconda

machine learning tools - Anaconda screenshot

Anaconda is a popular machine learning and data science tool that makes complex data tasks more manageable.

Features:

  • Packed with various Python and R packages crucial for scientific computing and data analysis.
  • Offers a graphical use user interface for easier handling of multiple applications and data projects.
  • Provides an online coding environment with Jupyter notebooks.

Pricing:

Free plans available. Paid plans start at $9 a month. 

2. AWS Machine Learning

machine learning tools - AWS Machine Learning screenshot

AWS Machine Learning offers a comprehensive suite of tools and services, including automated machine learning solutions. It caters to both data science professionals and beginners.

Features

  • Provides a range of AI and ML services for deeper insights into the data.
  • Simplifies building and scaling generative AI applications for new and innovative applications.
  • Offers tailor-made solutions to address common business challenges.

Pricing:

Offers pay-as-you-go pricing.

3. Vertex AI

machine learning tools - Vertex AI screenshot

Vertex AI, Google's cloud-based platform, simplifies how businesses use artificial intelligence in data science applications. 

Features:

  • Provides straightforward tools for AI model training.
  • Allows fast and reliable setup of AI models in real-world applications.
  • Capable of working with various kinds of data, such as text, images, and videos.

Pricing:

For current pricing, check Google's official website. Costs vary depending on your needs.

4. Microsoft Azure Machine Learning

machine learning tools - Microsoft Azure screenshot

Microsoft Azure Machine Learning is a powerful machine learning tool for developers and data scientists to create and use machine learning models more quickly and efficiently.

Features

  • Simplifies the process of creating, using, and improving machine learning models.
  • Ensures secure AI model training and trustworthy business use.
  • Includes easy-to-use collaboration tools.

Pricing:

Offers pay-as-you-go pricing.

5. BigML

machine learning tools - BigML screenshot

BigML offers a user-friendly machine-learning platform ideal for various data-driven tasks. 

Features:

  • Enables solving and automating tasks such as classification, regression, and anomaly detection.
  • Allows models to be used as remote services or integrated into applications for predictions.
  • Facilitates team collaboration on machine learning projects with scalable solutions for different data sizes.

Pricing:

Offers a 14-day free trial with unlimited tasks for up to 64 MB data sets.

6. Weka

machine learning tools - Weka screenshot

Weka is widely used in academic and research settings.

Features:

  • Includes tools for handling large data sets efficiently, ensuring accuracy and high-speed performance.
  • Supports rapid application development and smooth operations, including on-premises and cloud deployments.
  • Provides affordable options for running workloads, with solid security measures for data protection.

Pricing:

Free trial available. For detailed pricing, contact Weka.

7. Google Colab

machine learning tools - Google Colab screenshot

Google Colab, a cloud-hosted Jupyter Notebook service, is an excellent tool for beginners in machine learning and data science as it simplifies Python coding with no setup.

Features:

  • User-friendly, no-setup-required interface.
  • Free GPUs and TPUs for efficient and powerful computing.
  • Extended run times and collaboration features for enhanced productivity and teamwork.

Pricing:

Colab offers a free plan. Paid plans start at $9.99 a month.

8. Apache Mahout

machine learning tools - Apache Mahout screenshot

Apache Mahout is a versatile and open-source machine learning framework, ideal for creating scalable machine learning applications, especially in data mining.

Features:

  • Provides a user-friendly coding environment, making it easier to write algorithms.
  • Flexible in terms of integrating with various computing engines.
  • Equipped with advanced features for fast processing, leveraging GPU power for quicker computations.

Pricing:

Apache Mahout is free to use.

9. OpenNN

machine learning tools - OpenNN screenshot

OpenNN (Open Neural Networks) is an open-source class library designed to implement neural networks in machine learning. 

Features:

  • Tailored for big data sets, efficiently handling 1.8 times larger data sets than counterparts.
  • Demonstrates faster training capabilities, with model training over two times faster than other tools.
  • Utilizes Unified Modeling Language (UML) for precise programming and is based on multi-layer perceptron.

Pricing:

OpenNN is a free tool.

10. PyTorch

machine learning tools - PyTorch screenshot

PyTorch is an open-source machine learning framework known for its speed, flexibility, and user-friendly nature. It's widely used in fields like computer vision and natural language processing.

Features:

  • Combines ease of use with efficient performance, with capabilities for both eager and graph modes.
  • TorchServe facilitates easy deployment of models at scale, regardless of the environment.
  • Supports end-to-end workflow from Python to deployment on mobile platforms (iOS and Android).

Pricing:

PyTorch is available free of charge.

11. Shogun

machine learning tools - Shogun screenshot

Shogun is an open-source machine-learning software library known for its comprehensive range of algorithms and tools.

Features:

  • Shogun is built in C++ and offers a wide array of efficient machine-learning algorithms.
  • Provides flexibility with interfaces for multiple programming languages, including Python, R, Java, and C#.
  • Designed to be accessible and user-friendly, making it a popular choice among scientists, students, and data enthusiasts.

Pricing:

Shogun is available for free.

12. IBM Watson

machine learning tools - IBM Watson screenshot

IBM Watson Machine Learning enhances decision-making and solves complex problems through advanced machine learning techniques.

Features:

  • Supports a variety of machine learning models and deployment methods, including online, batch, and streaming.
  • Offers a wide choice of interfaces, including a command line interface and Python client.
  • Provides flexibility by supporting various machine learning Frameworks such as TensorFlow, Keras, Caffe, and PyTorch. 

Pricing:

 IBM Watson offers a free trial

13. Scikit-learn

machine learning tools - sciket-learn screenshot

Scikit-learn is a widely used open-source machine-learning library in Python. It’s known for its simple and efficient tools for data analysis and predictive data analysis.

Features:

  • Offers tools for numerous machine learning tasks like classification, regression, clustering, dimensionality reduction, model training, and pre-processing.
  • Built on well-established Python libraries like NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib.
  • Supports various applications, including spam detection, image recognition, customer segmentation, and more, with algorithms like random forest, logistic regression, k-means, and PCA.

Pricing:

Scikit-learn is free for commercial use.

14. Keras

machine learning tools - Keras screenshot

Keras is an open-source neural network library written in Python. It's designed as an interface for the TensorFlow library, facilitating easy and fast prototyping and supporting both convolutional networks and recurrent networks.

Features:

  • Offers a simple, modular interface, which makes it accessible to beginners and experienced practitioners.
  • Allows an easy and quick build for experiments with different neural network configurations.
  • Integrates seamlessly with tensorflow, providing robust back-end functionality and scalability.

Pricing:

Keras is available for free.

15. TensorFlow

machine learning tools - TensorFlow screenshot

TensorFlow is designed for numerical computation using data flow graphs, making it a powerful tool for research and practical applications in machine learning. 

Features:

  • Emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, with features like eager execution and intuitive higher-level APIs, facilitating flexible model building on any platform.
  • The “tf.data” API allows the construction of complex input pipelines from simple, reusable pieces.
  • Supports distribution of training across multiple GPUs, machines, or TPUs for efficient model training and execution.

Pricing:

TensorFlow is an open-source library and free to use.

16. Accord.Net

machine learning tools - Accord.Net screenshot

Accord.net is a .NET machine learning framework combined with audio and image processing libraries, entirely written in C#.

Features:

  • Offers tools for statistical analysis, machine learning, image, and audio processing.
  • Ensures seamless integration with other .NET libraries and tools, enhancing its utility and diverse projects.
  • Designed for creating advanced computer vision and audition applications suitable for commercial use.

Pricing:

Accord.net is available for free.

17. Google Cloud Platform

machine learning tools - Google Cloud AI screenshot

Google Cloud Artificial Intelligence Platform provides modern machine learning services, including pre-trained models and a service to generate tailored models.

It includes Google's Cloud Machine Learning engine and APIs for job search, natural language, speech, translation, vision, and video intelligence. 

Features:

  • Offers a range of services from pre-trained models to custom model generation.
  • Includes APIs for various applications like speech, translation, and vision.
  • Facilitates the development and deployment of machine learning models at scale.

Pricing:

For the most current pricing, visit the Google Cloud platform. 

Explore the Potential of Machine Learning Tools 

Integrating these machine learning tools into your data science projects can significantly enhance your analytical capabilities.

Take the next step and experiment with these tools to see how they enhance your projects and business strategies.

Jennifer Ayling is a prize-winning SEO website copywriter. She specializes in helping business owners get their thoughts and ideas out of their heads and onto their websites.