R
Free open-source language for statistical computing, held by an Austrian foundation in Vienna
Quick Overview
| Company | The R Foundation |
|---|---|
| Category | Statistical Software |
| Headquarters | Vienna, Austria |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Austria (EU) |
| Data Location | Runs on your own computer; no hosted service on the pages we read |
| Open Source | GNU General Public License |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Desktop install on your own computer |
| Main Features | Linear and nonlinear modelling, classical statistical tests, time-series analysis, classification, clustering, publication-quality graphics, extensible through packages |
| Pricing | Free. The R site states R is available as free software under the GNU General Public License. |
| Best For | Analysts who are happy to write code and want a free, extensible tool with no licence tracking |
| Replaces | IBM SPSS Statistics |
Detailed Review
R is a language and environment for statistical computing, and it covers the same ground as the SPSS menus through code. The R site lists linear and nonlinear modelling, classical tests, time-series analysis, classification and clustering.
The R Foundation board page says the foundation is seated in Vienna, Austria, and is a registered association under Austrian law. We read the R home, about, foundation and board pages on 5 November 2026.
Who administers R and where?
The R Foundation holds and administers the copyright of the R software and documentation, according to the foundation page. The board page says the R Foundation is seated in Vienna, Austria, hosted by the Vienna University of Economics and Business, and is a registered association under Austrian law.
The foundation page calls R an official part of the GNU project.
How does R compare with IBM SPSS Statistics?
R is free under the GNU General Public License and runs on UNIX platforms, Windows and macOS. IBM SPSS Statistics lists a Base subscription starting at $99.00 USD per authorized user, with add-ons from $79.00 USD.
R describes itself as a language and environment. Users therefore write code, while IBM SPSS Statistics is organised around menus and an AI Output Assistant.
What is the current R release?
The R home page announces R version 4.6.2 (Diversified Portfolio), released on 2026-10-29. The same page names a Kalibera Family Fund that accepts donations until the end of 2026.
The R site says R is highly extensible and that its plotting can produce publication-quality graphics with mathematical symbols.
Limitations to Consider
The pages we read describe R as a language and environment, so there is no point-and-click interface in the pages we read, and SPSS users must learn to write code. R has no commercial support plan on the pages we read. The R Foundation page states that the foundation hopes to attract more funding, so project support depends on donations and members.
Who Should Use R
Analysts, researchers and teams with someone who can write code and who want a free tool without licence tracking. People who want menus first can start with JASP.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free under the GNU General Public License
- Runs on Windows, macOS and UNIX platforms
- Foundation seated in Vienna under Austrian law
- Extensible, with publication-quality graphics
- Regular releases, 4.6.2 on 2026-10-29
Cons
- Code-based, steeper start for SPSS users
- No commercial support on the pages we read
- No vendor-run help desk or price list
- Funding depends on donations
Alternatives to R
Other European statistical software worth comparing before you decide:
See all European statistical software or compare them directly against IBM SPSS Statistics on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The R Foundation holds and administers the copyright of R. The foundation is seated in Vienna, Austria, and is a registered association under Austrian law.
Yes. The R site states R is available as free software under the GNU General Public License.
For many analyses, yes, but through code instead of menus. IBM SPSS Statistics offers a menu-driven interface and paid add-ons, while R is free and extensible.