Commissioned Research
Top 10 Best Time Series Forecasting Software of 2026

GITNUXSOFTWARE ADVICE

Data Science Analytics

Top 10 Best Time Series Forecasting Software of 2026

Ranking roundup of time series forecasting software for analysts, with technical comparisons of SageMaker Canvas, Azure ML, and AutoML Tables.

30 min readUpdated Editorially scoped research
How we ranked these tools
01Editorial Scope

Vendors set the topic, but our editors set the inclusion criteria and the evaluation framework before research starts.

02Source Research

Search agents gather the source set and the review record, including transcriptions of video reviews and podcasts.

Read our full methodology →

Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%

Gitnux may earn a commission through links on this page — this does not influence rankings. Editorial policy

This ranked list targets analysts and technical teams that need production-grade time series forecasting using automation, statistical modeling, and managed data workflows. Each entry is evaluated for how it handles dataset schema, model training and validation, integration and API access, and governance controls like RBAC and audit logs, so decision-makers can compare tradeoffs across platforms.

DataRobot Time Series is the best fit for teams that need governed, frequent forecast retraining with interval-ready outputs via API, while SAS Forecasting suits analysts who want SAS-aligned planning governance and repeatable backtesting, and Forecast Pro works when you need repeatable interval forecasts without enterprise overhead.

Editor’s top 3 picks

Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.

Editor pick
1

DataRobot Time Series

Managed backtesting workflow that produces ranked candidates and interval-aware forecast outputs for each horizon.

Best for: Fits when teams need frequent, governed forecast retraining with interval outputs and API-driven scoring.

2

SAS Forecasting

Editor pick

Rolling-origin backtesting tied to forecast horizon evaluation inside the SAS modeling workflow.

Best for: Fits when analysts need SAS-aligned forecasting governance and repeatable backtesting across planning horizons.

3

Forecast Pro

Editor pick

Integrated prediction interval output that stays attached to each series forecast run.

Best for: Fits when planning teams need repeatable forecasts with intervals and controlled model selection.

Comparison Table

1
enterprise
9.1/10
Overall
2
enterprise
8.8/10
Overall
3
8.4/10
Overall
4
8.1/10
Overall
5
7.8/10
Overall
6
7.4/10
Overall
7
enterprise
7.1/10
Overall
8
enterprise
6.8/10
Overall
9
vertical specialist
6.4/10
Overall
10
6.1/10
Overall
#1

DataRobot Time Series

enterprise

Automated machine learning platform with dedicated time series forecasting workflows for business and industrial data.

9.1/10
Overall
Features8.8/10
Ease of Use9.3/10
Value9.3/10
Standout feature

Managed backtesting workflow that produces ranked candidates and interval-aware forecast outputs for each horizon.

DataRobot Time Series is designed for teams that need repeatable forecasting runs without manually building lag features, model families, and evaluation loops. The system automates data preparation steps, including handling time index alignment and generating candidate model inputs, then it ranks candidates using backtesting style evaluation. Training and scoring can be orchestrated as production assets, which makes it practical when forecasts must refresh on a schedule.

A key tradeoff is that deeper customization typically requires working within DataRobot’s model configuration and managed feature options instead of directly authoring custom model code paths. DataRobot fits teams with frequent forecast re-runs who want consistent evaluation logic, then they can integrate outputs into downstream planning processes for operational decision cycles.

Pros
  • +Automated backtesting and model ranking across forecast horizons
  • +Probabilistic forecast outputs with prediction intervals
  • +API-driven training and scoring suitable for operational refresh
  • +Managed time-series feature generation reduces manual lag engineering
Cons
  • –Customization of model internals is limited compared with code-first pipelines
  • –Requires disciplined timestamp, granularity, and missing-data handling
  • –Interventions in candidate selection can take time to iterate
Use scenarios
  • Demand planning teams

    Refresh SKU forecasts on a schedule

    Fewer manual forecasting iterations

  • Revenue operations analysts

    Forecast pipeline metrics with confidence bands

    More consistent planning inputs

Show 2 more scenarios
  • Supply chain forecasters

    Handle multi-period planning horizons

    Improved horizon forecast reliability

    Runs backtested candidate evaluation to select models per horizon and update production scoring assets.

  • Platform ML engineering

    Automate forecast retraining via APIs

    Higher automation and repeatability

    Integrates DataRobot training and scoring into operational workflows using programmatic access.

Best for: Fits when teams need frequent, governed forecast retraining with interval outputs and API-driven scoring.

#2

SAS Forecasting

enterprise

Enterprise analytics software for statistical forecasting, demand planning, and large-scale time series modeling.

8.8/10
Overall
Features9.2/10
Ease of Use8.5/10
Value8.5/10
Standout feature

Rolling-origin backtesting tied to forecast horizon evaluation inside the SAS modeling workflow.

SAS Forecasting is designed for teams that already standardize on SAS data processing and want forecasting as a governed extension of that stack. Model building supports multiple statistical forecasting families and lets analysts iterate on transformations, features, and candidate structures. Backtesting workflows support rolling evaluation, which helps teams compare performance across horizons rather than relying on a single fit.

A key tradeoff is that the SAS modeling workflow typically requires SAS programming or SAS Studio project structure to reach full control and repeatability. Teams fit best when forecasting is part of a production analytics pipeline and when consistent model configuration and evaluation routines matter, such as recurring planning cycles for multi-location demand.

Pros
  • +Model selection and comparison built around repeatable SAS workflow
  • +Rolling-origin backtesting supports horizon-specific accuracy checks
  • +Exogenous regressor handling supports driver-based forecasting
  • +Enterprise-friendly reuse of model configuration across projects
Cons
  • –SAS-native workflow can slow teams without SAS skills
  • –Streaming or low-latency inference is not a primary strength
  • –Integration requires SAS ecosystem alignment for end-to-end pipelines
  • –Higher configuration effort for fully automated unattended runs
Use scenarios
  • demand planning analytics teams

    Seasonal SKU forecasting with driver inputs

    Fewer forecast misses on promotions

  • supply chain forecasters

    Multi-location demand model comparisons

    More consistent forecasting performance

Show 1 more scenario
  • analytics engineering teams

    Standardized forecasting model promotion

    Lower rework between releases

    Keeps model configuration consistent across runs so planning cycles can reuse the same setup.

Best for: Fits when analysts need SAS-aligned forecasting governance and repeatable backtesting across planning horizons.

#3

Forecast Pro

SMB

Dedicated forecasting software for statistical time series analysis, demand planning, and business forecasting.

8.4/10
Overall
Features8.7/10
Ease of Use8.2/10
Value8.2/10
Standout feature

Integrated prediction interval output that stays attached to each series forecast run.

Forecast Pro’s core workflow centers on preparing a time-indexed dataset and configuring candidate models for each series or group, then running forecasts across a defined forecast horizon. The software includes diagnostics that help compare models and quantify forecast accuracy with error metrics like MAPE variants and rolling-origin style evaluations. It also supports adding external inputs such as price, promotions, or operational signals as regressors for multivariate forecasting setups.

A key tradeoff is that advanced automation and integration depth depend on the available interfaces rather than a code-first modeling surface. Forecast Pro fits best when analysts or planners need controlled, repeatable forecasting runs from standardized data extracts, not when engineers require tight custom feature engineering and model training loops. A common usage situation is demand planning where multiple SKUs share similar seasonality patterns and teams need consistent forecast outputs and uncertainty estimates.

Pros
  • +Built-in model comparison with accuracy metrics across evaluation runs
  • +Prediction intervals support planning with quantified forecast uncertainty
  • +Exogenous regressor inputs enable demand and supply signal modeling
  • +Batch forecasting workflow fits scheduled planning cycles
Cons
  • –Advanced automation relies on workflow integration rather than native code training control
  • –Hierarchical reconciliation support is not a core strength compared with specialist tools
Use scenarios
  • Demand planning analysts

    SKU forecasting with external drivers

    More consistent planning inputs

  • Supply chain forecasters

    Uncertainty-aware horizon forecasting

    Better capacity and buffer decisions

Show 1 more scenario
  • Operations analytics teams

    Backtesting-driven model selection

    Fewer bad-model releases

    Select forecasting configurations using accuracy comparisons from evaluation runs before deployment.

Best for: Fits when planning teams need repeatable forecasts with intervals and controlled model selection.

#4

Amazon Forecast

API-first

Managed forecasting service on AWS for demand, inventory, staffing, and related time series predictions.

8.1/10
Overall
Features7.9/10
Ease of Use8.0/10
Value8.4/10
Standout feature

Integrated end-to-end forecast job creation that turns time series datasets into published forecast resources with probabilistic quantiles.

Amazon Forecast delivers managed time series forecasting workflows that combine training, hyperparameter tuning, and batch or streaming inference under AWS Identity and Access Management. It supports probabilistic forecasting with prediction intervals and can ingest data from CSV or Parquet into managed datasets for repeatable model builds.

Pros
  • +Probabilistic forecasting outputs include prediction intervals and quantiles
  • +Job-based training and hyperparameter tuning reduces manual model management
  • +CSV and Parquet ingestion supports repeatable dataset provisioning
  • +Forecast results are consumable via AWS APIs for automated pipelines
Cons
  • –Hierarchical time series workflows require careful schema and mapping setup
  • –Streaming inference requires additional integration work with upstream event flows

Best for: Fits when teams on AWS need managed probabilistic forecasting outputs with automated, API-driven batch pipelines.

#5

Azure AI Forecasting with AutoML

enterprise

Microsoft Azure machine learning tooling that supports automated forecasting models for time series datasets.

7.8/10
Overall
Features8.2/10
Ease of Use7.5/10
Value7.5/10
Standout feature

Prediction interval generation integrated into the AutoML forecasting pipeline output, published alongside point forecasts for downstream planning.

Azure AI Forecasting with AutoML trains and serves time series forecasting models through Azure Machine Learning workflows. The solution supports automated model selection with options for exogenous regressors and forecast horizons, then publishes results for batch or API-style consumption.

Pros
  • +AutoML time series training fits into Azure ML pipelines and experiment tracking
  • +Prediction outputs include prediction intervals for probabilistic forecasting workflows
  • +Exogenous regressor support enables demand drivers beyond pure history
  • +Model artifacts deploy for repeatable batch or API-style inference
Cons
  • –Interpreting and tuning feature engineering remains constrained versus full custom modeling
  • –Hierarchical reconciliation is not the default workflow for multi-level forecasting tasks
  • –Operational monitoring requires external Azure ML or app-layer wiring for production telemetry
  • –Data preparation must match expected time series formats and granularity rules

Best for: Fits when teams need AutoML training with repeatable Azure ML deployment for probabilistic time series forecasts.

#6

Google Cloud Vertex AI Forecasting

API-first

Google Cloud machine learning platform with forecasting support for large-scale time series prediction tasks.

7.4/10
Overall
Features7.6/10
Ease of Use7.5/10
Value7.1/10
Standout feature

Probabilistic outputs with prediction intervals are available directly from Vertex AI Forecasting training jobs.

Google Cloud Vertex AI Forecasting targets teams that want managed time series training and deployment inside Google Cloud, with workflow integration through the Vertex AI APIs and pipelines. It provides probabilistic forecasting with prediction intervals and supports point forecast outputs for operational reporting.

Pros
  • +Prediction intervals are produced for probabilistic forecasting use cases
  • +Vertex AI pipelines support scheduled training and batch scoring
  • +Unified API flow covers training, deployment, and batch inference
  • +RBAC and audit logs integrate with Google Cloud IAM controls
Cons
  • –Multivariate and hierarchical use cases can require careful dataset shaping
  • –Model behavior tuning is less granular than lower-level forecasting libraries
  • –Streaming inference is not the default path compared with batch endpoints
  • –Debugging data issues often requires inspecting preprocessing outputs

Best for: Fits when teams need managed time series training and production-ready batch or endpoint inference in Google Cloud.

#7

Anaplan

enterprise

Connected planning platform with forecasting capabilities for finance, supply chain, and sales planning.

7.1/10
Overall
Features7.0/10
Ease of Use6.9/10
Value7.3/10
Standout feature

Anaplan’s model-centric planning workflow turns forecast changes into scenario-aware planning outputs across departments.

Anaplan differentiates itself by centering time series planning and forecasting inside a connected planning data model, rather than treating forecasting as an isolated analytics tool. It supports scenario planning and structured planning workflows that can drive forecast outputs into downstream decisions across teams and plans.

Pros
  • +Planning workflows and scenarios can feed forecast outputs into decision cycles
  • +Shared model data lets multiple teams reuse the same forecast assumptions
  • +Extensibility via import, export, and API supports repeatable forecast refresh
  • +Governance features like RBAC and audit visibility help control model changes
Cons
  • –Forecasting is model-driven and can require significant build time
  • –Advanced statistical modeling depth is narrower than dedicated ML forecasting stacks
  • –Time series evaluation workflows like backtesting require custom process design
  • –Performance tuning depends on model size and calculation structure discipline

Best for: Fits when enterprises need forecast-driven planning scenarios with controlled data reuse across functions.

#8

o9 Solutions

enterprise

Integrated planning platform with demand forecasting, scenario analysis, and supply chain modeling.

6.8/10
Overall
Features6.7/10
Ease of Use6.9/10
Value6.7/10
Standout feature

Hierarchical reconciliation with scenario runs that keep forecast outputs consistent across planning levels.

o9 Solutions is built for enterprise planning workflows where forecasting is tied to supply chain and demand planning execution. It supports forecasting with probabilistic outputs and multi-level structures so planning teams can reconcile results across product and location hierarchies.

Pros
  • +Probabilistic forecasting outputs support prediction intervals for planning decisions
  • +Hierarchical reconciliation aligns forecasts across product and location levels
  • +Scenario runs make it easier to compare alternative assumptions and drivers
  • +API-driven orchestration fits model execution inside planning schedules
Cons
  • –Requires disciplined data preparation for consistent hierarchy definitions
  • –Forecast configuration can feel heavy for teams wanting quick single-series baselines
  • –Advanced modeling work depends on the planning workflow and its configuration surface
  • –Interpreting driver contributions takes more setup than simple univariate baselines

Best for: Fits when supply chain and demand planning teams need governed, hierarchical, scenario-based forecasting runs.

#9

Lokad

vertical specialist

Quantitative supply chain software with probabilistic forecasting for inventory and demand planning.

6.4/10
Overall
Features6.3/10
Ease of Use6.7/10
Value6.3/10
Standout feature

Scripted forecasting logic that unifies feature engineering, constraints, and evaluation so model behavior changes stay traceable through backtests.

Lokad generates time series forecasts from supply chain and demand-style inputs using a scripting approach that encodes forecasting logic and constraints in a single workflow. The system supports probabilistic forecasting outputs such as prediction intervals alongside point forecasts, and it provides operational forecasting through scheduled recalculation.

Pros
  • +Forecasting policies expressed as code to keep logic consistent across teams
  • +Probabilistic outputs include prediction intervals for risk-aware planning
  • +API-driven integration supports automated refresh and external system handoff
  • +Backtesting tied to the same forecasting logic reduces evaluation drift
Cons
  • –Requires programming work to reach production-quality forecasting logic
  • –Requires careful governance to manage changes across many item and location series

Best for: Fits when teams need scripted, auditable forecasting policies and automated API-based planning workflows for many time series.

#10

Alteryx AiDIN Auto Insights and Machine Learning

SMB

Analytics automation platform that supports predictive workflows including forecasting on time series data.

6.1/10
Overall
Features6.0/10
Ease of Use6.0/10
Value6.2/10
Standout feature

AiDIN builds forecasting flows around Alteryx workflow automation so preparation and model execution stay in one governed run.

Alteryx AiDIN Auto Insights and Machine Learning is an Alteryx-driven forecasting workflow environment that couples guided model building with deployment options built around enterprise data preparation. It supports time-series forecasting tasks through automated candidate generation and data transformation steps that fit into existing Alteryx pipelines.

Pros
  • +Model building can be wrapped inside repeatable Alteryx workflows for operational consistency
  • +Automation reduces manual feature engineering steps for many standard time-series patterns
  • +Supports governance-friendly process tracking via workflow artifacts and run configurations
  • +Integrates with Alteryx-centric data preparation and transformation steps without format rewrites
Cons
  • –Automation can hide modeling choices that analysts need to audit at algorithm level
  • –Forecast evaluation workflows like rolling-origin testing need extra setup beyond default runs
  • –Multiseries forecasting requires careful data structuring to avoid alignment errors
  • –Production streaming use cases are not the primary strength compared with batch pipelines

Best for: Fits when teams need batch forecasts produced from the same Alteryx pipelines used for analytics engineering and data prep.

Conclusion

After evaluating 10 time series forecasting software, DataRobot Time Series stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.

Our Top Pick
DataRobot Time Series

Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.

How to Choose the Right Time Series Forecasting Software

Time series forecasting software turns historical signals into future demand, supply, capacity, or risk trajectories using models that can output point forecasts and prediction intervals. This guide covers DataRobot Time Series, SAS Forecasting, Forecast Pro, Amazon Forecast, Azure AI Forecasting with AutoML, Google Cloud Vertex AI Forecasting, Anaplan, o9 Solutions, Lokad, and Alteryx AiDIN Auto Insights and Machine Learning.

The comparison focuses on how each product runs training and evaluation across forecast horizons, how it publishes probabilistic outputs for planning workflows, and how it supports repeatable automation. It also checks how governed retraining and backtesting are operationalized, including DataRobot Time Series ranked candidate workflows and SAS Forecasting rolling-origin backtesting inside SAS modeling workflows.

Time Series Forecasting Software for managed modeling, backtesting, and probabilistic planning outputs

Time series forecasting software provides the pipeline to train forecasting models, run evaluation, and publish forecast outputs for a defined forecast horizon using univariate or multivariate inputs. Many tools in this guide also generate probabilistic outputs such as prediction intervals or quantiles so planners can handle uncertainty per horizon.

Operational differences show up in automation and governance. DataRobot Time Series runs a managed backtesting workflow that ranks candidates and produces interval-aware forecast outputs per horizon, while Amazon Forecast packages time series datasets into managed forecast jobs that publish probabilistic quantiles for downstream batch pipelines.

Forecast execution features for horizon-by-horizon accuracy and governed publishing

Time series forecasting software needs more than model training because forecasting teams evaluate performance per forecast horizon and then publish outputs that planners can consume with quantified uncertainty. Tools that tie backtesting to horizon evaluation reduce guesswork when forecast horizons change for planning cycles.

Governed retraining also depends on automation and output packaging. DataRobot Time Series ranks candidates through managed backtesting and produces interval-aware outputs per horizon, while Forecast Pro keeps prediction intervals attached to each series forecast run for planning workflows that reuse forecast results.

  • Horizon-aware backtesting that drives candidate ranking

    DataRobot Time Series runs a managed backtesting workflow that ranks candidates and creates interval-aware forecast outputs per horizon. SAS Forecasting ties rolling-origin backtesting to forecast horizon evaluation inside the SAS modeling workflow.

  • Prediction interval outputs packaged with each forecast run

    Forecast Pro outputs prediction intervals integrated directly into each series forecast run for planning teams that want intervals next to point forecasts. Amazon Forecast publishes probabilistic quantiles as part of managed forecast job outputs built from time series datasets.

  • Managed training and scoring workflows for production pipelines

    Amazon Forecast turns time series datasets into managed forecast jobs with hyperparameter tuning that reduces manual model management. Google Cloud Vertex AI Forecasting supports scheduled training and batch or endpoint inference from Vertex AI Forecasting jobs that produce prediction intervals.

  • Automation surface built into the surrounding workflow system

    Lokad expresses forecasting logic as scripted policies that unify feature engineering, constraints, and evaluation so behavior stays traceable through backtests. Alteryx AiDIN builds forecasting flows inside Alteryx workflow automation so data prep and model execution run as one governed process.

  • Hierarchical consistency across planning levels

    o9 Solutions applies hierarchical reconciliation so forecasts remain consistent across product and location levels. Forecast Pro treats hierarchical reconciliation as not a core strength compared with tools focused on planning hierarchies.

Choose by forecast lifecycle fit: horizon evaluation, output packaging, and automation governance

Forecast teams should start with how the tool connects evaluation to forecast horizon selection and how it packages prediction uncertainty for downstream planning. The right workflow removes manual glue work between training, backtesting, and forecast publication.

Next, teams should pick a deployment and automation philosophy. DataRobot Time Series supports API-driven scoring with managed backtesting and interval-aware outputs per horizon, while Anaplan centers on scenario-driven planning that reuses model assumptions across departments.

  • Map horizon evaluation needs to the tool’s backtesting workflow

    If forecast horizons change frequently, DataRobot Time Series managed backtesting ranks candidates and generates interval-aware outputs per horizon for repeated retraining cycles. If analysts need SAS-aligned workflow governance, SAS Forecasting provides rolling-origin backtesting tied to forecast horizon evaluation inside SAS modeling.

  • Decide whether uncertainty must ship with the forecast artifacts

    For planning workflows that require prediction intervals to remain attached to each series run, Forecast Pro outputs integrated prediction intervals alongside forecast results. For managed cloud pipelines built around forecast resources, Amazon Forecast publishes probabilistic quantiles through end-to-end forecast job outputs.

  • Pick an automation surface that matches the team’s execution model

    If forecasting logic must be expressed as traceable code with constraints and evaluation in one place, Lokad uses scripted forecasting policies and keeps backtests behavior-aligned with production logic. If forecasting must run from the same operational workflow used for analytics engineering and data prep, Alteryx AiDIN wraps model execution inside Alteryx workflow automation.

  • Select hierarchy support based on reconciliation requirements

    For multi-level planning where forecasts must reconcile across product and location levels, o9 Solutions includes hierarchical reconciliation with scenario runs that keep outputs consistent across planning levels. If hierarchy work is secondary, tools like Forecast Pro focus more on repeatable interval-aware series forecasting than on hierarchy-first reconciliation.

  • Choose by deployment fit and how training connects to production scoring

    For AWS-centric batch pipelines and scheduled forecast resource updates, Amazon Forecast runs managed forecast jobs that publish probabilistic quantiles for downstream planning. For Google Cloud production patterns that blend scheduled training with batch scoring or endpoints, Vertex AI Forecasting produces prediction intervals from managed training jobs.

Teams that benefit from horizon-governed evaluation and interval-ready outputs

Forecasting teams need tooling that supports repeatable retraining, horizon-specific evaluation, and forecast publishing with uncertainty. The most common fit appears when forecasts feed recurring planning cycles and require consistent interval outputs.

Different roles also change what matters. Demand planner workflows often prioritize interval-ready artifacts tied to forecast runs, while supply chain forecasters often require hierarchical consistency across product and location levels.

  • Analytics and data science teams running frequent retraining cycles

    DataRobot Time Series provides a managed backtesting workflow that ranks candidates and generates interval-aware outputs per horizon for repeatable forecast retraining. SAS Forecasting supports horizon-specific evaluation through rolling-origin backtesting inside SAS modeling workflows.

  • Planning operations teams that consume forecast artifacts with uncertainty

    Forecast Pro keeps prediction intervals integrated with each series forecast run so planning teams can use intervals tied to the exact run. Amazon Forecast publishes probabilistic quantiles through managed forecast jobs that downstream batch pipelines can ingest.

  • Supply chain planning teams that require consistent multi-level forecasts

    o9 Solutions applies hierarchical reconciliation and scenario runs that keep forecast outputs consistent across planning levels. Amazon Forecast and Vertex AI Forecasting require careful dataset shaping for multivariate and hierarchical use cases compared with hierarchy-first planning tools.

  • Teams that need scripted and auditable forecasting logic

    Lokad unifies feature engineering, constraints, and evaluation into scripted forecasting policies that keep behavior traceable through backtests. Governance-heavy implementations often choose Lokad when model changes must be reviewed at the policy level.

  • Analytics engineering teams using workflow automation as the system of record

    Alteryx AiDIN builds forecasting flows around Alteryx workflow automation so data preparation and model execution remain in the same governed run. This fit reduces handoffs between separate data prep and modeling steps.

Common pitfalls when buying forecasting tools for horizon planning and governance

Forecasting buyers often underestimate how much operational work lives between model training and horizon-ready forecast publishing. The most visible failure mode is a mismatch between evaluation granularity and what planners actually schedule.

Another recurring mistake is selecting a tool that handles point forecasts well but does not deliver uncertainty artifacts in the same way for every forecast run. Interval outputs need to be packaged consistently so planning teams can compare horizons and reruns.

  • Selecting a tool for training quality but ignoring horizon-by-horizon evaluation workflow

    DataRobot Time Series connects managed backtesting to candidate ranking and interval-aware outputs per horizon, which prevents horizon drift across planning cycles. SAS Forecasting ties rolling-origin backtesting to horizon evaluation so analysts can repeat evaluations using SAS modeling workflows.

  • Treating prediction intervals as an afterthought instead of a forecast artifact

    Forecast Pro integrates prediction interval output into each series forecast run for direct planning consumption. Amazon Forecast publishes probabilistic quantiles via managed forecast job outputs so intervals remain consistent with the forecast job lifecycle.

  • Overestimating hierarchical reconciliation coverage in tools that focus on single-series planning

    o9 Solutions includes hierarchical reconciliation as a primary capability across planning levels. Forecast Pro does not treat hierarchical reconciliation as a core strength, so buyers should validate hierarchy workflows with example mappings and hierarchy levels.

  • Choosing low-latency or streaming expectations when the tool is built around batch job outputs

    Amazon Forecast and Vertex AI Forecasting are job and endpoint centered, so streaming inference requires extra integration work with upstream event flows. SAS Forecasting emphasizes SAS-native modeling workflows that can slow teams without SAS skills instead of prioritizing low-latency scoring.

  • Accepting automation that hides modeling choices when auditability is required

    Alteryx AiDIN wraps forecasting inside Alteryx automation, but its automation can hide algorithm-level modeling choices that analysts need to audit. Lokad exposes forecasting policies as scripted logic so the change surface stays explicit through backtests.

How We Selected and Ranked These Tools

We evaluated DataRobot Time Series, SAS Forecasting, Forecast Pro, Amazon Forecast, Azure AI Forecasting with AutoML, Google Cloud Vertex AI Forecasting, Anaplan, o9 Solutions, Lokad, and Alteryx AiDIN Auto Insights and Machine Learning using features, ease, and value as measurable score categories. Features accounted for 40% of the final ranking score, ease accounted for 30%, and value accounted for 30%.

DataRobot Time Series separated itself through a managed backtesting workflow that ranks candidates and produces interval-aware forecast outputs per horizon and through API-driven scoring designed for governed retraining cycles. DataRobot Time Series also scored high on ease because forecast retraining and evaluation run inside the same managed workflow rather than requiring separate orchestration layers for horizon evaluation and interval output packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions About Time Series Forecasting Software

How do DataRobot Time Series and Azure AI Forecasting with AutoML handle probabilistic forecasting outputs like prediction intervals?
DataRobot Time Series produces point forecasts and probabilistic outputs with prediction intervals across multiple forecast horizons. Azure AI Forecasting with AutoML publishes both point predictions and prediction interval quantiles as part of the AutoML forecasting pipeline output.
Which platform is best for rolling-origin evaluation and backtesting workflows tied to forecast horizons?
SAS Forecasting includes rolling-origin backtesting aligned to forecast horizon evaluation inside the SAS modeling workflow. DataRobot Time Series also emphasizes automated backtesting, but the standout is a managed candidate ranking workflow that drives interval-aware horizon outputs.
What breaks if forecasting teams need API-driven automation instead of manual exports?
Amazon Forecast expects dataset-driven managed jobs with an API-first control plane for batch or streaming inference, so manual export steps become a bottleneck for orchestration. DataRobot Time Series also centers API-driven processes for repeatable deployments and scheduled retraining, which reduces reliance on ad hoc analyst runs.
How do Amazon Forecast and Google Cloud Vertex AI Forecasting differ in how they publish forecasts for production use?
Amazon Forecast turns training inputs into generated forecast resources that downstream systems can consume, and it supports both batch and streaming inference under AWS Identity and Access Management. Vertex AI Forecasting exposes exportable endpoints and supports repeatable batch prediction runs driven through Vertex AI APIs and pipelines.
When a forecasting workload needs exogenous regressors, how do SAS Forecasting and Forecast Pro compare?
SAS Forecasting supports exogenous regressors alongside seasonal and time series components within its forecasting workflow. Forecast Pro supports exogenous regressors as well, but it focuses on menu-driven model setup paired with built-in evaluation rather than SAS-governed project execution.
How do Anaplan and o9 Solutions differ when the requirement is hierarchical reconciliation across planning dimensions?
o9 Solutions is designed for hierarchical reconciliation across product and location structures while keeping scenario runs consistent across planning levels. Anaplan ties forecasting outputs to a connected planning data model and turns forecast changes into scenario-aware planning outputs, which supports planning integration but differs from o9-style reconciliation-centric run governance.
Which tool is a better fit for scripted, auditable forecasting policies executed as code for many time series?
Lokad is built around a scripting approach that encodes forecasting logic, constraints, and evaluation alignment in one workflow. Alteryx AiDIN Auto Insights and Machine Learning instead wraps candidate generation and data transformation inside Alteryx automation so the audit trail follows the governed Alteryx workflow execution.
How does Forecast Pro attach interval results to forecast runs for evaluation and diagnostics?
Forecast Pro emphasizes integrated prediction interval output that stays attached to each series forecast run. Its built-in evaluation workflow pairs model selection with interval outputs so the diagnostics remain coupled to the run configuration.
How do DataRobot Time Series and Alteryx AiDIN Auto Insights and Machine Learning handle repeatable retraining and operational workflow placement?
DataRobot Time Series supports repeatable deployments through API-driven processes and scheduled retraining, which fits teams that separate data science automation from analytics engineering tools. Alteryx AiDIN Auto Insights and Machine Learning places forecasting inside Alteryx workflow automation so preparation and model execution remain in one governed run for batch inference.

Tools reviewed

Primary sources checked during evaluation.

Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.

Commissioned Research

Funding and competing interests

This study was co-funded by several of the vendors assessed in it. No single vendor funded it. Funders could propose the market studied.

They had no role in selecting vendors, setting or weighting criteria, analysing data or drawing conclusions, and they received the same factual-accuracy check as every other vendor assessed.

Market definition, inclusion rules and criteria weights were fixed by an editor before research began and did not change afterwards. Editorial process →

Keep exploring

FOR SOFTWARE VENDORS

Not on this list? Let’s fix that.

Our best-of pages are how many teams discover and compare tools in this space. If you think your product belongs in this lineup, we’d like to hear from you—we’ll walk you through fit and what an editorial entry looks like.

Apply for a Listing

WHAT THIS INCLUDES

  • Where buyers compare

    Readers come to these pages to shortlist software—your product shows up in that moment, not in a random sidebar.

  • Editorial write-up

    We describe your product in our own words and check the facts before anything goes live.

  • On-page brand presence

    You appear in the roundup the same way as other tools we cover: name, positioning, and a clear next step for readers who want to learn more.

  • Kept up to date

    We refresh lists on a regular rhythm so the category page stays useful as products and pricing change.