Sign up for Azure Databricks

Azure Databricks offers two no-cost options for getting started with the platform. This page helps you understand the differences and choose the right option for your needs:

  • trial: Designed for organizations and professionals evaluating Azure Databricks for business use. Includes free usage credits valid for 14 days after the trial begins.
  • Free Edition: No-cost version of Azure Databricks designed for students, educators, hobbyists, and anyone learning or experimenting with data and AI.

Compare your options

The following table outlines the differences between the two versions of Azure Databricks:

trial Free Edition
Overview Full access to the Azure Databricks platform for business evaluation, includes usage credits valid for two weeks Limited version of the Azure Databricks platform designed for personal use
Terms of use
  • Designed for commercial use
  • Ability to connect proprietary data securely for POCs
  • Work email address recommended for full trial benefits
  • Designed for learning, training, and other non-commercial purposes
  • Learn and build with exploratory datasets
  • Azure Databricks reserves the right to train on your data
  • Sign up with your personal email address
Credit offer Up to $400 in credits Forever free with daily limits on usage
Feature comparison
  • Production account with full access to the Azure Databricks platform
  • Ability to add multiple workspaces
  • Upgrade to add enhanced compliance controls
Ways to pay after trial Pay through your Azure subscription No payment required

Choose the right option for you

Use the following requirements to decide which type of Azure Databricks account best suits your needs.

Choose the trial if you:

  • Want to evaluate Azure Databricks for business or organizational use
  • Need access to the full platform capabilities
  • Plan to upgrade to a paid account
  • Require classic workspaces with resources in your cloud account
  • Need production-ready features like support and SLAs

Choose Free Edition if you:

  • Are learning data science, AI, or analytics
  • Want to experiment with projects and prototypes
  • Are a student or educator using Azure Databricks for coursework
  • Don't need access to commercial features or support
  • Want unlimited access within fair usage quotas

Next steps

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