Head-to-head · Electrical Design Software
ETAP vs CYME
ETAP leads on 2 checks, CYME on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreETAP · 9.6/10
- Most featuresETAP · 4 of 4
ETAP scores higher on our rubric for electrical design software: 9.6 against 6.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.
ETAP offers panel design; CYME doesn't publish it. ETAP offers mcad integration; CYME doesn't publish it.
ETAP is the better fit for power-system engineering teams needing field workflows. CYME is the better fit for utility and distribution network modeling.
- ETAP fits best
Power-system engineering teams needing field workflows
- CYME fits best
Utility and distribution network modeling
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Side by side
| Feature | ETAP 9.6/10 Visit ↗ | CYME 6.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.6 | 6.8 |
| Ranking | #1 in Electrical Design Software | #7 in Electrical Design Software |
| Best for | Power-system engineering teams needing field workflows | Utility and distribution network modeling |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | — | Not published |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Support | Phone, Docs | Email, Phone |
| Integrations | 7 integrations | 7 integrations |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise | Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features ETAP 4/4 · CYME 2/4 | ||
| Schematic capture | ✓ | ✓ |
| Panel design | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Standards libraries | ✓ | ✓ |
| MCAD integration | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Electrical simulation | Advanced | Advanced |
| Deployment | Hybrid | Not published |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | ETAP is an electrical power-system software platform for utilities, infrastructure, buildings, industrial organizations, transportation operators, and engineering teams. Its scope covers intelligent single-line diagram modeling, load-flow… Read the review → |
CYME is Eaton’s power engineering software suite for utilities and electrical engineers. It supports distribution, transmission, and industrial network modeling alongside power-flow, steady-state, fault, short-circuit, transient-stability,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
ETAP — where it wins
- Combines single-line modeling with load-flow and short-circuit analysis
- Supports coordination, harmonics, cable sizing, and panel schedules
- Connects desktop, web, mobile, APIs, and engineering software
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires a sales quote rather than published numeric prices
- Advanced protection and harmonics features require higher plans
- The 30-day offer is a trial/demo, not a perpetual free plan
CYME — where it wins
- Covers distribution, transmission, and industrial network modeling
- Includes power flow, faults, transients, substations, DER, and storage
- Connects with GIS, OMS, AMI, SCADA, DMS, EMS, and ArcGIS Desktop
Where it doesn't
- Pricing requires contacting Eaton for a quote
- Enterprise-oriented scope may exceed simpler design needs
- No explicit deployment-platform statement is provided
- ETAP9.6/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial
A broad electrical engineering platform for modeling, analysis, field workflows, and automation.
Visit ETAPFull verdict → - CYME6.8/10 · Pricing on request
A deep utility modeling suite for power-flow, faults, transients, DER, and enterprise integration.
Visit EatonFull verdict →
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- EPLAN Electric P8 vs CYME
All electrical design software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update