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Head-to-head · Electrical Design Software

ETAP vs EPLAN Electric P8

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score ETAP #1 in Electrical Design Software 8.9/10 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Free trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit ETAP
EPLAN Electric P8 #3 in Electrical Design Software 8.7/10 Pricing on request ✓ 4 of 4 features Visit EPLAN

ETAP leads on 0 checks, EPLAN Electric P8 on 0, and 5 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 · 8.9/10
  • Free trialonly ETAP

ETAP scores higher on our rubric for electrical design software: 8.9 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

On electrical simulation, ETAP gives you Advanced where EPLAN Electric P8 offers None.

ETAP is the better fit for power-system engineering teams needing field workflows. EPLAN Electric P8 is the better fit for professional electrical documentation teams.

  • ETAP fits best

    Power-system engineering teams needing field workflows

  • EPLAN Electric P8 fits best

    Professional electrical documentation teams

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature ETAP 8.9/10 Visit ↗ EPLAN Electric P8 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.7
Ranking #1 in Electrical Design Software #3 in Electrical Design Software
Best for Power-system engineering teams needing field workflows Professional electrical documentation teams
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — Pricing on request
Free plan — Not checked yet
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Desktop, Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows, iOS, Android Windows
Support Phone, Docs Docs
Integrations 7 integrations 5 integrations
Built for Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ETAP 4/4 · EPLAN Electric P8 4/4
Schematic capture ✓ ✓
Panel design ✓ ✓
Standards libraries ✓ ✓
MCAD integration ✓ ✓
Specs
Electrical simulation Advanced None
Deployment Hybrid Hybrid
Our review
Pros
  • 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
  • Supports multi-line and single-line schematics with automated connections
  • Generates terminal, cable, parts, and bill-of-materials reports
  • Connects with ERP, PDM, PLM, APIs, and EPLAN device data
Cons
  • 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
  • Electrical simulation is not included
  • The core application is documented for Windows
  • The API is an optional extension
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 →

EPLAN Electric P8 is ECAD software for designing and documenting electrical projects in mechanical and plant engineering, automation, and control technology. It is aimed at machine builders, panel builders, automation engineers, and…

Read the review →
  1. ETAPElectrical Design Software 8.9Pricing on request · 30-day trial
  2. EPLAN Electric P8Electrical Design Software 8.7Pricing on request

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

  • EPLAN Electric P8 — where it wins

    • Supports multi-line and single-line schematics with automated connections
    • Generates terminal, cable, parts, and bill-of-materials reports
    • Connects with ERP, PDM, PLM, APIs, and EPLAN device data

    Where it doesn't

    • Electrical simulation is not included
    • The core application is documented for Windows
    • The API is an optional extension
  • ETAP8.9/10 · Pricing on request · 30-day trial

    A broad electrical engineering platform for modeling, analysis, field workflows, and automation.

    Visit ETAPFull verdict →
  • EPLAN Electric P88.7/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad ECAD tool for structured electrical documentation and production workflows.

    Visit EPLANFull verdict →

More comparisons

All electrical design software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update