Head-to-head · Chemical Software
ProMax vs DWSIM
ProMax leads on 0 checks, DWSIM on 2, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Free planonly DWSIM
- Most featuresDWSIM · 1 of 5
ProMax and DWSIM score identically on our rubric (6.9 out of 10) for chemical software; ProMax sits at #6 and DWSIM at #7 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.
DWSIM offers free plan; ProMax doesn't publish it. DWSIM offers mobile access; ProMax doesn't publish it.
ProMax is the better fit for gas-processing and acid-gas simulation teams. DWSIM is the better fit for teams wanting free, flexible process simulation.
- ProMax fits best
Gas-processing and acid-gas simulation teams
- DWSIM fits best
Teams wanting free, flexible process simulation
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Side by side
| Feature | ProMax 6.9/10 Visit ↗ | DWSIM 6.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 6.9 | 6.9 |
| Ranking | #6 in Chemical Software | #7 in Chemical Software |
| Best for | Gas-processing and acid-gas simulation teams | Teams wanting free, flexible process simulation |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Email, Phone, Docs | Docs, Community |
| Integrations | 4 integrations | 1 integrations |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features ProMax 0/5 · DWSIM 1/5 | ||
| SDS management | Not published | — |
| Chemical inventory | Not published | — |
| Formulation management | Not published | — |
| Regulatory compliance | Not published | — |
| Mobile access | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Deployment | Not published | On-premises |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | ProMax is process simulation software from Bryan Research & Engineering for engineers in oil and gas, refining, treating, and related process industries. It is particularly suited to gas-processing teams working on acid-gas removal and… Read the review → |
DWSIM is a free, open-source chemical process simulator for engineers, educators, and researchers who need to model process flowsheets. It combines thermodynamic property packages with unit-operation simulation, and supports both… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
ProMax — where it wins
- Models acid-gas removal with amine solvents and reaction kinetics.
- Connects models to PI, OPC-HDA, ODBC databases, and Excel.
- Combines optimization with pipeline, corrosion, and emissions tools.
Where it doesn't
- Runs as a Windows desktop product, limiting platform options.
- Uses contact-sales pricing rather than published plan tiers.
- Its focus is process simulation, not chemical inventory or SDS management.
DWSIM — where it wins
- Models flowsheets with thermodynamic packages and unit operations
- Supports both steady-state and dynamic simulation
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
Where it doesn't
- Focused on simulation, not chemical inventory or SDS management
- No built-in formulation management or regulatory compliance
- Documentation and community are the listed support channels
- ProMax6.9/10 · Pricing on request
A focused Windows simulator for gas treating, plant models, and process optimization.
Visit ProMaxFull verdict → - DWSIM6.9/10 · Free plan
A flexible process simulator for teams that want desktop modeling without a license fee.
Visit DWSIMFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update



