Head-to-head · Formal Verification Tools
Rocq vs SPIN
Rocq leads on 0 checks, SPIN on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreRocq · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
Rocq scores higher on our rubric for formal verification tools: 9.3 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
On verification method, SPIN gives you Model-checking where Rocq offers Deductive. On supported formalisms, Rocq gives you Theorem-proving where SPIN offers Temporal-logic.
Rocq is the better fit for certified theorem proving with strong tooling. SPIN is the better fit for concurrent-system model checking.
- Rocq fits best
Certified theorem proving with strong tooling
- SPIN fits best
Concurrent-system model checking
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Side by side
| Feature | Rocq 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | SPIN 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #3 in Formal Verification Tools | #7 in Formal Verification Tools |
| Best for | Certified theorem proving with strong tooling | Concurrent-system model checking |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Desktop | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Rocq 1/2 · SPIN 1/2 | ||
| Counterexamples | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Proof artifacts | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Verification method | Deductive | Model-checking |
| Supported formalisms | Theorem-proving | Temporal-logic |
| Input languages | Gallina and Rocq vernacular | Promela |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Rocq is an open-source interactive theorem prover and dependently typed programming language for mathematical formalisation, education, research, and verified software development. It lets users define programs, predicates, mathematical… Read the review → |
SPIN is an open-source formal verification tool for concurrent systems and communication protocols. It is designed for researchers, educators, and engineers who need to model system behavior in Promela and analyze it locally. The workflow… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Rocq — where it wins
- Kernel machine-checks proof terms through a small certification kernel
- Extracts certified programs to OCaml, Haskell, and Scheme
- Supports RocqIDE, major editors, Docker, and opam
Where it doesn't
- Focused on theorem proving rather than broader verification formalisms
- Self-hosted deployment requires managing the local environment
- No commercial pricing tiers or vendor-hosted plan options
SPIN — where it wins
- Promela models support concurrent-system and protocol analysis
- Checks deadlocks, assertions, invariants, cycles, and temporal logic
- Replayable counterexamples and generated C verifiers support diagnosis
Where it doesn't
- Requires systems to be described in the Promela language
- Self-hosted deployment places setup and operation on the user
- Its focus is concurrent-system verification rather than broad software analysis
- Rocq9.3/10 · Free plan
A free, kernel-checked theorem prover with dependent types, automation, and certified extraction.
Visit RocqFull verdict → - SPIN8.8/10 · Free plan
A focused, self-hosted model checker for analyzing concurrent systems and protocols.
Visit SPINFull verdict →
Rocq vs SPIN: questions
Which is better for formal verification tools, Rocq or SPIN?
Rocq scores higher on our rubric for formal verification tools: 9.3 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
How do Rocq and SPIN compare?
All 3 checks we put side by side come out level: neither leads on any.
Do Rocq and SPIN have a free plan?
Rocq: Yes. SPIN: Yes.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update