Head-to-head · Physics Simulation Software
Xcos vs SimFlow
Xcos leads on 0 checks, SimFlow 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
- Highest scoreXcos · 7.0/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresSimFlow · 4 of 6
Xcos scores higher on our rubric for physics simulation software: 7.0 against 6.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.
SimFlow offers 3d visuals; Xcos doesn't publish it. SimFlow offers data export; Xcos doesn't publish it.
Xcos is the better fit for free engineering system modeling. SimFlow is the better fit for professional OpenFOAM-based CFD.
- Xcos fits best
Free engineering system modeling
- SimFlow fits best
Professional OpenFOAM-based CFD
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Side by side
| Feature | Xcos 7.0/10 Visit ↗ | SimFlow 6.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.0 | 6.8 |
| Ranking | #6 in Physics Simulation Software | #8 in Physics Simulation Software |
| Best for | Free engineering system modeling | Professional OpenFOAM-based CFD |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Xcos 2/6 · SimFlow 4/6 | ||
| Lesson library | — | Not published |
| Authoring tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Assessment tools | Not published | Not published |
| 3D visuals | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Offline access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Data export | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Delivery mode | Desktop | Desktop |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Our verdict | Xcos is a graphical editor and simulator for designing, loading, saving, compiling, and simulating hybrid dynamical-system models. It is distributed with the free, open-source Scilab software and is suited to engineering, science,… Read the review → |
SimFlow is desktop computational fluid dynamics software for engineers, researchers, and engineering teams working with OpenFOAM-based workflows. It covers the process from CAD geometry import and primitive creation through mesh… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Xcos — where it wins
- Free, open-source desktop software distributed with Scilab
- Supports continuous, discrete, symbolic-equation, and hybrid simulation
- Custom blocks, Modelica modeling, and Scilab post-processing
Where it doesn't
- Desktop delivery may not suit browser-first teams
- Requires working within the Scilab ecosystem
- No lesson library for guided learning
SimFlow — where it wins
- Covers CAD import, meshing, solving, monitoring, and visualization
- Supports flow, heat transfer, multiphase, particle, and combustion models
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with broad results export
Where it doesn't
- Professional licensing starts at €8,000 per seat annually
- Enterprise licensing is priced at €10,000 per floating license annually
- Focused on CFD engineering rather than lessons or assessments
- Xcos7.0/10 · Free plan
Free, open-source system modeling across continuous, discrete, hybrid, and Modelica workflows.
Visit XcosFull verdict → - SimFlow6.8/10 · Free plan · paid from €8,000/user/yr · 30-day trial
A broad desktop CFD environment with a free plan and professional tiers from €8,000 per seat annually.
Visit SimFlowFull verdict →
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- OpenFOAM vs Xcos
- OpenFOAM vs SimFlow
All physics simulation software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update