Gazebo
Gazebo: A free, desktop simulator for physics-based robotics workflows with ROS 2. Ranked #8 of 24 in Robotic Simulation Software by our editors (7.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for general-purpose robot simulation with ROS 2.
At a glance
- Editor score7.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forGeneral-purpose robot simulation with ROS 2
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- ROS supportYes
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Simulates robot physics, 3D worlds and configurable environments.
- Models cameras, lidar and other sensors in simulation.
- Combines ROS 2 integration with SDF descriptions and an extensible plugin architecture.
Where it doesn't
- Runs locally as desktop software rather than as a hosted service.
- ROS 2 is the listed integration, so other integrations are not part of its stated fit.
- Support is through community channels and documentation.
Our verdict on Gazebo
Gazebo is an open-source robotics simulator for developing, testing and validating robot systems in virtual worlds. It is aimed at robotics developers, researchers and educators who want to prototype behaviors or evaluate systems before deploying them to physical hardware. Its physics-based simulation, 3D rendering and configurable environments make it a general-purpose option for modeling both robots and their surroundings, rather than a tool focused on one robot task.
A key part of its workflow is combining simulated sensors with robot and world descriptions. Gazebo can model cameras, lidar and other sensors, while SDF describes robots and worlds. ROS 2 integration connects the simulator to robotics software workflows, and a plugin architecture allows simulation extensions. That combination suits teams building or evaluating ROS 2-based systems where sensor behavior and virtual environments matter. Buyers whose work depends on integrations beyond ROS 2 should weigh that narrower stated integration fit.
Gazebo is open-source software with a free plan, and the published product details describe local desktop deployment across Linux, macOS and Windows. This makes it a fit for individuals and organizations that want to run simulation on their own platform rather than use a vendor-hosted service. Support is described through community channels and documentation, so buyers seeking a hosted product or a different support model may prefer another option. Choose Gazebo for flexible, physics-based simulation with ROS 2; look elsewhere if hosted deployment or a broader stated integration set is central to the decision.
Your product? Our editors can test Gazebo in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Gazebo pricing
Gazebo fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| ROS support | Yes |
| Sensor simulation | Yes |
| CAD import | Not verified |
| Hardware-in-the-loop | Not verified |
| USD support | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: ROS 2 |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | gazebosim.org |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Gazebo integrations
Gazebo lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- ROS 2
Alternatives to Gazebo
- RoboDKRoboDK combines controller-specific offline programming with simulation and virtual commissioning.9.2
- Yaskawa MotoSim EG-VRCA focused desktop tool for programming and validating Yaskawa robot cells offline.8.8
- OCTOPUZOffline robot programming with CAD import, path planning, reachability checks, and controller post-processing.8.5
Gazebo vs the competition
- Gazebo vs RoboDK
- Gazebo vs Yaskawa MotoSim EG-VRC
- Gazebo vs OCTOPUZ
- Gazebo vs KUKA.Sim
- Gazebo vs Webots
- Gazebo vs CoppeliaSim Edu
Compare Gazebo with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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