Xcos
Xcos: Free, open-source system modeling across continuous, discrete, hybrid, and Modelica workflows. Ranked #7 of 89 in Physics Simulation Software by our editors (8.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free engineering system modeling.
At a glance
- Editor score8.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree engineering system modeling
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Delivery modeDesktop
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on Xcos
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, academic, and industrial users who need general system modeling rather than a narrow physics-only environment. Model construction uses graphical block diagrams, with applications spanning mechanical systems, hydraulic circuits, control systems, signal processing, and electronics.
The published Free plan includes Xcos as part of Scilab and provides open-source software rather than a separate paid product structure. Its modeling scope is broad: users can work with discrete, continuous, symbolic-equation, and combined hybrid systems. Standard block palettes cover signal processing, electrical, hydraulic, derivative, and integral models. Users can also customize standard blocks and create new user-defined blocks, giving the tool more authoring depth than a simulator limited to fixed examples. Modelica-based modeling is supported, along with model compilation, simulation, and loading and saving.
Xcos also connects modeling with result inspection through real-time graphical viewing and Scilab post-processing of simulation data. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with offline desktop access suited to local engineering workflows. The trade-off is focus: Xcos is a general system-modeling environment, not a lesson-led physics platform, and its desktop delivery may not fit teams seeking browser-first collaboration. Choose Xcos for free engineering system modeling across multiple physical domains, especially when customization and Scilab post-processing matter. Buyers who need guided lessons or a browser-based workflow should consider a different type of product.
Your product? Our editors can test Xcos in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Xcos pricing
Xcos fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Delivery mode | Desktop |
| Lesson library | No |
| Authoring tools | Yes |
| Assessment tools | Not verified |
| 3D visuals | Not verified |
| Offline access | Yes |
| Data export | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | scilab.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Xcos
- COMSOL MultiphysicsA broad desktop environment for coupled physics, engineering models, and custom simulation apps.9.4
- Ansys FluentA deep CFD and HPC environment for demanding industrial simulation work.9.3
- SimScaleA broad browser-based multiphysics platform with flexible cloud workflows and tiered access.9.1
Xcos vs the competition
- Xcos vs COMSOL Multiphysics
- Xcos vs Ansys Fluent
- Xcos vs SimScale
- Xcos vs OpenFOAM
- Xcos vs OpenSim
- Xcos vs ngspice
Compare Xcos with any tool side by side →
Used Xcos? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Xcos for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Xcos is listed in our Physics Simulation Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/xcos/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/xcos.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Last updated · How we research and update