SimFlow

Overview

SimFlow is desktop software for computational fluid dynamics, built for engineers and researchers who need to create, run, and inspect simulations. It suits users who want a complete CFD workflow and control over where computations run; the free tier is tightly capped, while commercial licensing is aimed at substantial workloads.

Its strongest case is combining local data control with flexible computing options and no per-core or hourly charges. The main drawback is the high annual cost of paid plans, which makes it a poor fit for occasional or small-scale work.

Key features

End-to-end CFD: The desktop workflow spans mesh generation through post-processing, and every plan includes the full simulation engine. That avoids paying for add-on modules, though the Free plan's resource caps limit the size of practical jobs.

Computing flexibility: Jobs can run locally, on a remote server, or in the cloud, with HPC-grade parallel computing and no per-core or hourly charges. This is attractive for users with access to clusters and budgets that benefit from predictable licensing; AI remote computing is coming in 2026.

Data and file handling: Simulations stay on the user's hardware, and an offline license option supports secure environments. CAD imports cover STL, STEP, IGES, OBJ, and BRep; results export to VTK, Fluent, Tecplot, and Ensight.

Workflow connections: Integrations with ParaView, OpenFOAM, Docker, and Windows Subsystem for Linux help connect SimFlow to adjacent tools and environments.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing, requires no signup or credit card, and has no time limit. It includes the full simulation engine, but caps meshes at 200,000 nodes and computing at 1 CPU. That makes it a useful way to explore the workflow or handle small jobs, not a substitute for commercial capacity.

Professional costs 8,000 EUR / year for a single-seat license with unlimited mesh and CPUs, engineering support, and automatic updates. A 30-day free trial is available with no commitment. It suits an individual who needs unrestricted capacity and engineering assistance, but the annual commitment is substantial for intermittent use.

Enterprise costs 10,000 EUR / year and adds a floating license, priority assistance, and an offline license option, with unlimited mesh and CPUs. The floating seat can be shared across a network, one computer at a time, making this the better fit for teams that do not need simultaneous use on every workstation or for secure environments. Commercial plans include training and onboarding as well as technical software support. Perpetual licenses are also available with one year of maintenance and optional yearly renewals; custom pricing applies.

Prices are in EUR, with USD, GBP, CHF, and PLN quotes available. Commercial licenses include a 30-day trial; Professional and Enterprise are billed annually.

Platforms

SimFlow is desktop software for Windows, Linux, and macOS, including Apple Silicon. Work runs locally, while jobs can also be sent to a local cluster, remote server, or cloud. Offline access and licensing are available, and simulations remain on the user's hardware.

Who it's for

SimFlow is best for CFD practitioners who need the complete simulation workflow, unrestricted mesh and CPU capacity, and the freedom to use local or remote computing without per-core or hourly fees. Its offline option and local data handling are useful where simulations must stay within a controlled environment. The Free plan can serve small jobs and initial evaluation, but the 200,000-node and 1-CPU ceilings rule it out for larger work. Users who only need occasional or modest simulation capacity are unlikely to justify the paid annual prices.

Pros and cons

Pro: Every plan includes the full simulation engine, so users do not have to buy physics modules separately.

Pro: Unlimited mesh and CPUs on paid plans, combined with no per-core or hourly charges, suit resource-intensive work and predictable budgeting.

Pro: Local execution, offline licensing, and local or remote job options support controlled computing environments.

Con: The Free plan's 200,000-node and 1-CPU limits sharply constrain workloads beyond small simulations.

Con: Paid pricing starts at 8,000 EUR / year, a steep entry point for individuals with occasional needs.

Alternatives

Choose COMSOL Multiphysics if you need a paid simulation package with a free trial and broader platform coverage, including API, self-hosted, and web options; its commercial perpetual license is priced by quotation.

OpenSim is a free alternative with a SimTK account required for download. FeenoX is free and open source, but has no graphical interface and targets GNU/Linux. ngspice is a free circuit simulator using command-line or file-based input, without schematic entry. Open Source Physics is a free option available across web, desktop, and mobile platforms. MPTRAC is free and open source, with Linux installation and a browser-based Web Runner. FEST-3D is a free, GPLv3 open-source option for Linux and macOS. myPhysicsLab offers free browser simulations and downloadable offline versions.

Browse the broader Physics Simulation Software category for more options.

Verdict

SimFlow is the right choice for CFD professionals who need an end-to-end desktop workflow, unrestricted paid capacity, and control over local, remote, or offline computing. Its decisive advantage is that computing scale does not add per-core or hourly fees; its decisive drawback is the 8,000 EUR / year starting price. Choose it for sustained, demanding simulation work, not for occasional projects or workloads that fit comfortably within the free tier.