AutoCAD vs PowerWorld Simulator
AutoCAD
autodesk.comPowerWorld Simulator
powerworld.comSide by side
| Figure | AutoCAD | PowerWorld Simulator |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 11 | 2 |
| Spec score · Electrical Design Software | 9.3 (#1) | 7.9 (#16) |
| Founded | 1982 | 1996 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California | Champaign, Illinois, United States |
| Support availability | 24x7 online support options and resources | The company lists technical support by email and says license maintenance includes customer support, upgrades, and software patches. |
Plans
AutoCAD
- AutoCAD MonthlyPrice not published
- AutoCAD MonthlyPriced on request
- AutoCAD AnnualPriced on request
- AutoCAD AnnualPrice not published
- AutoCAD 3-YearPriced on request
- AutoCAD 3-YearPrice not published
- Monthly subscription$260 a month
- Annual subscription$2,095 a year
- Three-year subscription$6,285 a year
- Education accessFree
PowerWorld Simulator
- Simulator evaluation versionFree
- Simulator base package (first commercial license)$11,000, paid once
In their own words
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is software for precise 2D and 3D drafting, design, and modeling. It uses DWG as its primary file format and also supports DXF and PDF underlays. Seven specialized toolsets address architecture, mechanical, MEP, electrical, plant, mapping, and raster design. Teams can share DWG files, work in parallel, and add markups with multiple users. AI capabilities include markup assistance, block replacement suggestions, and contextual productivity tips. Standalone subscriptions include Forma Data Management Essentials. AutoCAD runs on Windows, macOS, web, iOS, and Android; subscriptions include web and mobile access. Each subscription is assigned to one named user and can be installed on up to three devices, with use limited to one device at a time. A 15-day free trial is available. Pricing starts at $175 per month; listed options are $260 per month or $2,095 per year. Eligible students and educators can receive renewable one-year access while eligible.
PowerWorld Simulator
PowerWorld Simulator is desktop software for interactively simulating high-voltage power-system operation over periods from minutes to days. Its full package solves power-flow systems of up to 250,000 buses. The base package provides contingency analysis with automatic batch processing, full power-flow or fast linearized analysis, and result views organized by contingency or impacted facility. Visualization includes animated diagrams, automatic diagram creation and modification, contoured displays, and a model explorer. Optional add-ons cover ATC, OPF, SCOPF, reserves optimization, SimAuto, transient stability, GIC, and integrated topology processing. SimAuto allows an external program to extend Simulator. The product lists industry-standard file-format compatibility and GIS support. It runs on 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7/Server 2008 R2 and newer; no other operating systems are supported. A free evaluation version is limited to 13 buses. The first commercial base-package license costs $11,000 as a one-time purchase and includes one year of upgrades and support.