Basix vs OpenFOAM
Basix
fenicsproject.org
OpenFOAM
openfoam.comSide by side
| Figure | Basix | OpenFOAM |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Physics Simulation Software | 7.6 (#53) | 8.7 (#5) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Intended users | The project describes FEniCS as a platform for solving partial differential equations with the finite element method, with Python and C++ interfaces for users ranging from beginners to experienced programmers. | OpenCFD describes its services for science and engineering companies, consultancies, and universities. |
| License | The Basix source code is available under the MIT license. | OpenFOAM is distributed under the GNU General Public Licence (GPL). |
| Purpose | Basix is a finite element definition and tabulation runtime library. | OpenFOAM is an open-source computational fluid dynamics toolbox for simulating fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physical processes. |
| Support | Users can report bugs through the GitHub issue tracker and ask usage questions on the FEniCS discourse group. | OpenCFD offers a one-year support package covering installation, bug fixes, updates, CFD assistance, and code customisation, with a maximum number of service hours per year. |
Plans
In their own words
OpenFOAM
OpenFOAM is a free, open-source computational fluid dynamics toolbox for simulating fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physical processes. It provides pre-processing, mesh generation, solvers for different flow and physics problems, and post-processing tools. Built-in utilities include blockMesh and snappyHexMesh, and it can convert meshes from external formats. ParaView visualization is supported through the paraFoam launcher, reader modules, VTK conversion, and VTK output during simulations. OpenFOAM runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and supports self-hosted use. Its current release is v2606, released on 26 June 2026; GPU offloading is available as a compile-time option, with that work on a separate development track. It is distributed under the GNU General Public Licence. OpenCFD offers a one-year support package for installation, fixes, updates, CFD assistance, and code customization, subject to a yearly service-hours maximum. It does not respond to support queries without a prior package. Training courses are also offered, with prices provided through a schedule or enquiry process.