ETAP vs PLECS
ETAP
etap.comPLECS
plexim.comSide by side
| Figure | ETAP | PLECS |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 5 |
| Spec score · Electrical Design Software | 8.7 (#2) | 7.9 (#15) |
| Integrations | DataX provides interfaces and conversion tools for third-party engineering and CAD software, including Excel, Revit, AVEVA, SmartPlant Electrical, and ArcGIS. | PLECS Blockset runs inside Simulink, and PLECS simulation scripts can automate simulations and process results using Octave, Python or MATLAB. |
| Purpose | ETAP provides software and hardware solutions for electrical systems across design, engineering, operations, and maintenance. | PLECS models and simulates power electronic systems, including converters, motor drives and control algorithms. |
| Support | Power Simulator subscriptions include dedicated priority support, according to ETAP. | PLECS support includes tutorials, application examples, technical solutions, installation help, a user forum and a contact-support channel. |
Plans
ETAP
- ETAP Power Simulator GrowPriced on request
- ETAP Power Simulator LaunchPriced on request
PLECS
- PLECS trial licenseFree
- PLECS Blockset Individual License (commercial)$8,000, paid once
- PLECS Standalone Individual License (commercial)$8,000, paid once
- PLECS Blockset Dongle License (commercial)$11,200, paid once
- PLECS Blockset Concurrent License (commercial)$16,000, paid once
In their own words
ETAP
ETAP provides software and hardware for electrical systems across design, engineering, operations, and maintenance. Its modular energy management platform centers on a unified electrical digital twin for power system design, analysis, operations, and automation. ETAP 2026 includes analysis for renewable integration, feeder hosting capacity, Volt-VAR optimization, battery energy storage, and grid-code studies. Power Simulator is designed to predict system behavior, optimize grid performance, and run offline or real-time predictive simulations. DataX exchanges information across GIS, BIM, CAD, and legacy tools, with interfaces for products including Revit, AutoCAD, Excel, AVEVA, and ArcGIS. NetPM supports multi-user model creation, concurrent studies, change management, and role-based access. Grid Intelligence lists Modbus TCP, BACnet/IP, and REST protocols and integrations with systems such as SCADA, GIS, and OMS. ETAP serves utilities, infrastructure, industries, and buildings. Design and analysis products list supported 64-bit Windows systems; etapAPP is available for iOS, Windows, and Android tablets. Pricing is by customized quote, with a free 30-day demo and no free plan.