ETAP vs PSCAD
ETAP
etap.comPSCAD
pscad.comSide by side
| Figure | ETAP | PSCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 3 |
| Spec score · Electrical Design Software | 8.7 (#2) | 7.5 (#24) |
| Headquarters | Irvine, California, USA | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Purpose | ETAP provides software and hardware solutions for electrical systems across design, engineering, operations, and maintenance. | PSCAD is a graphical interface to the EMTDC electromagnetic transient simulation engine for constructing circuits, running simulations, analyzing results, and managing data. |
| Support | Power Simulator subscriptions include dedicated priority support, according to ETAP. | The PSCAD technical team provides consulting, expert advice, in-depth training, and technical support for electromagnetic transient studies. |
| Trial | ETAP offers 30-day free trials with featured modules, sample projects, and online or downloadable demo options. | A temporary trial license for Professional or Educational can be requested from the sales desk to evaluate the software before purchase. |
Plans
ETAP
- ETAP Power Simulator GrowPriced on request
- ETAP Power Simulator LaunchPriced on request
PSCAD
- PSCAD Free EditionFree
- Educational EditionPriced on request
- Professional EditionPriced on request
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.