OpenFOAM vs SimScale
OpenFOAM
openfoam.com
SimScale
simscale.comSide by side
| Figure | OpenFOAM | SimScale |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Physics Simulation Software | 8.7 (#5) | 8.6 (#8) |
| Spec score · Simulation & CAE Software | 8.2 (#2) | 7.9 (#3) |
| Spec score · CAE Software | 8.1 (#2) | 7.9 (#3) |
| Data export | Yes | Yes |
| Delivery mode | desktop | web |
| Founded | 2004 | 2012 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Bracknell, Berkshire, UK | Munich, Germany |
| Security | OpenFOAM documentation states that user-supplied system calls are disabled unless allowSystemOperations is enabled, and warns that system calls carry potential security risk. | The cloud-native architecture is backed by enterprise grade security. |
| 3D visuals | Yes | Yes |
Plans
SimScale
- CommunityFree
- MechanicalPriced on request
- ProfessionalPriced on request
- EnterprisePriced on request
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.