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Best CFD software in 2026

CFD software helps model fluid flow and related physical effects. These tools can support engineering work through desktop applications, web services, APIs or self-hosted deployments.

  1. 1

    SimFlow

    by SimFlow
    Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

    SimFlow offers a locally run CFD workflow, with a free option capped by mesh size and CPU count. Its commercial plans provide unlimited mesh and CPUs, but start at €8,000 per year.

    7.0 Free plan · paid from €8,000/user/yr · 30-day trial Visit site
  2. 2

    SimScale

    by SimScale
    Free plan Web

    SimScale offers a web-based route to engineering simulation across several physics areas, with collaboration and CAD integrations.

    6.5 Free plan Visit site
  3. 3

    BARAM

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows
    6.4 Free plan · paid from $5,000/user/yr Visit site
  4. 4

    COMSOL Multiphysics

    by COMSOL Multiphysics
    Free trial APILinuxMac+3

    COMSOL Multiphysics covers a broad modeling workflow, with tools for simulation, model management, and custom interfaces.

    6.4 Pricing on request Visit site
  5. 5

    Basilisk

    Free plan LinuxMac
    6.2 Free plan Visit site
  6. 6

    Code_Saturne

    Free plan Linux
    6.0 Free plan Visit site
  7. 7

    DualSPHysics

    Free plan LinuxWindows
    6.0 Free plan Visit site
  8. 8

    OpenFOAM

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows
    6.0 Free plan Visit site
  9. 9

    Ansys Fluent

    by Ansys Fluent
    Paid LinuxSelf-hostedWindows

    Fluent offers a broad CFD workflow with extensive physics, solver, meshing, optimization, and integration options.

    5.9 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
  10. 10

    OpenLB

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows
    5.9 Free plan Visit site
  11. 11

    NekRS

    Free plan LinuxMac
    5.8 Free plan Visit site
  12. 12

    Palabos

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows
    5.8 Free plan Visit site
  13. 13

    OrCAD X

    Free trial WebWindows

    OrCAD X combines PCB design with simulation and mechanical-design collaboration, while higher tiers add Live BOM and other capabilities.

    5.7 30-day trial Visit site
  14. 14

    SU2

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows
    5.7 Free plan Visit site
  15. 15

    Altair nanoFluidX

    Paid LinuxWindows
    4.9 Pricing on request Visit site
  16. 16

    CFD++

    Paid LinuxWebWindows
    4.8 Pricing on request Visit site
  17. 17

    Cradle CFD scFLOW

    Paid LinuxWindows
    4.5 Pricing on request Visit site
  18. 18

    M-Star CFD

    Paid LinuxWindows
    4.4 Pricing on request Visit site
  19. 19

    HELYX

    Paid LinuxWindows
    4.3 Pricing on request Visit site
  20. 20

    CONVERGE

    Paid
    4.1 Pricing on request Visit site
  21. 21

    PHOENICS

    Paid
    3.8 Pricing on request Visit site
  22. 22

    SIMULIA Tosca

    Paid
    3.8 Pricing on request Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare free plans, trial access, paid pricing and software licences before choosing. Review deployment choices, multiphysics capability, meshing, CAD import, parallel processing and operating-system support for your workflow.

Questions

Is free CFD software available?

Yes. Basilisk, Code_Saturne and DualSPHysics are among the tools here with free plans. BARAM shows both a free plan and paid access.

Do CFD tools offer free trials?

Check each product’s terms for free-trial availability and any limits before starting.

What does BARAM cost?

BARAM shows a free plan, with paid access beginning at $5,000 per user per year.

Which operating systems are covered?

The listed deployment platforms span Linux, Windows, macOS, web, self-hosted and API options. Product support varies, so check the platform field for the tool you are considering.

What features should I compare?

Review free-plan availability, starting paid price, deployment, multiphysics solving, built-in meshing, CAD import, parallel-core support and operating systems.

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