Best Physics Simulation Software in 2026
Updated
In short: OpenSim is ranked #1 of 91 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of Xcos and SimFlow. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Xcos. The lowest first paid tier on this page is Physion at $6/mo.
Physics simulation software can support classroom exploration, lesson creation, or modeling physical systems for technical work. Compared on 3D visuals, assessment tools, authoring tools, data export, delivery mode, free plan, lesson library, offline access, and paid from, these entries offer practical ways to assess how each tool fits your purpose. OpenSim, Xcos, and SimFlow are among the named options. Consider whether you need to build learning activities, assess students, or export results for another workflow, then weigh the listed access and pricing details.
91 physics simulation software ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
13 of the 25 here have a free tier you can use, 0 have open-source code on record, and 0 have full bars: free, open, on most of your devices and documented.
| # | App | Signal | Free tier | Open code | Devices | From | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OpenSimWindows · Mac · Linux · API | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 8.0 | |
| 2 | XcosWindows · Mac · Linux | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 7.9 | |
| 3 | SimFlowWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux | Three bars | — | 4 of 6 | €666.67/mo | 7.9 | |
| 4 | FeenoXWeb · Linux · Self-hosted · API | Two bars | — | 2 of 6 | Free | 7.8 | |
| 5 | FDTDXLinux · Self-hosted | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | Free | 7.6 | |
| 6 | DynamicalSystems.jlWindows · Mac · Linux | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 7.6 | |
| 7 | myPhysicsLabWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted | Three bars | — | 4 of 6 | Free | 7.6 | |
| 8 | Open Source PhysicsWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone | Two bars | — | — | 6 of 6 | — | 7.1 |
| 9 | PhysSandboxWeb | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | Free | 7.1 | |
| 10 | 3JCN Physics SimulationWeb | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | Free | 7.1 | |
| 11 | SimScaleWeb | One bar | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 7.0 |
| 12 | PhysicsPlaygroundWeb | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | Free | 7.0 | |
| 13 | COMSOL MultiphysicsWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Self-hosted · API | Two bars | — | — | 4 of 6 | — | 6.9 |
| 14 | OpenFOAMWindows · Mac · Linux | Two bars | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 6.9 |
| 15 | Ansys FluentNo platforms listed | One bar | — | — | 0 of 6 | — | 6.8 |
| 16 | ngspiceWindows · Mac · Linux | One bar | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 6.7 |
| 17 | PhysionWeb | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | $6/mo | 6.7 | |
| 18 | StepLinux | One bar | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 6.6 |
| 19 | ASCENDWindows · Mac · Linux | One bar | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 6.6 |
| 20 | MATLAB GraderWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux | Three bars | — | 4 of 6 | Free | 6.6 | |
| 21 | GNU FisicaLabNo platforms listed | One bar | — | — | 0 of 6 | — | 6.5 |
| 22 | Physics Classroom Physics InteractivesWeb | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 6.5 |
| 23 | CPU Computer SimulatorsWindows · Mac | Two bars | — | 2 of 6 | Free | 6.5 | |
| 24 | PySDMNo platforms listed | One bar | — | — | 0 of 6 | — | 6.4 |
| 25 | MPTRACNo platforms listed | One bar | — | — | 0 of 6 | — | 6.4 |
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which physics simulation software is ranked first on Freedom251?
OpenSim is ranked #1 of 91 with a score of 8.0. Xcos is second and SimFlow third.
How many of these have a free plan?
13 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, Physion has the lowest first paid tier we found: $6/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked free-and-open first: a usable free tier and open-source code, then the platforms it runs on and its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.