Side by side
OpenFOAM vs SimFlow
Both stand on physics simulation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
OpenFOAM brings simulation, mesh and post-processing tools together in a free toolbox, with ParaView support and several deployment platforms. Support and code customisation are separate services with limited annual hours.
Visit OpenFOAM
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.
Visit SimFlowThe facts
| OpenFOAM | SimFlow | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Professional: €8,000 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Maker | OpenFOAM | SimFlow |
| Website | openfoam.com | sim-flow.com |
| On physics simulation software | #1 of 89 | #4 of 89 |
OpenFOAM: what it does well
- Free and open source under the GNU General Public Licence.
- Includes mesh generation, solvers and post-processing tools.
- Supports ParaView visualization and VTK workflows.
- Available for Linux, macOS, Windows and self-hosted use.
- v2606 adds GPU offloading as a compile-time option.
What to know first
- Support queries require a prior support package.
- Support package service hours are limited per year.
- GPU work remains on a separate development track.
SimFlow: what it does well
- Free plan has no signup or time limit.
- All plans include the full simulation engine.
- Runs locally on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Offline licensing is available.
- Perpetual licenses are offered.
What to know first
- Free plan is limited to 200,000 mesh nodes.
- Free plan is limited to one CPU.
- Professional costs €8,000 per year.
- Commercial trials last 30 days.
Alternatives to OpenFOAM Alternatives to SimFlow The whole list