Best Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Software with a Free Trial
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Compare the Top Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Software with a Free Trial as of January 2026
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What is Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Software with a Free Trial?
Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software is used by engineers to analyze and simulate the performance, behavior, and characteristics of designs in a virtual environment. CAE software enables engineers to perform various types of analysis, including structural, thermal, fluid dynamics, and electromagnetics, helping to ensure that products are optimized for functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness before physical prototypes are created. It includes tools for finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multibody dynamics (MBD), and optimization studies. CAE software is widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing to improve product designs, reduce material usage, and shorten development cycles. Compare and read user reviews of the best Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software with a Free Trial currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.
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1
Azore CFD
Azore CFD
AzoreCFD has been a trusted, cutting-edge software tool since 2007. Azore focuses on analysis, design, engineering, and on obtaining precise, and quick results. Customers use Azore for applications that include: industrial flows, aerodynamics, thermal mixing, conjugate heat transfer, gas species mixing, heating and cooling systems, external flows, and more. Azore can be used to simulate essentially any steady-state or transient fluid flow model, including problems that involve conjugate heat transfer and special transport. With flexible pre/post processing, Azore allows for arbitrary polyhedral mesh topology with several import formats supported. Built-in post-processing capabilities includes: scalar fields, pathlines, animations, residual reports, vector fields, ISO-surfaces, force & movement reports, and export for external post-processing. -
2
SkyCiv Structural 3D
SkyCiv Engineering
SkyCiv Structural 3D is a cloud-based Structural Analysis software that allows users to model, analyze and design complex 3D structures. It is completely online; requiring no installation to use. SkyCiv Structural 3D offers the very best in online structural analysis. It includes the following: - Powerful Analysis: Linear, P-Delta, Cables, Buckling, Plates, Frequency, RS - Integrated Design checks for steel, wood, connections, foundations, wind (AISC, NSD, AISI, EN, AS, CSA, BS plus more...)Starting Price: $79/month/user -
3
Welding Sequence Optimizer
MANUFAI
Welding Sequence Optimizer is a plugin for Simufact Welding™, it offers a useful digital toolset of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms that will help you to minimize the inherent welding deformation. WSO includes different algorithms, each of them suitable for a specific stage of the Product Delivery Process (PDP). The idea behind WSO, is a fast configuration (less than 15 minutes) and no human interaction while finding the best sequence. Currently you can change the objective function for a critical region, GD&T or any other Simufact results, like X,Y,Z displacement, Multirobot optimization is also supported. -
4
AGVortex
AGVortex
AGVortex is the CAE program for mathematical modelling of fluid and gas flows around airfoils. Here is implemented innovational solver based upon vorticity dynamics. This approach allows to resolve LES turbulence model on the multi-core processors and clusters that use parallel computing. But it needs much less computing power. Fewer number of equations and unknown functions in flow dynamics gives a gain in calculation process and imposes lower requirements for the computational resources. So, technologically, 3D modelling using LES turbulence model is possible today. An application consists of 3D editor, control panel, modeling area. The planned improvements: new solid types, turbulence models based upon vorticity . The trial version has limitations on the size of the grid, maximum Reynolds number, restrictions in the settings. System requirements: Win x64, vc++ redistributable, openGL drivers.Starting Price: free -
5
MATLAB
The MathWorks
MATLAB® combines a desktop environment tuned for iterative analysis and design processes with a programming language that expresses matrix and array mathematics directly. It includes the Live Editor for creating scripts that combine code, output, and formatted text in an executable notebook. MATLAB toolboxes are professionally developed, rigorously tested, and fully documented. MATLAB apps let you see how different algorithms work with your data. Iterate until you’ve got the results you want, then automatically generate a MATLAB program to reproduce or automate your work. Scale your analyses to run on clusters, GPUs, and clouds with only minor code changes. There’s no need to rewrite your code or learn big data programming and out-of-memory techniques. Automatically convert MATLAB algorithms to C/C++, HDL, and CUDA code to run on your embedded processor or FPGA/ASIC. MATLAB works with Simulink to support Model-Based Design. -
6
Orbital Stack
Orbital Stack
Orbital Stack is an AI and CFD web-based software that provides earlier qualitative guidance, comparing a large number of design options while highlighting any potential wind and thermal comfort red flags. It allows for the realization of a variety of climate-conscious, high-performance developments not previously feasible due to cost and/or time constraints associated with traditional studies. Orbital Stack is the first digital climate-analysis tool built by global leaders in wind and microclimate engineering using real wind tunnel data. It is truly a game-changer for the architecture and building design sector, offering our clients direct access to wind comfort and safety analysis, thermal comfort and shadowing analysis, and cladding pressure simulations. This means architects can run their own wind simulations and quickly understand the climate impacts of their proposed building designs from the start, making decisions that result in higher performing and more resilient projects.Starting Price: $0 -
7
SimScale
SimScale
SimScale is a cloud-based web application that plays a key part in simulation software for many kinds of industries. The platform allows the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Thermal Simulation. It also offers 3D simulation, continuous modeling, and motion & dynamic modeling. -
8
AnyLogic
The AnyLogic Company
AnyLogic is the standard in multimethod modeling technology, delivering increased efficiency and less risk when tackling complex business challenges. The unmatched flexibility found in AnyLogic allows users to capture the complexity of virtually any system, at any level of detail, and gain a deeper insight into the interdependent processes inside and around an organization. AnyLogic has a GSA Contract schedule #47QTCA18D007Q. Government agencies of the USA may purchase through GSA Advantage. -
9
MicroStation
Bentley Systems
MicroStation by Bentley Systems is the trusted computer-aided design (CAD) software built specifically for infrastructure design. It enables architects, engineers, and designers to create precise 2D and 3D drawings that bring complex projects to life—from bridges and highways to utilities and smart cities. With powerful tools for design, documentation, and visualization, MicroStation helps professionals deliver projects faster, more accurately, and with greater confidence. The software natively supports DGN, DWG, and point-cloud data, eliminating file conversion hassles and improving collaboration across teams. Its robust environment connects applications, data, and users to ensure seamless project delivery at any scale. MicroStation is the foundation of modern infrastructure design—reliable, interoperable, and built for professionals who build the world.Starting Price: $250 per month -
10
Solid Edge
Siemens
Solid Edge is a portfolio of affordable, easy to deploy, maintain, and use software tools that advance all aspects of the product development process – mechanical and electrical design, simulation, manufacturing, technical documentation, data management, and cloud-based collaboration. Developed on Siemens industry leading technologies, Solid Edge provides the most innovative and comprehensive approach to product development for the mainstream market.Starting Price: $75/month/user -
11
Wolfram Mathematica
Wolfram
The world's definitive system for modern technical computing. For three decades, Mathematica has defined the state of the art in technical computing—and provided the principal computation environment for millions of innovators, educators, students, and others around the world. Widely admired for both its technical prowess and elegant ease of use, Mathematica provides a single integrated, continually expanding system that covers the breadth and depth of technical computing—and is seamlessly available in the cloud through any web browser, as well as natively on all modern desktop systems. With energetic development and consistent vision for three decades, Mathematica stands alone in a huge range of dimensions, unique in its support for today's technical computing environments and workflows.Starting Price: $1,520 per year -
12
Vensim
Ventana Systems
Vensim® is the software of choice for thousands of analysts, consultants, and researchers worldwide for building high-quality simulation models in business, scientific, environmental, and social systems. Vensim integrates into one environment a powerful suite of tools for developing, testing, interpreting, and distributing models. These tools include cause-and-effect diagramming, graphical and textual model construction, easy reproduction of model structure using subscripts (arrays), Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis, optimization, data handling, and application interfaces. Further features enable advanced model resolution and fidelity. Vensim includes patented techniques to aid error detection, error prevention, and rapid comprehension of complex results.Starting Price: $50 per month -
13
AutoCAD Plant 3D
Autodesk
The 2022 Plant 3D toolset is included with AutoCAD. Create and edit P&ID’s, 3D models, and extract piping orthographics and isometrics with industry-specific toolset for plant design. Collaborate on plant design models across project teams and maintain compliance requirements, all in a cloud-based common data environment. The Plant 3D toolset is delivered with standard symbol libraries in the tool palettes. They include PIP, ISA, ISO/DIN, and JIS. Quickly identify possible errors by scanning P&IDs for data consistency according to user-definable rules. Quickly create 3D plant models using parametric equipment modeling, structural steel libraries, and project-specific piping specifications using industry standard piping catalogs. Extract piping orthographic drawings directly from the 3D model and update them as the 3D model is being updated. Work with other industry disciplines to create BIM models for the plant. -
14
ExtendSim
Imagine That
ExtendSim consists of a full range of tools for any type of simulation. No matter how you want to use ExtendSim, building models, running models, analysis, etc., there is a package that will fit your needs. There are ExtendSim products for building, experimenting with, and analyzing models, Model Developer Editions, and more specialized packages designed strictly for running models, analyzing models, or for use as a learning tool. Figure out which package might work best for you based on how you intend to use ExtendSim by visiting User Types. Create, use, and interactively run models, build custom interfaces and components, exchange data with and be controlled by other applications. Each Model Developer Edition (MDE) of ExtendSim has the same core set of capabilities. In them you can create and build models and interfaces, change values and settings, run simulations and animations, perform experiments, do analysis and optimization, save and export results. -
15
IrisVR Prospect
IrisVR
IrisVR Prospect is the leading VR software for immersive design review and collaboration. It is used by BIM and VDC teams, design firms, and engineers to coordinate models and implement design and construction processes in true, 1:1 scale. IrisVR Prospect integrates with Revit, Rhino, Navisworks, SketchUp, and other 3D tools out of the box, so you can instantly create immersive VR meetings for client presentations, design reviews, coordination, and more.Starting Price: $150 per user per month -
16
Simul8
Simul8 Corporation
Decision making happens every day, at every level, in every business. Make your best decisions, every time - and deliver serious impact fast - with Simul8. Simulation software so intuitive, fast and effective youll use it every day. Base decisions on truth, not hunches. Understand and maximize flow. Reveal and inspire new ways to operate. Forecast and plan with confidence. Challenge the status quo. It's all possible with Simul8. Whatever your priorities and ambitions, Simul8 is designed to rapidly unlock significant value and drive a serious, positive impact across your organization from day one. From decisions that save millions, to saving lives, organizations in every industry are driving transformative changes with Simul8. We’re proud to support and celebrate world-changers — people and organizations who are using simulation to make a real impact on social, health and environmental issues.Starting Price: $250 per user per month -
17
Autodesk Fusion 360
Autodesk
Fusion 360 unifies design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing into a single software platform. Get integrated CAD, CAM, CAE & PCB on a single development platform. Also includes EAGLE Premium, HSMWorks, Team Participant, and access to consumptive services, such as generative design, cloud simulation, and cloud rendering. Engineer products with a comprehensive set of modeling tools. Ensure form, fit, and function of your products with various analysis methods. Create and edit sketches with sketch constraints, dimensions, and a powerful suite of sketch tools. Edit or repair imported geometry from non-native file formats. Make design changes without worrying about time-based features. Create and edit complex parametric surfaces for repairing, patching or designing geometry. Create history-based features, including extrude, revolve, loft, sweep, etc., that update with design changes.Starting Price: $495 per year -
18
PoligonSoft
PoligonSoft
Professional tools for modeling and optimizing metal casting processes with the ability to predict the formation of defects in cast parts. - Filling Dynamics - Macro and Microporosity - Residual Stresses - Deformations and Warping - Cracks (Hot and Cold) - Hydrostatic Pressure - Mold Wear - Slag Formation PoligonSoft provides reliable simulations that prevent waste and costly redesigns, allowing manufacturers to "get it right" the first time. The core of PoligonSoft includes three calculation systems: hydrodynamic, thermal, and stress. Along with a set of additional options, it allows the simulation of all traditional casting technologies and many special processes. At PoligonSoft, all stages of the casting production process can be sequentially simulated: mold heating, mold filling with molten mass, solidification on the bench or in the thermostat, extraction of the cast part from the mold, cutting of the feeding system and risers, etc.Starting Price: $14,137 USD/year -
19
HydroCAD
HydroCAD Software Solutions
HydroCAD Stormwater Modeling provides easy TR-20, TR-55, SBUH, and Rational hydrology, plus TC calculations, pond storage, outlet hydraulics, pump routing, underground storage, pollutant loading, and more. Special features include direct CAD import, dam breach routing, skimmers, tubes, siphons, local rainfall data import, and a constantly expanding chamber library. Interactive graphical environment is fast and intuitive, producing better results in less time on every project.Starting Price: $295.00 -
20
Simcad Pro
CreateASoft, Inc.
Simcad Pro lets you visualize, analyze and optimize process flow systems in an interactive 2D/3D simulation modeling environment. Plan, optimize, and re-arrange processes and procedures while optimizing layouts, facility improvement, automation and scheduling. Simcad Pro integrates live and historical data to provide the most effective simulation tool on the market. Applications in multiple industries including manufacturing, automation, logistics, distribution warehouse, food and beverage, services, and more. Multi-Threaded - 64 bit Engine. On-the-fly simulation - Make real-time changes to the model while the simulation is running. Animate the model in 2D, 3D and VR with Ray Tracing, light effect, and shadows. Singular model building environment. Smart, Spatially Aware Agents, Sub-Flows, Collision Avoidance and Real-Time Connectivity. Spaghetti Diagrams, Congestion Analysis, Heat Maps, Efficiency and OEE. Extensive reporting and analysis tools. Scenario Analyzer.Starting Price: $4950.00/one-time/user -
21
ClearCalcs
ClearCalcs
ClearCalcs is a cloud structural engineering software that enables engineers and designers to streamline their repetitive calculations with easy-to-use calculators for beams, columns, foundations, and more. With calculators available for the US standards, Eurocode, Australian standards, New Zealand standards, and Canadian standards, ClearCalcs is a one-stop shop for improving your productivity and design capability. Calculations can be linked together with one click, saving on time and errors, copy-pasting loads, and reports print to a simple, one-page PDF for easy checking.Starting Price: $79.00 USD / month -
22
Ingrid Cloud
Ingrid Cloud
Ingrid Cloud is an online tool that automates the entire process of wind simulations. Our computational model has virtually zero human intervention, making it easy-to-use and accurate. We make CFD simple and affordable. The unique technology is based on research conducted at KTH Royal Institute of Technology for the past 15 years.Starting Price: $245 one-time fee -
23
Netfabb
Autodesk
Netfabb® software includes efficient build preparation capabilities alongside tools for optimizing designs for additive manufacturing, simulating metal additive processes, and planning for CNC post-processing. Import models from a variety of CAD formats and use repair tools to quickly correct errors. Make your models production ready by adjusting wall thicknesses, smoothing rough areas, and more. Identify areas that require support and use semi-automated tools to generate support structures. Convert organic, free-form mesh files to boundary representation models and make them available in CAD in STEP, SAT, or IGES format. Use 2D and 3D packing algorithms to optimally place parts within the build volume. Create custom reports that include critical information for manufacturing and quoting. Develop build strategies and define toolpath parameters for maximum surface quality, part density, and speed.Starting Price: $30 per month -
24
MatDeck
LabDeck
MatDeck is a universal, technical software for Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Coding, Databases and many other uses. Our software offers a complete Python IDE; thousands of mathematical functions; a drag and drop GUI Designer and various visualization tools, all embedded within a cutting-edge, live document for an inexpensive and professional computing environment.Starting Price: Free -
25
PTC Mathcad
PTC
Engineering calculations are at the heart of product design. They are essential to every step of the design process. To achieve excellence in engineering, teams need a comprehensive yet intuitive application that performs calculations with accuracy and precision, enables traceability, protects intellectual property, and shows their work. PTC Mathcad has all your engineering notebook’s ease-of-use and familiarity with live mathematical notation and units intelligence. Most importantly, the calculation capabilities produce far more accurate results than a spreadsheet can provide. Using PTC Mathcad’s rich array of mathematical functionality, you can document your most critical engineering calculations as easily as you can write them. Show your work using rich formatting options alongside plots, text, and images in a single, professionally formatted document. Nobody needs specialized skills to create or consume PTC Mathcad data.Starting Price: $230 -
26
SPACE GASS
SPACE GASS
SPACE GASS is a multi-purpose 3D analysis and design program for structural engineers. Its extensive range of features make it suitable for anything from beams, trusses and frames to buildings, towers, tanks, cable structures and bridges. Capabilities include a 64-bit multi-core solver, silky smooth 3D rendered graphics, plate finite elements, frame elements, cable elements, tension/compression-only elements, moving loads and links to many CAD and building management programs. Why SPACE GASS Save time, money, and get a safe and efficient design. Silky smooth graphical interface that lets you see your changes visually as you go. A fast sparse matrix solver that fully utilizes the parallel processing power of multi-core computers. A wide range of structural modeling tools, analysis options and design modules. Comprehensive video tutorials to walk you through some of the tricky stuff. Configurable for stand-alone or floating network systems.Starting Price: $600 per month -
27
WELSIM
WelSimulation LLC
WELSIM finite element analysis software helps engineers and researchers conduct simulation studies and prototype virtual products.Starting Price: $45 per user per month -
28
MapleSim
Waterloo Maple
From digital twins for virtual commissioning to system-level models for complex engineering design projects, MapleSim is an advanced modeling tool that helps you reduce development time, lower costs, and diagnose real-world performance issues. Remove vibrations with better control code, not hardware upgrades. Diagnose root-cause performance issues with detailed simulation results. Validate new design performance before physical prototyping. MapleSim is an advanced system-level modeling and simulation tool that applies modern techniques to dramatically reduce model development time, provide greater insight into system behavior, and produce fast, high-fidelity simulations. Scale and connect as the needs of your simulations grow more complex. Take your designs further with our flexible modeling language. Combine components across different domains in a virtual prototype. Solve tough machine performance problems. -
29
Siemens NX
Siemens
Siemens NX software is a flexible and powerful integrated solution that helps you deliver better products faster and more efficiently. NX delivers the next generation of design, simulation, and manufacturing solutions that enable companies to realize the value of the digital twin. Supporting every aspect of product development, from concept design through engineering and manufacturing, NX gives you an integrated toolset that coordinates disciplines, preserves data integrity and design intent, and streamlines the entire process. A generative design process is one that engineers can adopt to quickly develop new products based upon meeting design constraints. It is an iterative process that produces fast results the engineer can refine via constraint variation to narrow in on the best design to meet the requirements.Starting Price: $287 per month -
30
ProModel Optimization Suite
ProModel
ProModel is a discrete-event simulation technology that is used to plan, design and improve new or existing manufacturing, logistics and other operational systems. It empowers you to accurately represent real-world processes, including their inherent variability and interdependencies, in order to conduct predictive analysis on potential changes. Optimize your system around your key performance indicators. Create a dynamic, animated computer model of your business environment from CAD files, process or value stream maps, or Process Simulator models. Clearly see and understand current processes and policies in action. Brainstorm using the model to identify potential changes and develop scenarios to test improvements which will achieve business objectives. Run scenarios independently of each other and compare their results in the Output Viewer developed through the latest Microsoft® WPF technology.
