Best Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Software
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Compare the Top Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Software as of January 2026
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What is Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Software?
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 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
UberCloud
Simr (formerly UberCloud)
Simr (formerly UberCloud) is a cutting-edge platform for Simulation Operations Automation (SimOps). It streamlines and automates complex simulation workflows, enhancing productivity and collaboration. Leveraging cloud-based infrastructure, Simr offers scalable, cost-effective solutions for industries like automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Trusted by leading global companies, Simr empowers engineers to innovate efficiently and effectively. Simr supports a variety of CFD, FEA and other CAE software including Ansys, COMSOL, Abaqus, CST, STAR-CCM+, MATLAB, Lumerical and more. Simr automates every major cloud including Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS, and Google GCP. -
4
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. -
5
PlantFCE Model Builder
Storm Consulting
Customize models, refine designs, and export with precision. PlantFCE Model Builder offers intuitive 3D modeling for process plants. Model Builder is useful when estimating costs for an engineering project. View real-time updates in the rendering window as you edit the scene. Low lock-in with PlantFCE Model Builder* Model Builder allows you to import and export 3D models from and to industry-standard 3D model formats like GLB, OBJ, and STL. With an automatic clash check, reduce errors and save time.** PlantFCE Model Builder's automatic clash check** reduces time spent on clash check sessions and gives you more time to work on your project. Download for Windows and Mac on the PlantFCE website. *Exporting through Model Builder does not include Model Builder specific functionality like properties set on objects or features specific to Model Builder. **Clash check will be released in version 2.Starting Price: $49/month/user -
6
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. -
7
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 -
8
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. -
9
Samadii Multiphysics
Metariver Technology Co.,Ltd
Metariver Technology Co., Ltd. is developing innovative and creative computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis S/W based on the latest HPC technology and S/W technology including CUDA technology. We will change the paradigm of CAE technology by applying particle-based CAE technology and high-speed computation technology using GPUs to CAE analysis software. Here is an introduction to our products. 1. Samadii-DEM (the discrete element method): works with the discrete element method and solid particles. 2. Samadii-SCIV (Statistical Contact In Vacuum): working with high vacuum system gas-flow simulation. Using Monte Carlo simulation. 3. Samadii-EM (Electromagnetics): For full-field interpretation 4. Samadii-Plasma: Plasma simulation for Analysis of ion and electron behavior in an electromagnetic field. 5. Vampire (Virtual Additive Manufacturing System): Specializes in transient heat transfer analysis. additive manufacturing and 3D printing simulation software -
10
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. -
11
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 -
12
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 -
13
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. -
14
Ansys Mechanical
Ansys
Ansys Mechanical is a best-in-class finite element solver with structural, thermal, acoustics, transient and nonlinear capabilities to improve your modeling. Ansys Mechanical enables you to solve complex structural engineering problems and make better, faster design decisions. With the finite element analysis (FEA) solvers available in the suite, you can customize and automate solutions for your structural mechanics problems and parameterize them to analyze multiple design scenarios. Ansys Mechanical is a dynamic tool that has a complete range of analysis tools. Ansys Mechanical offers a dynamic environment with a complete range of analysis tools, from preparing geometry for analysis to connecting additional physics for even greater fidelity. The intuitive and customizable user interface enables engineers of all levels to get answers fast and with confidence. Ansys Mechanical creates an integrated platform that uses finite element analysis (FEA) for structural analysis. -
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
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 -
18
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 -
19
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 -
20
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 -
21
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 -
22
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. -
23
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 -
24
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. -
25
E3.series
Zuken
A comprehensive electrical and fluid planning software environment for advanced requirements. E3.series is a true concurrent electrical engineering environment supporting advanced requirements for electrical documentation, cabinet and wire harness design and manufacturing outputs. E3.series facilitates an efficient and accurate design and manufacturing process for electrical and fluid planning, cable planning, and wire harness and cabinet layout. Its object-oriented architecture provides an integrated and consistent design approach to help eliminate errors, improve quality and reduce design time. Consistency of all design phases through object orientation. Powerful automated operations and electrical checks. Comprehensive outputs for manufacturing and documentation. Native format library and design data management. Circuit diagrams, connection lists, layout plans and reports always up-to-date and synchronized.Starting Price: £80/€90/CHF110 per month -
26
Adams
Hexagon
Adams helps engineers to study the dynamics of moving parts, and how loads and forces are distributed throughout mechanical systems. Product manufacturers often struggle to understand true system performance until very late in the design process. Mechanical, electrical, and other subsystems are validated against their specific requirements within the systems engineering process, but full-system testing and validation comes late, leading to rework and design changes that are riskier and more costly than those made early on. As the world's most famous and widely used Multibody Dynamics (MBD) software, Adams improves engineering efficiency and reduces product development costs by enabling early system-level design validation. Engineers can evaluate and manage the complex interactions between disciplines including motion, structures, actuation, and controls to better optimize product designs for performance, safety, and comfort. -
27
Ansys Sherlock
Ansys
Ansys Sherlock is the only reliability physics-based electronics design tool that provides fast and accurate life predictions for electronic hardware at the component, board and system levels in early stage design. Ansys Sherlock automated design analysis provides fast and accurate life predictions for electronic hardware at the component, board and system levels in early design stages. Sherlock bypasses the ‘test-fail-fix-repeat’ cycle by empowering designers to accurately model silicon–metal layers, semiconductor packaging, printed circuit boards (PCBs) and assemblies to predict failure risks due to thermal, mechanical and manufacturing stressors--all before prototype. With embedded libraries containing over 500,000 parts, Sherlock rapidly converts electronic computer-aided design (ECAD) files into computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) models. Each model contains accurate geometries, material properties and translates stress information. -
28
Ansys Discovery
Ansys
Ansys Discovery features the first simulation-driven design tool combining instant physics simulation, high-fidelity simulation and interactive geometry modeling in a single easy-to-use experience. By combining interactive modeling and multiple simulation capabilities in a first-of-its-kind product, Discovery allows you to answer critical design questions earlier in the design process. This upfront approach to simulation saves time and effort on prototyping as you explore multiple design concepts in real time with no need to wait for simulation results. Ansys Discovery answers critical design questions early in your process with speed and accuracy. Boost productivity and performance by eliminating long waits for simulation results. Discovery lets engineers focus on innovation and product performance. By answering critical design questions early in the process, thus decreasing engineer labor and physical prototyping costs, Ansys Discovery allows for a ROI boost across your organization. -
29
Ansys Motor-CAD
Ansys
Ansys Motor-CAD is a dedicated electric machine design tool for fast multiphysics simulation across the full torque-speed operating range. Motor-CAD enables design engineers to evaluate motor topologies and concepts across the full operating range, to produce designs that are optimized for performance, efficiency and size. Motor-CAD software’s four integrated modules—EMag, Therm, Lab, Mech—enable multiphysics calculations to be performed quickly and iteratively, so users can get from concept to final design in less time. Fast calculations and streamlined data input processes leave time for Motor-CAD users to explore more motor topologies and fully assess the impact of advanced loss effects in the initial stages of an electromechanical design. The release includes powerful new features for design optimization, multi-physics analysis and system modelling for electric motors. Fast multiphysics simulation across a full torque-speed operating range. -
30
AVEVA E3D Design
Aveva
AVEVA E3D Design is the world’s most technologically advanced 3D design solution for the process plant, marine and power industries. It enables powerful visualization, clash-free, multi-discipline 3D design, and rapidly generates accurate drawings and reports to reduce costs, timescales and commercial risks of both greenfield and brownfield capital projects. AVEVA E3D Design offers class-leading productivity and capabilities while retaining seamless compatibility with other AVEVA Engineering and Design solutions including AVEVA Unified Engineering. Available on our secure cloud platform AVEVA™ Connect, deploy quickly in days or weeks instead of months, and compilate data to create your engineering digital twin on the cloud as you work. AVEVA E3D Design can be quickly deployed and configured to suit specific company or project requirements across all industries whether it be for the industrial plant or the marine market.
