COMSOL Multiphysics
7.7#2 in physics simulation softwareWebAPILinuxmacOS
VisitCOMSOL Multiphysics vs OpenFOAM
What both publish
| Fact | COMSOL Multiphysics | OpenFOAM |
|---|---|---|
| 3D visuals | Yes | Yes |
| Data export | Yes | Yes |
| Delivery mode | desktop | desktop |
| Founded | 1986 | 2004 |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Headquarters | Stockholm, Sweden | Bracknell, Berkshire, UK |
| Purpose | COMSOL Multiphysics simulates designs, devices, and processes across engineering, manufacturing, and scientific research. | OpenFOAM is an open-source computational fluid dynamics toolbox for simulating fluid flow, heat transfer, and related physical processes. |
| Support | To contact support, users must sign in with a COMSOL Access account; license options include technical support during the term or the first 12 months of a perpetual license. | OpenCFD offers a one-year support package covering installation, bug fixes, updates, CFD assistance, and code customisation, with a maximum number of service hours per year. |
COMSOL Multiphysics plans
- Perpetual license (commercial or academic; license type chosen by quotation)Priced on request
- Term license (commercial or academic; license type chosen by quotation)Priced on request
OpenFOAM plans
- OpenFOAMFree
Pick COMSOL Multiphysics if…
COMSOL Multiphysics suits engineers, scientists, technical enterprises, research labs, and universities working with simulations. Its modeling and collaboration tools also support teams sharing finished applications with colleagues or clients.
Pick OpenFOAM if…
OpenFOAM suits science and engineering companies, consultancies, and universities working on fluid flow, heat transfer, or related simulations. It is also a fit for users who want an open-source CFD toolbox with mesh tools and ParaView visualization support.