# Altair SimSolid vs Simcenter STAR-CCM+ Comparison --- ## AI Generated Summary - **G2 reviewers report** that Altair SimSolid excels in **speed and efficiency** , particularly with its meshless finite element analysis (FEA) capabilities. Users appreciate how this feature allows for quick simulations without the need for manual mesh refinement, significantly reducing preparation time for structural analysis. - **Users say** that Simcenter STAR-CCM+ offers a comprehensive solution for **multiphysics simulations** , integrating CAD preparation, meshing, and post-processing in one environment. This all-in-one approach is praised for its automated meshing capabilities, which simplify handling complex geometries and enhance accuracy. - **Reviewers mention** that while Altair SimSolid is particularly useful for **quasi-static elastic simulations** , it may not provide the same depth in **3D modeling tools** as Simcenter STAR-CCM+. Users of Simcenter highlight its advanced meshing features and visualization tools that help in understanding airflow and other results more clearly. - **According to verified reviews** , Simcenter STAR-CCM+ has a slight edge in **quality of support** , with users noting a high level of assistance and responsiveness from the support team. This is contrasted with Altair SimSolid, which, while still rated positively, has slightly lower satisfaction in this area. - **G2 reviewers report** that Altair SimSolid is favored by small businesses for its **ease of setup** and user-friendly interface, making it accessible for teams with limited resources. Users appreciate how quickly they can start simulations without extensive training or configuration. - **Users say** that Simcenter STAR-CCM+ provides a more robust set of **editing and rendering tools** , which are beneficial for detailed analysis and presentation of simulation results. This capability is particularly valued by users who require high-quality visual outputs for their projects. | | Altair SimSolid | Simcenter STAR-CCM+ | |---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 184 | 196 | | **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (50.0% of reviews) | Small-Business (38.3% of reviews) | | **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### Altair SimSolid Pros: - Ease of Use (26 reviews) - Simulation (21 reviews) Cons: - Expensive (5 reviews) - Learning Curve (5 reviews) ### Simcenter STAR-CCM+ Pros: - Ease of Use (7 reviews) - Meshing Techniques (7 reviews) Cons: - Learning Curve (5 reviews) - Expensive Licensing (3 reviews) --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | Altair SimSolid | Simcenter STAR-CCM+ | |---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 7.9 (146 reviews) | 8.5 (118 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 8.6 (153 reviews) | 8.0 (161 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 8.5 (98 reviews) | 7.8 (70 reviews) | | **Ease of Admin** | 8.5 (23 reviews) | 7.1 (18 reviews) | | **Quality of Support** | 8.3 (136 reviews) | 8.6 (124 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.9 (21 reviews) | 8.6 (17 reviews) | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.6 (145 reviews) | 8.3 (119 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### Altair SimSolid #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial Yes ### Simcenter STAR-CCM+ #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial Yes --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### Simulation & CAE | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Altair SimSolid** | 6.9/10 | 143 | | **Simcenter STAR-CCM+** | 7.7/10 | 123 | #### Design | Feature | Altair SimSolid | Simcenter STAR-CCM+ | |---|---|---| | **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 6.0 (117 reviews) | 7.7 (88 reviews) | | **Drawing Tools** | 5.6 (112 reviews) | 7.5 (79 reviews) | | **Editing Tools** | 5.7 (114 reviews) | 8.0 (84 reviews) | | **Rendering tools** | 5.9 (110 reviews) | 8.3 (78 reviews) | #### Tools | Feature | Altair SimSolid | Simcenter STAR-CCM+ | |---|---|---| | **Fluid analysis** | Feature Not Available | 9.2 (99 reviews) | | **Finite element analysis** | 8.3 (134 reviews) | 7.3 (63 reviews) | | **Multibody dynamics** | Feature Not Available | 7.3 (52 reviews) | #### Work | Feature | Altair SimSolid | Simcenter STAR-CCM+ | |---|---|---| | **Discrete event modeling** | Feature Not Available | 7.3 (45 reviews) | | **Continuous event modeling** | Feature Not Available | 7.3 (50 reviews) | | **Mechanical event simulation** | 7.9 (127 reviews) | 7.3 (41 reviews) | | **Manufacturing process simulation** | Feature Not Available | 7.1 (42 reviews) | | **Integrate** | 6.8 (118 reviews) | 7.1 (52 reviews) | #### Environment | Feature | Altair SimSolid | Simcenter STAR-CCM+ | |---|---|---| | **Hardware support** | 7.5 (116 reviews) | 8.0 (68 reviews) | | **Task** | 7.2 (118 reviews) | 7.9 (65 reviews) | | **Command Clarity** | 7.9 (123 reviews) | 8.4 (73 reviews) | --- ## Categories **Shared Categories (1):** [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) --- ## Reviewer Demographics ### By Company Size | Segment | Altair SimSolid | Simcenter STAR-CCM+ | |---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 50.0% | 38.3% | | **Mid-Market** | 29.8% | 32.0% | | **Enterprise** | 20.2% | 29.7% | ### By Industry #### Altair SimSolid - **Automotive:** 31.4% - **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 12.8% - **Education Management:** 4.1% - **Transportation/Trucking/Railroad:** 4.1% - **Aviation & Aerospace:** 3.5% - **Consumer Services:** 3.5% - **Design:** 2.9% - **Research:** 2.9% - **Machinery:** 2.9% - **Defense & Space:** 2.3% - **Other:** 29.7% #### Simcenter STAR-CCM+ - **Automotive:** 26.8% - **Aviation & Aerospace:** 12.3% - **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 11.2% - **Higher Education:** 10.1% - **Oil & Energy:** 8.4% - **Airlines/Aviation:** 4.5% - **Semiconductors:** 2.2% - **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 2.2% - **Maritime:** 2.2% - **Consumer Goods:** 1.7% - **Other:** 18.4% --- ## Alternatives ### Alternatives to Altair SimSolid - [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (644 reviews) - [Ansys Mechanical](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (92 reviews) - [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews) - [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (770 reviews) - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (520 reviews) - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (717 reviews) - [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (613 reviews) - [Ansys Discovery](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-discovery/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (11 reviews) - [SimScale](https://www.g2.com/products/simscale/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (283 reviews) - [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (255 reviews) ### Alternatives to Simcenter STAR-CCM+ - [Ansys Fluent](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-fluent/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (122 reviews) - [COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/products/comsol-multiphysics/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (36 reviews) - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (520 reviews) - [Ansys Mechanical](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (92 reviews) - [Altair Inspire](https://www.g2.com/products/altair-inspire/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (76 reviews) - [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (770 reviews) - [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (644 reviews) - [SimScale](https://www.g2.com/products/simscale/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (283 reviews) - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (717 reviews) - [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews) --- ## Top Discussions ### Altair SimSolid No discussions available for this product. ### Simcenter STAR-CCM+ - Title: [What is Simcenter STAR-CCM+ used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-simcenter-star-ccm-used-for) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "STAR CCM+ is used for the simulation of Fluid, Thermal, Reactive, Multiphase flow problems." - Title: [What is Star CD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-star-cd) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "STAR CD is the old branding of the software when it was owned by CD-Adapco. Some people still refer to the current software as STAR or STAR CD or STAR-CCM+...." --- **Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/altair-simsolid-vs-simcenter-star-ccm)