# FlexSim vs SolidWorks Simulation Comparison

| | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 57 | 60 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Enterprise (45.1% of reviews) | Mid-Market (47.4% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### FlexSim

Pros:
- Accuracy (1 reviews)
- Simulation (1 reviews)

Cons:
- Performance Issues (1 reviews)
- Slow Simulation (1 reviews)

### SolidWorks Simulation

Pros:
- Ease of Use (3 reviews)
- Accuracy (1 reviews)

Cons:
- Complexity (1 reviews)
- Export Issues (1 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.5 (40 reviews) | 8.3 (43 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 7.4 (40 reviews) | 8.4 (43 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.5 (10 reviews) | 8.3 (7 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 7.9 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.8 (38 reviews) | 8.4 (38 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.5 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.4 (37 reviews) | 8.3 (40 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### FlexSim

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

Yes

### SolidWorks Simulation

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FlexSim** | 8.3/10 | 21 |
| **SolidWorks Simulation** | 8.3/10 | 25 |

#### Design

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 8.0 (14 reviews) | 9.1 (22 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Feature Not Available | 9.0 (21 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Feature Not Available | 8.9 (22 reviews) | 
| **Rendering tools** | Feature Not Available | 8.0 (21 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | Feature Not Available | 8.0 (20 reviews) | 
| **Finite element analysis** | Feature Not Available | 8.3 (22 reviews) | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | Feature Not Available | 8.5 (19 reviews) | 

#### Work

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | 8.8 (17 reviews) | 7.5 (19 reviews) | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | 8.0 (14 reviews) | 7.6 (19 reviews) | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | Feature Not Available | 8.4 (20 reviews) | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | 9.2 (14 reviews) | 8.1 (18 reviews) | 
| **Integrate** | 7.6 (11 reviews) | 8.5 (20 reviews) | 

#### Environment

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.1 (15 reviews) | 8.2 (19 reviews) | 
| **Task** | 8.2 (17 reviews) | 8.2 (17 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Feature Not Available | 7.8 (16 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | 7.9 (17 reviews) | 8.3 (21 reviews) | 

### Business Process Simulation

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FlexSim** | 8.2/10 | 17 |
| **SolidWorks Simulation** | N/A | N/A |

#### Model Development

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Process Mapping - Simulation Software** | 7.8 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Abstraction - Simulation Software** | 8.1 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Model Creation - Simulation Software** | 8.7 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Performance Metrics

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Statistics - Simulation Software** | 8.5 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Performance Visualization - Simulation Software** | 8.5 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Visualizations

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Verification - Simulation Software** | 8.7 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Real-World Visualization - Simulation Software** | 8.1 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Real World Maps - Simulation Software** | Feature Not Available | Not enough data | 

#### Scenario Analysis

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Monte Carlo Analysis - Simulation Software** | 7.2 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Sensitivity Analysis - Simulation Software** | 7.8 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Parameter Variation Analysis - Simulation Software** | 8.5 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FlexSim** | N/A | N/A |
| **SolidWorks Simulation** | N/A | N/A |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Import Files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File Interoperability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Scripts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Menus** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Interface** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Plant Design Management Systems

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FlexSim** | N/A | N/A |
| **SolidWorks Simulation** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design & Modeling - Plant Design Management Systems

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Rules-Based Design** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Structural Design** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Component Library** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **3D Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Simulation & Optimization - Plant Design Management Systems

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Virtual Validation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Digital Twins** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Virtual Tour** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Processes** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Process Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Plant Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Data Management - Plant Design Management Systems

| Feature | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Types** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Import and Export** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Insights** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae)

**Unique to FlexSim (2):** [Business Process Simulation Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/business-process-simulation), [Plant Design Management Systems Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/plant-design-management-systems)

**Unique to SolidWorks Simulation (1):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | FlexSim | SolidWorks Simulation | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 23.5% | 42.1% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 31.4% | 47.4% | 
| **Enterprise** | 45.1% | 10.5% | 

### By Industry

#### FlexSim

- **Automotive:** 15.7%
- **Higher Education:** 9.8%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 9.8%
- **Industrial Automation:** 7.8%
- **Logistics and Supply Chain:** 7.8%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 3.9%
- **Food & Beverages:** 3.9%
- **Manufacturing:** 3.9%
- **Packaging and Containers:** 3.9%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 2.0%
- **Other:** 31.4%

#### SolidWorks Simulation

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 22.8%
- **Design:** 15.8%
- **Higher Education:** 14.0%
- **Oil & Energy:** 7.0%
- **Machinery:** 7.0%
- **Airlines/Aviation:** 3.5%
- **Consulting:** 3.5%
- **Industrial Automation:** 3.5%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 1.8%
- **Automotive:** 1.8%
- **Other:** 19.3%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to FlexSim

- [AnyLogic](https://www.g2.com/products/anylogic/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (49 reviews)
- [Simio](https://www.g2.com/products/simio/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (28 reviews)
- [SIMUL8](https://www.g2.com/products/simul8/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (21 reviews)
- [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (771 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [aPriori Manufacturing Intelligence Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/apriori-manufacturing-intelligence-platform/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (106 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)

### Alternatives to SolidWorks Simulation

- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (598 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Ansys Mechanical](https://www.g2.com/products/ansys-mechanical/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (92 reviews)
- [Altair HyperWorks](https://www.g2.com/products/altair-hyperworks/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (56 reviews)
- [Abaqus](https://www.g2.com/products/abaqus/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (54 reviews)
- [COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/products/comsol-multiphysics/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (36 reviews)
- [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (771 reviews)
- [Inventor Nastran](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor-nastran/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (23 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### FlexSim

- Title: [How to communicate with other software, such as MATLAB Simulink?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-to-communicate-with-other-software-such-as-matlab-simulink) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "FlexSim is able to connect with any application using C++. Here are some relevant links from the FlexSim documentation..."
- Title: [Which software is best for simulation?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-software-is-best-for-simulation) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "For Simulation, the best software is "ANYLOGIC" because it features multi-method simulation that can help you bring diversity and complexity to your model...."
- Title: [What is FlexSim used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-flexsim-used-for) — 1 comment *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "FlexSim is used to model and analyze to model any process, allowing you to better understand what is happening and then experiment to see how the system..."

### SolidWorks Simulation

- Title: [What is the use of Solidworks software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-use-of-solidworks-software) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Its Computer aided design software, of course you can do lot of things using solidworks package. 
Design 3D CAD Engineering models
2D technical drawing..."
- Title: [Is solidworks simulation free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-solidworks-simulation-free) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "No its based on subscription"

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/flexsim-vs-solidworks-solidworks-simulation)