# Top 10 Mathematica Alternatives & Competitors **Average Rating:** 4.1/5 **Total Number of Reviews:** 86 The Simulation & CAE Software solutions below are the most common alternatives that users and reviewers compare with Mathematica. Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to Mathematica include user interface. The best overall Mathematica alternative is MATLAB. Other similar apps like Mathematica are Scilab, GNU Octave, Maple, and SageMath. Mathematica alternatives can be found in [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) but may also be in [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad) or [Data Science and Machine Learning Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-science-and-machine-learning-platforms). ## Best Paid & Free Alternatives to Mathematica - [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) - [Scilab](https://www.g2.com/products/scilab/reviews) - [GNU Octave](https://www.g2.com/products/gnu-octave/reviews) - [Maple](https://www.g2.com/products/maple/reviews) - [SageMath](https://www.g2.com/products/sagemath/reviews) - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) - [COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/products/comsol-multiphysics/reviews) - [Simulink](https://www.g2.com/products/simulink/reviews) - [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) - [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) ## Top 10 Alternatives to Mathematica Recently Reviewed By G2 Community Browse options below. Based on reviewer data, you can see how Mathematica stacks up to the competition, check reviews from current & previous users in industries like Research, Computer Software, and Civil Engineering, and find the best product for your business. ### 1. [MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/products/matlab/reviews) By MathWorks **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 770 MATLAB is a high-level programming and numeric computing environment widely utilized by engineers and scientists for data analysis, algorithm development, and system modeling. It offers a desktop environment optimized for iterative analysis and design processes, coupled with a programming language that directly expresses matrix and array mathematics. The Live Editor feature enables users to create scripts that integrate code, output, and formatted text within an executable notebook. Key Features and Functionality: - Data Analysis: Tools for exploring, modeling, and analyzing data. - Graphics: Functions for visualizing and exploring data through various plots and charts. - Programming: Capabilities to create scripts, functions, and classes for customized workflows. - App Building: Facilities to develop desktop and web applications. - External Language Interfaces: Integration with languages such as Python, C/C++, Fortran, and Java. - Hardware Connectivity: Support for connecting MATLAB to various hardware platforms. - Parallel Computing: Ability to perform large-scale computations and parallelize simulations using multicore desktops, GPUs, clusters, and cloud resources. - Deployment: Options to share MATLAB programs and deploy them to enterprise applications, embedded devices, and cloud environments. Primary Value and User Solutions: MATLAB streamlines complex mathematical computations and data analysis tasks, enabling users to develop algorithms and models efficiently. Its comprehensive toolboxes and interactive apps facilitate rapid prototyping and iterative design, reducing development time. The platform's scalability allows for seamless transition from research to production, supporting deployment on various systems without extensive code modifications. By integrating with multiple programming languages and hardware platforms, MATLAB provides a versatile environment that addresses the diverse needs of engineers and scientists across industries. Reviewers say compared to Mathematica, MATLAB is: - More usable - Better at support - Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Mathematica: [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) **Compare:** [Mathematica vs MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/compare/matlab-vs-mathematica) **Compare MATLAB with other alternatives:** - [MATLAB vs Scilab](https://www.g2.com/compare/matlab-vs-scilab) - [MATLAB vs GNU Octave](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-matlab) - [MATLAB vs Maple](https://www.g2.com/compare/matlab-vs-maple) - [MATLAB vs SageMath](https://www.g2.com/compare/matlab-vs-sagemath) - [MATLAB vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-matlab) - [MATLAB vs COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-matlab) - [MATLAB vs Simulink](https://www.g2.com/compare/matlab-vs-simulink) - [MATLAB vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-matlab) - [MATLAB vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/matlab-vs-solidworks) ### 2. [Scilab](https://www.g2.com/products/scilab/reviews) By Scilab Enterprises **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 64 Scilab is a free open-source software for numerical computation and simulation similar to Matlab/Simulink. Reviewers say compared to Mathematica, Scilab is: - More usable - Better at meeting requirements - Better at support Categories in common with Mathematica: [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) **Compare:** [Mathematica vs Scilab](https://www.g2.com/compare/mathematica-vs-scilab) **Compare Scilab with other alternatives:** - [Scilab vs MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/compare/matlab-vs-scilab) - [Scilab vs GNU Octave](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-scilab) - [Scilab vs Maple](https://www.g2.com/compare/maple-vs-scilab) - [Scilab vs SageMath](https://www.g2.com/compare/sagemath-vs-scilab) - [Scilab vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-scilab) - [Scilab vs COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-scilab) - [Scilab vs Simulink](https://www.g2.com/compare/scilab-vs-simulink) - [Scilab vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-scilab) - [Scilab vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-scilab) ### 3. [GNU Octave](https://www.g2.com/products/gnu-octave/reviews) By FreeCAD **Average Rating:** 4.2/5 **Total Reviews:** 55 GNU Octave is an open-source mathematical modeling and simulation software very similar to using the same language as Matlab and Freemat. Reviewers say compared to Mathematica, GNU Octave is: - More usable - Better at support Categories in common with Mathematica: [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) **Compare:** [Mathematica vs GNU Octave](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-mathematica) **Compare GNU Octave with other alternatives:** - [GNU Octave vs MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-matlab) - [GNU Octave vs Scilab](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-scilab) - [GNU Octave vs Maple](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-maple) - [GNU Octave vs SageMath](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-sagemath) - [GNU Octave vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-gnu-octave) - [GNU Octave vs COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-gnu-octave) - [GNU Octave vs Simulink](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-simulink) - [GNU Octave vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-inventor) - [GNU Octave vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-solidworks) ### 4. [Maple](https://www.g2.com/products/maple/reviews) By Waterloo Maple **Average Rating:** 4.3/5 **Total Reviews:** 15 Maple is a general-purpose computer algebra system developed and sold commercially by Waterloo Maple Inc. Reviewers say compared to Mathematica, Maple is: - More usable - Better at support - Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Mathematica: [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) **Compare:** [Mathematica vs Maple](https://www.g2.com/compare/maple-vs-mathematica) **Compare Maple with other alternatives:** - [Maple vs MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/compare/matlab-vs-maple) - [Maple vs Scilab](https://www.g2.com/compare/maple-vs-scilab) - [Maple vs GNU Octave](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-maple) - [Maple vs SageMath](https://www.g2.com/compare/maple-vs-sagemath) - [Maple vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-maple) - [Maple vs COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-maple) - [Maple vs Simulink](https://www.g2.com/compare/maple-vs-simulink) - [Maple vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-maple) - [Maple vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/maple-vs-solidworks) ### 5. [SageMath](https://www.g2.com/products/sagemath/reviews) By SageMath Project **Average Rating:** 4.3/5 **Total Reviews:** 10 SageMath is a system for algebra and geometry experimentation via Python. Reviewers say compared to Mathematica, SageMath is: - More usable - Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Mathematica: [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) **Compare:** [Mathematica vs SageMath](https://www.g2.com/compare/mathematica-vs-sagemath) **Compare SageMath with other alternatives:** - [SageMath vs MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/compare/matlab-vs-sagemath) - [SageMath vs Scilab](https://www.g2.com/compare/sagemath-vs-scilab) - [SageMath vs GNU Octave](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-sagemath) - [SageMath vs Maple](https://www.g2.com/compare/maple-vs-sagemath) - [SageMath vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-sagemath) - [SageMath vs COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-sagemath) - [SageMath vs Simulink](https://www.g2.com/compare/sagemath-vs-simulink) - [SageMath vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-sagemath) - [SageMath vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-sagemath) ### 6. [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) By Autodesk **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 520 Autodesk Fusion is a comprehensive cloud software platform that integrates various tools for 3D design, manufacturing, electronics, simulation, and generative design. It serves as a collaborative, cloud-enabled CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering), and PCB (Printed Circuit Board) software. Reviewers say compared to Mathematica, Autodesk Fusion is: - More usable - Better at support - Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Mathematica: [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) **Compare:** [Mathematica vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-mathematica) **Compare Autodesk Fusion with other alternatives:** - [Autodesk Fusion vs MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-matlab) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Scilab](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-scilab) - [Autodesk Fusion vs GNU Octave](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-gnu-octave) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Maple](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-maple) - [Autodesk Fusion vs SageMath](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-sagemath) - [Autodesk Fusion vs COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-comsol-multiphysics) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Simulink](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-simulink) - [Autodesk Fusion vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-inventor) - [Autodesk Fusion vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-solidworks) ### 7. [COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/products/comsol-multiphysics/reviews) By COMSOL **Average Rating:** 4.3/5 **Total Reviews:** 36 Engineers and scientists use the COMSOL Multiphysics® software to simulate designs, devices, and processes in all fields of engineering, manufacturing, and scientific research. COMSOL Multiphysics® is a simulation platform that provides fully coupled multiphysics and single-physics modeling capabilities. The Model Builder includes all of the steps in the modeling workflow — from defining geometries, material properties, and the physics that describe specific phenomena to performing computations and evaluating the results. The COMSOL Multiphysics® software brings a user interface and experience that is always the same, regardless of engineering application and physics phenomena. Add-on modules provide specialized functionality for electromagnetics, structural mechanics, acoustics, fluid flow, heat transfer, and chemical engineering. Choose from a list of LiveLink™ products to interface directly with CAD and other third-party software. Deploy simulation applications with COMSOL Compiler™ and COMSOL Server™. Reviewers say compared to Mathematica, COMSOL Multiphysics® is: - More expensive - Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Mathematica: [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) **Compare:** [Mathematica vs COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-mathematica) **Compare COMSOL Multiphysics® with other alternatives:** - [COMSOL Multiphysics® vs MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-matlab) - [COMSOL Multiphysics® vs Scilab](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-scilab) - [COMSOL Multiphysics® vs GNU Octave](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-gnu-octave) - [COMSOL Multiphysics® vs Maple](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-maple) - [COMSOL Multiphysics® vs SageMath](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-sagemath) - [COMSOL Multiphysics® vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-comsol-multiphysics) - [COMSOL Multiphysics® vs Simulink](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-simulink) - [COMSOL Multiphysics® vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-inventor) - [COMSOL Multiphysics® vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-solidworks) ### 8. [Simulink](https://www.g2.com/products/simulink/reviews) By MathWorks **Average Rating:** 4.2/5 **Total Reviews:** 98 Simulink is a block diagram environment for multidomain simulation and Model-Based Design. It supports system-level design, simulation, automatic code generation, and continuous test and verification of embedded systems. Simulink provides a graphical editor, customizable block libraries, and solvers for modeling and simulating dynamic systems. It is integrated with MATLAB, enabling you to incorporate MATLAB algorithms into models and export simulation results to MATLAB for further analysis. Key Features: - Graphical editor for building and managing hierarchical block diagrams - Libraries of predefined blocks for modeling continuous-time and discrete-time systems - Simulation engine with fixed-step and variable-step ODE solvers - Scopes and data displays for viewing simulation results - Project and data management tools for managing model files and data - Model analysis tools for refining model architecture and increasing simulation speed - MATLAB Function block for importing MATLAB algorithms into models - Legacy Code Tool for importing C and C++ code into models Primary Value: Simulink enables engineers and scientists to design, simulate, and test complex systems within a unified environment, facilitating early detection of design issues and reducing development time. By integrating with MATLAB, it allows for seamless incorporation of algorithms and data analysis, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of system development. Simulink's support for automatic code generation and continuous verification streamlines the transition from design to implementation, ensuring robust and reliable embedded systems. Reviewers say compared to Mathematica, Simulink is: - More usable - More expensive - Better at support Categories in common with Mathematica: [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) **Compare:** [Mathematica vs Simulink](https://www.g2.com/compare/mathematica-vs-simulink) **Compare Simulink with other alternatives:** - [Simulink vs MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/compare/matlab-vs-simulink) - [Simulink vs Scilab](https://www.g2.com/compare/scilab-vs-simulink) - [Simulink vs GNU Octave](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-simulink) - [Simulink vs Maple](https://www.g2.com/compare/maple-vs-simulink) - [Simulink vs SageMath](https://www.g2.com/compare/sagemath-vs-simulink) - [Simulink vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-simulink) - [Simulink vs COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-simulink) - [Simulink vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-simulink) - [Simulink vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-simulink) ### 9. [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) By Autodesk **Average Rating:** 4.4/5 **Total Reviews:** 440 Inventor® 3D CAD software offers an easy-to-use set of tools for 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation. Reviewers say compared to Mathematica, Inventor is: - More usable - Better at meeting requirements - Better at support Categories in common with Mathematica: [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) **Compare:** [Mathematica vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-mathematica) **Compare Inventor with other alternatives:** - [Inventor vs MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-matlab) - [Inventor vs Scilab](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-scilab) - [Inventor vs GNU Octave](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-inventor) - [Inventor vs Maple](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-maple) - [Inventor vs SageMath](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-sagemath) - [Inventor vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-inventor) - [Inventor vs COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-inventor) - [Inventor vs Simulink](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-simulink) - [Inventor vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-solidworks) ### 10. [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) By Solidworks **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 644 SOLIDWORKS offers complete 3D software tools that let you create, simulate, publish, and manage your data. SOLIDWORKS products are easy to learn and use, and help you design products better. Reviewers say compared to Mathematica, SOLIDWORKS is: - More usable - More expensive - Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Mathematica: [Simulation & CAE](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae) **Compare:** [Mathematica vs SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/compare/mathematica-vs-solidworks) **Compare SOLIDWORKS with other alternatives:** - [SOLIDWORKS vs MATLAB](https://www.g2.com/compare/matlab-vs-solidworks) - [SOLIDWORKS vs Scilab](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-scilab) - [SOLIDWORKS vs GNU Octave](https://www.g2.com/compare/gnu-octave-vs-solidworks) - [SOLIDWORKS vs Maple](https://www.g2.com/compare/maple-vs-solidworks) - [SOLIDWORKS vs SageMath](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-sagemath) - [SOLIDWORKS vs Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/compare/autodesk-fusion-vs-solidworks) - [SOLIDWORKS vs COMSOL Multiphysics®](https://www.g2.com/compare/comsol-multiphysics-vs-solidworks) - [SOLIDWORKS vs Simulink](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-simulink) - [SOLIDWORKS vs Inventor](https://www.g2.com/compare/inventor-vs-solidworks) ## Explore Articles - [Which enterprise service bus platforms have proven disaster recovery for mission-critical transaction volumes?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-enterprise-service-bus-platforms-have-proven-disaster-recovery-for-mission-critical-transaction-volumes) - [What are some of the premium social media platforms for business use?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-some-of-the-premium-social-media-platforms-for-business-use) - [What are the most recommended payroll services for offices?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-most-recommended-payroll-services-for-offices) - [Best HCM platforms for global workforce management](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-best-hcm-platforms-for-global-workforce-management) - [Which spend management solution do mid-sized firms prefer](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-spend-management-solution-do-mid-sized-firms-prefer) - [What BIM objects sources are most trusted for accuracy and model quality by structural engineers who need components that behave correctly inside analysis workflows?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-bim-objects-sources-are-most-trusted-for-accuracy-and-model-quality-by-structural-engineers-who-need-components-that-behave-correctly-inside-analysis-workflows) ## Spotlight Categories - [E-commerce Fraud Protection Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/e-commerce-fraud-protection) - [AI Sales Assistant Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/ai-sales-assistant) - [Expense Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/expense-management)