Compare the Top Free Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Software as of July 2025

What is Free Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Software?

Finite element analysis (FEA) software is a computer program used to simulate and analyze the behavior of structures or components under different loading conditions. It allows engineers to create virtual models of their designs and test their performance before physical prototypes are built. FEA software uses complex mathematical algorithms to break down a structure into smaller, more manageable elements, making it possible to accurately predict stress, strain, and deformation in various areas of the model. This type of software is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction for design optimization and ensuring structural integrity. FEA software is constantly evolving with advanced features being added to improve accuracy and efficiency in the analysis process. Compare and read user reviews of the best Free Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.

  • 1
    SimScale

    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.
  • 2
    FEATool Multiphysics

    FEATool Multiphysics

    Precise Simulation

    FEATool Multiphysics - "Physics Simulation Made Easy" - a fully integrated physics, FEA, and CFD simulation toolbox. FEATool Multiphysics is a fully integrated simulation platform with a unified interface for several Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) multi-physics solvers, such as OpenFOAM, SU2 Code, and FEniCS. This uniquely allows for modeling coupled physics phenomena such as found in fluid flow, heat transfer, structural, electromagnetics, acoustics, and chemical engineering applications, within a single user-friendly interface. With these capabilities, FEATool Multiphysics has become trusted tool by engineers and researchers worldwide to accelerate innovation and quickly achieve results in the energy, automotive, semi-conductor, and process industries.
  • 3
    RFEM

    RFEM

    Dlubal Software

    The FEA program RFEM allows for quick and easy modeling, structural and dynamic calculation, as well as the design of models with member, plate, wall, folded plate, shell, and solid elements. Due to the modular software concept, you can connect the main program RFEM with the corresponding add‑ons in order to meet your individual requirements. The structural analysis program RFEM provides structural engineers with a 3D FEA program that meets all requirements in modern civil engineering. Efficient data input and intuitive handling facilitate the modeling of simple and complex structures. The structural analysis program RFEM is the basis of a modular software system. The basic program RFEM is used to define structures, materials, and loads for planar and spatial structural systems consisting of plates, walls, shells, and members. The program also allows you to create combined structures as well as model solid and contact elements.
    Starting Price: €697.50 rent 1 month
  • 4
    AxisVM

    AxisVM

    InterCAD

    The primary applications of AxisVM are in the design of buildings, and industrial and geotechnical structures. Due to its powerful finite element solver and practical modeling tools, it has also been used in bridge design, and in the design of composite structures, machines, and vehicles. Besides the basic configurations, optional design modules are available for structures made of reinforced concrete, steel, timber, and masonry members and connections. In addition, thanks to the special elements and analysis capabilities, users have successfully applied AxisVM to the design of innovative and custom structures. Reports can be created based on tables, drawings, and detailed design calculations with additional headings and text lines. Reports are auto-updating, i.e. generated based on the most current model data and results.
    Starting Price: $500 one-time payment
  • 5
    CAEplex

    CAEplex

    Seamplex

    Just open a regular web browser such as Firefox or Chrome and search online for “caeplex.” It works in any operating system such as Windows, MacOS, GNU/Linux, iOS, Android, etc. The computations are performed on our servers so CAEplex works on any existing PC, laptop, tablet or phone without requiring any hardware update nor maintenance. No need to buy a new computer nor to add RAM to your oldie one. Our killer feature: “ease and speed.” A CAEplex case can be solved from scratch down to the results in less than one minute thanks to our 3-step workflow. If you know a faster FEA app, please let us know. CAEplex can be used from any mobile device such as a tablet or phones, no matter how old or wrecked. Access and show your work from any location at any time. Enjoy working in an agile development leveraging simulation (we rather say “modeling”), additive manufacturing, and mobile online collaboration.
    Starting Price: $25 per month
  • 6
    WELSIM

    WELSIM

    WelSimulation LLC

    WELSIM finite element analysis software helps engineers and researchers conduct simulation studies and prototype virtual products.
    Starting Price: $45 per user per month
  • 7
    SwiftComp

    SwiftComp

    AnalySwift

    SwiftComp is a revolutionary multiscale, multiphysics composite simulation code that quickly and easily delivers the accuracy of 3D FEA at the efficiency of simple engineering models. In doing so, SwiftComp reduces barriers for engineers by enabling them to model composites as easily as metals using conventional structural elements in their FEA codes (without losing accuracy while capturing all the microstructural details). SwiftComp provides unified modeling for 1D (beams), 2D (plates/shells), or 3D structures, calculating all the effective properties. Use SwiftComp either independently for virtual testing of composites or as a plug-in to power your conventional structural tools with high-fidelity composites modeling. SwiftComp can compute the best structural model for use in macroscopic structural analysis, as well as perform dehomogenization to compute the pointwise stresses in the microstructure. SwiftComp directly interfaces with ABAQUS, ANSYS.
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