PLECS vs ProfiCAD
Both are on the Electrical Design Software list. Here is what each maker publishes, side by side.
| PLECS | ProfiCAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Place on the list | #11 5.6 | #3 6.9 |
| Maker | — | — |
| Starts at | $8,000 once | $277 once |
| Free | Free trial | Free plan |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, Mac, Windows |
| Open source | No | No |
| Plans | PLECS trial license: $0 PLECS Blockset Individual License (commercial): $8,000 once PLECS Standalone Individual License (commercial): $8,000 once PLECS Blockset Dongle License (commercial): $11,200 once | 30-day trial: $0 Home license: $0 School License: $277 once Single User License: $277 once |
| Verdict | PLECS brings simulation, analysis, and control tools together for power-electronics work. Buyers should distinguish between Standalone and Blockset, especially because Blockset depends on MATLAB and Simulink. | ProfiCAD focuses on electrical and technical diagrams, with reporting and symbol tools for that work. Its free edition has page and commercial-use limits, so check those before choosing a license. |
| Visit PLECS | Visit ProfiCAD |