Compare the Top Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Software in the USA as of January 2026

What is Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Software in the USA?

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software is used by engineers to analyze and simulate the performance, behavior, and characteristics of designs in a virtual environment. CAE software enables engineers to perform various types of analysis, including structural, thermal, fluid dynamics, and electromagnetics, helping to ensure that products are optimized for functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness before physical prototypes are created. It includes tools for finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multibody dynamics (MBD), and optimization studies. CAE software is widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing to improve product designs, reduce material usage, and shorten development cycles. Compare and read user reviews of the best Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software in the USA currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.

  • 1
    PlantFCE Model Builder

    PlantFCE Model Builder

    Storm Consulting

    Customize models, refine designs, and export with precision. PlantFCE Model Builder offers intuitive 3D modeling for process plants. Model Builder is useful when estimating costs for an engineering project. View real-time updates in the rendering window as you edit the scene. Low lock-in with PlantFCE Model Builder* Model Builder allows you to import and export 3D models from and to industry-standard 3D model formats like GLB, OBJ, and STL. With an automatic clash check, reduce errors and save time.** PlantFCE Model Builder's automatic clash check** reduces time spent on clash check sessions and gives you more time to work on your project. Download for Windows and Mac on the PlantFCE website. *Exporting through Model Builder does not include Model Builder specific functionality like properties set on objects or features specific to Model Builder. **Clash check will be released in version 2.
    Starting Price: $49/month/user
  • 2
    AnyLogic

    AnyLogic

    The AnyLogic Company

    AnyLogic is the standard in multimethod modeling technology, delivering increased efficiency and less risk when tackling complex business challenges. The unmatched flexibility found in AnyLogic allows users to capture the complexity of virtually any system, at any level of detail, and gain a deeper insight into the interdependent processes inside and around an organization. AnyLogic has a GSA Contract schedule #47QTCA18D007Q. Government agencies of the USA may purchase through GSA Advantage.
  • 3
    Solid Edge

    Solid Edge

    Siemens

    Solid Edge is a portfolio of affordable, easy to deploy, maintain, and use software tools that advance all aspects of the product development process – mechanical and electrical design, simulation, manufacturing, technical documentation, data management, and cloud-based collaboration. Developed on Siemens industry leading technologies, Solid Edge provides the most innovative and comprehensive approach to product development for the mainstream market.
    Starting Price: $75/month/user
  • 4
    Autodesk Fusion 360
    Fusion 360 unifies design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing into a single software platform. Get integrated CAD, CAM, CAE & PCB on a single development platform. Also includes EAGLE Premium, HSMWorks, Team Participant, and access to consumptive services, such as generative design, cloud simulation, and cloud rendering. Engineer products with a comprehensive set of modeling tools. Ensure form, fit, and function of your products with various analysis methods. Create and edit sketches with sketch constraints, dimensions, and a powerful suite of sketch tools. Edit or repair imported geometry from non-native file formats. Make design changes without worrying about time-based features. Create and edit complex parametric surfaces for repairing, patching or designing geometry. Create history-based features, including extrude, revolve, loft, sweep, etc., that update with design changes.
    Starting Price: $495 per year
  • 5
    PoligonSoft

    PoligonSoft

    PoligonSoft

    Professional tools for modeling and optimizing metal casting processes with the ability to predict the formation of defects in cast parts. - Filling Dynamics - Macro and Microporosity - Residual Stresses - Deformations and Warping - Cracks (Hot and Cold) - Hydrostatic Pressure - Mold Wear - Slag Formation PoligonSoft provides reliable simulations that prevent waste and costly redesigns, allowing manufacturers to "get it right" the first time. The core of PoligonSoft includes three calculation systems: hydrodynamic, thermal, and stress. Along with a set of additional options, it allows the simulation of all traditional casting technologies and many special processes. At PoligonSoft, all stages of the casting production process can be sequentially simulated: mold heating, mold filling with molten mass, solidification on the bench or in the thermostat, extraction of the cast part from the mold, cutting of the feeding system and risers, etc.
    Starting Price: $14,137 USD/year
  • 6
    Simcad Pro

    Simcad Pro

    CreateASoft, Inc.

    Simcad Pro lets you visualize, analyze and optimize process flow systems in an interactive 2D/3D simulation modeling environment. Plan, optimize, and re-arrange processes and procedures while optimizing layouts, facility improvement, automation and scheduling. Simcad Pro integrates live and historical data to provide the most effective simulation tool on the market. Applications in multiple industries including manufacturing, automation, logistics, distribution warehouse, food and beverage, services, and more. Multi-Threaded - 64 bit Engine. On-the-fly simulation - Make real-time changes to the model while the simulation is running. Animate the model in 2D, 3D and VR with Ray Tracing, light effect, and shadows. Singular model building environment. Smart, Spatially Aware Agents, Sub-Flows, Collision Avoidance and Real-Time Connectivity. Spaghetti Diagrams, Congestion Analysis, Heat Maps, Efficiency and OEE. Extensive reporting and analysis tools. Scenario Analyzer.
    Starting Price: $4950.00/one-time/user
  • 7
    MatDeck

    MatDeck

    LabDeck

    MatDeck is a universal, technical software for Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Coding, Databases and many other uses. Our software offers a complete Python IDE; thousands of mathematical functions; a drag and drop GUI Designer and various visualization tools, all embedded within a cutting-edge, live document for an inexpensive and professional computing environment.
    Starting Price: Free
  • 8
    Altair Inspire
    Applied early in the product development lifecycle, Inspire accelerates the creation, optimization, and study of innovative, structurally efficient parts and assemblies through collaboration. Inspire's award winning user experience for geometry creation and modification can be learned in just a few hours, and delivers dependable Altair solver power. Structural analysis with the speed and accuracy of Altair® SimSolid®, as independently validated by NAFEMS, provides the ability to analyze large assemblies and complex parts. Dynamic motion simulation, including loads extraction, using the reliable multi-body systems analysis of Altair® MotionSolve®. The industry standard for structural efficiency, topology optimization by Altair® OptiStruct®, for the generative design of practical, viable, and manufacturable geometry. Inspire enables both simulation analysts and designers to perform what-if studies faster, easier, and above all earlier, encouraging collaboration.
  • 9
    ReliaSoft

    ReliaSoft

    Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK)

    ReliaSoft software provides a powerful range of reliability software solutions to facilitate a comprehensive set of reliability engineering modeling and analysis techniques. We are the leading reliability solution provider for product test, design, maintenance strategy and optimization. Our products support a wide range of reliability and maintainability analysis techniques, such as life data analysis, accelerated life testing, system modelling and RAM analysis, reliability growth, FRACAS, FMEA and RCM analysis to meet and improve reliability of your products, processes and optimize maintenance planning.
  • 10
    ENCY

    ENCY

    ENCY Software

    ENCY is a CAD/CAM for a new generation that combines advanced CAM technology with an intuitive user interface and natural workflow. It supports multi-axis machining, G-code generation, and 2D and 3D CAD modeling, with applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. Core Features: - Advanced Toolpath Calculation: Customized toolpaths maximize machine capabilities and safety - High-Resolution Simulation: Realistic solid and voxel simulations for material removal, collision checking, additive, and painting processes - Seamless integration with ENCY Tuner and ENCY Clouds Highlights: - Modern interface with a dark theme - Extensive technological capabilities - Powerful Multiaxis Milling, Mill-Turn and Swiss Turning - Additive and Hybrid manufacturing - Machine-Aware Technology: toolpath calculation considering the digital twin of the machine - Direct toolpath editing - State-of-the-art simulation - Postprocessor generator
  • 11
    Simio

    Simio

    Simio

    Simio is a simulation, production planning and scheduling software designed from the ground up to support the object modeling paradigm. Simio aims to deliver rapid risk analysis and cost reduction capabilities to organizations of all sizes and industries. Simio is available in five editions to suit the unique needs of businesses: Personal, Design, Team, Enterprise, and Portal editions. Simio Academic Edition is also available to students and faculty.
  • 12
    Bechtle PLM

    Bechtle PLM

    Bechtle PLM

    Bechtle PLM is a comprehensive product-lifecycle-management solution and service concept that helps businesses accelerate their time-to-market by strengthening the network of individual business segments and optimizing how they work together. It goes beyond core PLM components of design, production, and replacement parts management by offering a holistic approach that considers the entire IT landscape, including hardware, infrastructure, software, business applications such as BI, CRM, ERP, CAD, PDM, CAM, DMS/ECM, and AI, to create an integrated, turnkey PLM environment. The solution supports all lifecycle phases from beginning-of­-life (product and design development), through middle-of­-life (supplier collaboration, warranty, and product information management), to end-of­-life (recycling, disposal, remarketing) and enables parallel development stages, improved information quality, reduced reliance on physical prototypes, and faster response times.
  • 13
    FLOW-3D

    FLOW-3D

    Flow Science

    Optimize product designs and reduce time to market with FLOW-3D, a highly-accurate CFD software that specializes in solving transient, free-surface problems. FLOW-3D‘s complete multiphysics suite includes our state-of-the-art postprocessor, FlowSight. FLOW-3D provides a complete and versatile CFD simulation platform for engineers investigating the dynamic behavior of liquids and gas in a wide range of industrial applications and physical processes. FLOW-3D focuses on free surface and multi-phase applications, serving a broad range of industries including microfluidics, bio-medical devices, water civil infrastructure, aerospace, consumer products, additive manufacturing, inkjet printing, laser welding, automotive, offshore, energy and automotive. A uniquely powerful, multiphysics tool, FLOW-3D provides the functionality, ease-of-use and power that helps engineers advance their modeling objectives.
  • Previous
  • You're on page 1
  • Next