Comparison
PolySim OS vs MATLAB / Simulink
MATLAB and Simulink are a numerical powerhouse for production engineering — but you write code, you install, and you pay per toolbox. PolySim covers the same ground people reach for in teaching, exploration, and prototyping — linear algebra, numerical methods, signal processing, control systems, image processing, and a Simulink-style block simulator — free in the browser, with live equations and one-click code export.
PolySim OS
From $0 (free local) · $24/mo Independent Researcher
MATLAB / Simulink
Student Suite $119/yr; commercial per-toolbox runs into thousands.
See PolySim in action
Live, interactive simulators that run free in your browser — no install, no license.
Feature comparison
| Feature | PolySim OS | MATLAB / Simulink |
|---|---|---|
| Block-diagram simulation | Yes — free | Simulink (paid add-on) |
| Control / DSP / linear algebra | Interactive tools, free | Toolboxes (paid) |
| Symbolic math | Built in | Symbolic Toolbox (paid) |
| Browser-native | Yes | Limited (MATLAB Online) |
| AI copilot | Yes | Limited |
| Toolbox fees | None | Per toolbox |
Where MATLAB / Simulink is strong
- • Validated, production-grade toolboxes
- • Code generation & hardware deployment
- • Mature language & huge ecosystem
Where PolySim wins
- • Paid license + per-toolbox fees
- • Code-first learning curve
- • Desktop-anchored, install required
Choose PolySim for free, interactive, browser-based simulation, teaching, and prototyping across the common toolbox areas; MATLAB and Simulink remain the choice for production-grade, certified engineering, code generation, and heavy custom programming.
Switching from MATLAB / Simulink?
Full Multi-Physics Bundle — $49
Every domain node pack plus a large compute allotment.
Popular products
Convergence Diagnostics Report
$5A diagnosis of convergence behavior from your solver logs.
Pro Unlimited
$29/moUnlimited local rendering and priority AI copilot.
Benchmark Page Sponsorship
$79/mo"Powered by" sponsorship on validation/benchmark pages.
Snapshot Pack ×20
$2Save twenty simulation states you can branch and restore.
Uncertainty Quantification Run
$13Quantify how input uncertainty propagates to your results.
Full Multi-Physics Bundle
$49Every domain node pack plus a large compute allotment.