Comparison
PolySim OS vs Scilab / Xcos
Scilab is a capable free, open-source MATLAB alternative, and Xcos mirrors Simulink for block diagrams. Both are genuinely free — but they're desktop installs with an older interface and no ready-made interactive library. PolySim runs in the browser with hundreds of live simulators and an AI copilot.
PolySim OS
From $0 (free local) · $24/mo Independent Researcher
Scilab / Xcos
Free and open-source.
See PolySim in action
Live, interactive simulators that run free in your browser — no install, no license.
Feature comparison
| Feature | PolySim OS | Scilab / Xcos |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free locally | Free (open-source) |
| Runs in browser | Yes | No — desktop install |
| Ready-made interactive sims | 390+ | Build in code/Xcos |
| Modern UI + sharing | Yes, shareable links | Dated desktop UI |
| AI copilot | Yes | No |
Where Scilab / Xcos is strong
- • Genuinely free & open-source
- • MATLAB-like language
- • Xcos block modeling
Where PolySim wins
- • Desktop install only
- • Older user experience
- • Smaller ecosystem
Choose Scilab if you want a free desktop MATLAB clone and scripting; choose PolySim for free browser-native, ready-to-run interactive simulation.
Switching from Scilab / Xcos?
Full Multi-Physics Bundle — $49
Every domain node pack plus a large compute allotment.
Popular products
Custom Node Development
$200We develop a custom simulation node to your specification.
Custom Branding on Embeds
$9Put your own logo and colors on public embeds.
AI Copilot Power-User Workshop
$15Get expert-level results from the AI Copilot.
White-Label / Embedded Widget
$299/moEmbed PolySim in your product under your own brand.
GPU-Minute Pack (Small)
$560 cloud GPU-minutes for compute-heavy renders and solves.
Reproducibility Bundle
$4Pin environment + random seed and archive a reproducible run.