Install
Tools
Optimization & simulation
11 tools compared: how each is priced, where it runs, and what to consider instead.
| Tool | Pricing model | Free tier | Open source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMPL Algebraic modeling language for describing optimization problems and sending them to a solver. | Subscription | Yes | No |
| AnyLogic Discrete-event, agent-based and system-dynamics simulation software for modeling operational systems over time. | Quote only | Yes | No |
| Arena Simulation Discrete-event simulation software for modeling manufacturing and logistics processes before building them. | Quote only | Yes | No |
| FICO Xpress Optimization FICO's commercial solver suite for linear, mixed-integer, quadratic and nonlinear optimization. | Quote only | Yes | No |
| Google OR-Tools Open-source optimization suite for routing, linear, integer and constraint programming problems. | Open source + paid | Yes | Yes |
| Gurobi Optimizer Commercial mathematical solver for linear, mixed-integer and quadratic optimization problems. | Quote only | Yes | No |
| Hexaly Commercial solver (formerly LocalSolver) combining heuristic and exact methods for large combinatorial optimization problems. | Quote only | Yes | No |
| IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio IBM's commercial solver and modeling studio for linear, mixed-integer, quadratic and constraint programming. | Subscription | Yes | No |
| Pyomo Open-source Python library for formulating optimization models and sending them to a solver. | Open source + paid | Yes | Yes |
| Simio Object-based discrete-event and agent-based simulation software for factory, logistics and healthcare processes. | Quote only | Yes | No |
| SimPy Open-source Python library for building discrete-event simulations with plain code. | Open source + paid | Yes | Yes |