Compare software

GNU OctaveWolfram Mathematica
Free

Free software under the GNU General Public License.

 Paid

Commercial software sold under paid licences.

Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Runs many Matlab scripts without changes
  • Built-in 2D and 3D plotting
  • Symbolic mathematics alongside numerical computation
  • Interactive notebooks that mix code, results and text
  • Compatibility with Matlab is partial, not complete
  • No equivalent of Matlab's commercial toolboxes beyond community packages
  • Commercial licence required
  • Proprietary language and file format
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Closed source
License: GPL License: Proprietary
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked October 1, 2026

Checked October 2, 2026

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