Science & Data · Numerical computing

Free alternatives to MATLAB

MATLAB by MathWorks: Numerical computing, matrix maths, signal processing and modelling. Pricing: licence or subscription. Here are 3 free options that cover the same job.

Alternative	Type	Platforms	Best for
GNU OctaveOpen source; implements a largely MATLAB-compatible language.	Compatible	Windows, macOS, Linux	Running most MATLAB scripts unchanged	Get it
Scilab	Open source	Windows, macOS, Linux	Numerical computing and Xcos simulation (a Simulink-like tool)	Get it
Python + Jupyter	Open source	Windows, macOS, Linux, Web	Scientific computing with NumPy, SciPy and Matplotlib	Get it
MATLABThe paid original	Licence or subscription	–	Numerical computing	Visit

The alternatives in detail

01/ GNU Octave

Compatible

Best for: Running most MATLAB scripts unchanged.

Open source; implements a largely MATLAB-compatible language.

Runs on: Windows, macOS, Linux

Visit GNU Octave

02/ Scilab

Open source

Best for: Numerical computing and Xcos simulation (a Simulink-like tool).

Runs on: Windows, macOS, Linux

Visit Scilab

03/ Python + Jupyter

Open source

Best for: Scientific computing with NumPy, SciPy and Matplotlib.

Runs on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Web

Visit Python + Jupyter

About “Compatible” tools: An independent, legal re-implementation that opens the same files or runs the same software. Not a cracked copy.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free alternative to MATLAB?

Yes. GNU Octave is a strong free option for running most matlab scripts unchanged. Other choices include Scilab, Python + Jupyter.

Which MATLAB alternative is open source?

GNU Octave, Scilab, Python + Jupyter are open source.

Are compatible (reverse-engineered) alternatives legal?

Yes. Tools marked Compatible are independent re-implementations built to open the same files or run the same software. They do not contain the original program's code. They are not cracked or pirated copies, which we never recommend.