MATLAB and GNU Octave, one of its free alternatives, side by side.
Best for running MATLAB-style scripts for free
Numerical computing environment and language for matrix math, plotting and Simulink modeling, sold as an annual or perpetual license.
| Fact | GNU Octave | MATLAB |
|---|---|---|
| License | License: Open sourceGPL-3.0-or-later | License: Paid |
| Maintenance | Status: Unknown | Status: Verified |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Web | No | Yes |
| Self-hostable | No | No |
| Works offline | Yes | Yes |
| No account needed | Yes | No |
| Parity with MATLAB | 36% | The reference |
License classes: Open source and Paid. Status rules: Active means a commit in the last 90 days. See the methodology.
How GNU Octave covers what people use MATLAB for.
| Feature | GNU Octave |
|---|---|
| Computation | |
| Matrix computing and numerical analysis | YesNote 1Syntax is largely compatible with MATLAB |
| Libraries | |
| Domain toolboxes (signal, control, statistics) | PartialNote 2Octave Forge packages for signal and control; fewer than MathWorks toolboxes |
| Modeling | |
| Simulink block-diagram modeling | No |
| Interface | |
| Live scripts with code and output | NoNote 3No .mlx live scripts |
| Output | |
| 2D and 3D plotting | PartialNote 42D and 3D plots with fewer options than MATLAB |
| Deployment | |
| App building with GUIs | PartialNote 5Basic GUI controls; no App Designer |
| Code generation for C, C++ and HDL | No |
| Parity score | 36% |
| Format | GNU Octave | MATLAB |
|---|---|---|
| .m | Opens and savesNote 1Runs most scripts; some toolbox functions and newer syntax are missingPartial fidelity | Opens and savesFull fidelity |
| .mat | Opens and savesNote 2Reads and writes MAT files; some MATLAB object types such as tables do not carry overPartial fidelity | Opens and savesFull fidelity |
| .slx | NoNote 3No Simulink support | Opens and savesFull fidelity |
| .mlx | NoNote 4No live script support | Opens and savesFull fidelity |
| .csv | Opens and savesFull fidelity | Opens and savesFull fidelity |
| .xlsx | Opens and savesNote 5Through the io package from Octave ForgePartial fidelity | Opens and savesFull fidelity |