--- title: "ETAP Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra" description: "With the help of Capterra, learn about ETAP Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other Electrical Design products and more." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/87535/ETAP-Software/" page_type: "product" language: "en" publication_date: "2026-10-21" --- # ETAP Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons Last updated on October 21, 2026 Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[FAQs](#faqs)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews) ETAP ## What is ETAP? ETAP electrical engineering software is the #1 suite for model-driven Design, real-time Operation, and intelligent Automation of electrical power systems. Core modeling tools allow you to quickly and easily create, configure, customize, and manage your electrical system model; build 3-phase and 1-phase AC and DC network one-line diagrams and GIS views with unlimited buses and elements including detailed instrumentation and grounding components. ## What is ETAP used for? [Electrical Design](https://www.capterra.com/electrical-design-software/)[Oil and Gas](https://www.capterra.com/oil-and-gas-software/)[Service Dispatch](https://www.capterra.com/service-dispatch-software/) Overall rating Based on 82 user reviews Reviews sentiment Positive 98% Neutral 2% Negative 0% Starting price $1 Flat Rate, Per Year Free trial available Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... ## ETAP alternatives Highest Rated [Matidor](https://www.capterra.com/p/203463/Matidor/) [4.9 (10)](https://www.capterra.com/p/203463/Matidor/#reviews) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 100% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/203463/Matidor/) [4.5 (1,689)](https://www.capterra.com/p/138669/Motive/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 89% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.4 (243)](https://www.capterra.com/p/96371/Acumatica-Cloud-ERP/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 92% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.5 (13)](https://www.capterra.com/p/153035/Aimsio/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 85% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/87535/ETAP-Software/alternatives/) ## FAQs about ETAP Overview ### What problems does ETAP solve? ETAP solves power-system design and analysis challenges by modeling electrical networks, validating voltage drop and cable sizing, coordinating protection devices, and assessing arc-flash, load-flow, motor-starting, harmonic, and transient conditions. Electrical engineers, plant engineers, and oil and gas design teams use it to specify equipment, evaluate new loads, and produce study reports. Answer based on 20 reviews Overview ### Which roles and teams benefit most from ETAP? ETAP is most used by electrical engineers, senior engineers, and power systems study teams for modeling electrical networks, running load flow and short-circuit analyses, and validating protection coordination. Project engineers and managers use it to support system design decisions, document studies, manage project requirements, and assess electrical safety and reliability risks. Answer based on 82 reviews Overview ### What company size and industries is ETAP built for? ETAP serves the Transmission & Distribution Industry, Utilities, and all industries, with small businesses representing 47% of reviewers and Oil & Energy accounting for 35%. Enterprise users make up 30% and midsize firms 23%, while Utilities (15%) and electrical/electronic manufacturing (11%) are also represented. Its most common use is electrical design (79%). Answer based on 82 reviews Features and Usability ### What are the key features of ETAP? ETAP includes core electrical engineering features for one-line diagram modeling, load flow, short-circuit analysis, and arc-flash studies. Reviewers also frequently use protection coordination through STAR and time-current curves, motor starting simulations, equipment libraries, scenario wizards, and customizable report generation for design validation and safety assessments. Answer based on 26 reviews Limitations ### Does ETAP have common bugs or technical issues? ETAP handles standard power-system studies reliably for many teams, but reviewers flag recurring issues around installations, licensing, version compatibility, and specialized analyses. Some administrators report helpful technical support and resolved defects, while others encounter dongle recognition problems, slow analysis response, limited libraries, and difficult TCC or grounding workflows. Answer based on 21 reviews Getting Started and Support ### How easy is it to onboard and train a team on ETAP? ETAP is approachable for students, first-time users, and engineers with basic power-system knowledge, aided by its straightforward interface and one-line diagrams. In-person training, live online sessions, webinars, and documentation support adoption. Teams handling advanced configurations, study customization, or TCC curves generally need more structured instruction and hands-on practice. Answer based on 24 reviews Getting Started and Support ### What customer support options does ETAP offer, and how do users rate the experience? ETAP offers email/help desk, FAQ/forum, knowledge base, phone support, 24/7 live representatives, and chat. Users often report knowledgeable staff, prompt resolutions, and helpful technical assistance. However, some cite unhelpful website resources, insufficient written guidance, regional language barriers, delayed responses, and follow-ups that produced limited answers. Answer based on 24 reviews Security ### How does ETAP handle data security and access control? ETAP uses per-user authentication during the software update process. Reviewer feedback focuses more on electrical-system safety capabilities, including arc-flash studies, protection coordination, and relay analysis, than on data-security controls. No reviewers specifically describe role-based access, encryption, audit logs, or other data-protection features; repeated update authentication can add user friction. Answer based on 14 reviews Features and Usability ### How easy is ETAP to use for electrical system studies? ETAP makes electrical system modeling and core study workflows approachable for many electrical engineers, with clear results, diagrams, wizards, and exports. New users may need time to learn its many settings and unfamiliar commands, while customized reports, TCC curves, printing, and project-copy workflows can feel less intuitive. Answer based on 26 reviews ## Features AI summary Based on 151 Electrical Design reviews Capterra reviewers point to these as the top priorities when choosing electrical design software: - **System Design Tools** (**50%** of reviewers rated this feature as critical) - **2D Drawing** (**62%**) - **Reusable Designs** (**39%**) ETAP supports all three features that reviewers rate most highly: **System Design Tools**, **2D Drawing**, and **Reusable Designs**. Together, these capabilities help businesses create accurate electrical plans, work more efficiently with clear visual layouts, and reuse proven design elements across projects, allowing teams to reduce repeat work and maintain consistency. System Design Tools 4.3 (7) 100.00% of 7 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Defining elements like architecture, components, modules, interfaces, and data for a system to satisfy specific requirements Reusable Designs 4.0 (5) 100.00% of 5 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important System layout that could be created once and saved for future use CAD Tools 4.5 (2) 100.00% of 2 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Computer aided design to create precision drawings or technical illustrations Symbol Library 4.6 (7) 85.71% of 7 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important A repository of symbols commonly used in respective industry One Line Diagram 4.5 (11) 54.55% of 11 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important A simplified notation for representing a power system Functions/Calculations 4.8 (8) 87.50% of 8 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Perform various mathematical calculations using the data ETAP 58 features ### All Features - 2D Drawing: Drawing and modeling designs within 2D flat dimensions - Activity Dashboard: Dashboard to view the status of ongoing processes, identify current incidents and track past activities - Activity Tracking: Track and document all activities across devices, networks, and other systems - API: Application programming interface that allows for integration with other systems/databases - Asset Tracking: Monitor the usage of assets, such as equipment, tools, software, etc., throughout their lifecycle - Automatic Formatting: Automatically formats data in a predetermined way - Built-In Database: A system that allows access to a database structure without relying on an external program - CAD Tools: Computer aided design to create precision drawings or technical illustrations - Change Management: Track and monitor efficient handling of all changes/transitions - Collaboration Tools: Provides a channel for team members to share AI models, media files, communicate, and work together - Compliance Management: Track and manage adherence to policies for any service, product, process, or supplier - Content Library: Centralized repository to store content and assets - Customizable Fields: Customize data fields to support various needs and use cases - Customizable Reports: Alter the layout and content of reports - Data Analysis Tools: Analyze survey results via statistical testing or crosstabs directly within the software - Data Collection: Process of gathering, measuring, and analyzing accurate data - Data Import/Export: Import and export data to and from software applications - Data Mapping: Track the management and flow of data throughout the organization - Data Synchronization: Synchronizing data between two or more devices/systems and automatically updating changes to maintain consistency - Data Visualization: Graphical representation of data - Dispatch Management: Manage sending personnel and resources to a site as needed - Drag & Drop: Assemble applications and processes by dragging over and arranging pre-built components - Equipment Management: Monitor and maintain equipment used to manufacture and deploy products and services, and to reallocate assets where needed - For Oil & Gas: Helps Oil & Gas industry manage operations from exploration to data analysis, distribution, asset/financial management, and more. - Forecasting: Form predictions based on past and present data/trends - Functions/Calculations: Perform various mathematical calculations using the data - Geographic Maps: Visualize locations on a map - Job Management: Manage and track all job information and associated tasks - Location Tracking: Identify the physical location of an individual, asset, device, etc. - Maintenance Management: Manage, maintain and track the performance of assets and equipment - Map Creation: Create custom maps - Mobile Access: Access software remotely via mobile devices - Mobile Alerts: Notifications via mobile devices - Modeling & Simulation: Using physical, mathematical, or logical models as a basis for simulations to generate data for managerial or technical decision-making - Monitoring: Observe and track the demand, usage, progress or quality of a system, product, or user - Multi-Location: Manage and support multiple locations - Offline Access: Ability of websites, web applications, or mobile applications to function without an active internet connection - One Line Diagram: A simplified notation for representing a power system - Parts Management: Track parts inventory levels and manage re-stocking - Production Management: Manage the end-to-end production process for manufacturing operations - Project Management: Plan and coordinate all the resources, costs and time needed to execute assignments - Real-Time Data: Receive data and information in real time - Real-Time Monitoring: Active monitoring of systems, applications, or networks - Real-Time Updates: Receive system updates as soon as any changes are made - Reporting & Statistics: Collection, analysis, and representation of numerical data and generation of reports to understand various patterns - Reporting/Analytics: View and track pertinent metrics to find patterns and gain insights from data - Reusable Designs: System layout that could be created once and saved for future use - Role-Based Permissions: Set & manage permission levels based on user roles and restrict access to only authorized individuals - Rules-Based Workflow: Automates and streamlines business processes by creating a sequence of predefined rules and actions that govern the flow of work - Scheduling: Plan availability and assign specific time slots for tasks and resources - Service History: Track work performed and resources used for past customers, sites, or assets - Spatial Analysis: A study of entities based on topological, geographic and geometric attributes. - Status Tracking: Track the status over time for a request, process, asset, or transaction - Symbol Library: A repository of symbols commonly used in respective industry - System Design Tools: Defining elements like architecture, components, modules, interfaces, and data for a system to satisfy specific requirements - Technician Management: Oversee technicians and track their assigned work orders - Work Order Management: Creating, assign, and track jobs and/or tasks for work orders - Workflow Management: Create, design and manage workflows for repetitive tasks --- Get Advice We can help you find the software with the features you need. Features 4.4 (82) 4.4 Based on 82 reviews ## Pricing Value for money 4.2 (70) Free Trial Basic $1.00 Flat Rate,Per Year Value for money 4.2 (70) 4.2 Based on 70 reviews Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation Get a personalized software list aligned to your business needs with guidance from our expert advisors. Our team has helped 1 million+ businesses like yours find options that fit their needs. ## Support, customer service and training options Customer Service 4.3 (77) Support - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat Training - In Person - Live Online - Webinars - Documentation - Videos Deployment - Web - Android - iPhone/iPad Typical users - Freelancers - Small businesses - Mid size businesses - Enterprises Customer Service 4.3 (77) 4.3 Based on 77 reviews ## User reviews Overall rating 4.5 Based on 82 reviews Filter by rating Counts reflect reviews available in this feed. 5(47) 4(33) 3(2) 2(0) 1(0) Mentioned topic Recent reviews first, then most helpful RE Reviewer Superintendente protecciones Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "I have been using the etap for short circuit, load flows and especially coordination of protection" 4.0 May 31, 2018 Pros It has a large number of electrical equipment libraries that facilitate simulations. It is extremely practical when using the Star module, since when running the shortcuts it shows in a real way how they cut the protection curves, in the same way it shows in a very dynamic way the performance of the protection equipment (relays, fuses, contactors) in order and time in order to efficiently diagnose a coordination, existing or proposed. Cons Given the existence of several libraries, many users could be carried away by the data that has predefined the software and would not be motivated to look for the real field information, I have made simulations with both information to compare and give very similar, but can arrive tend to trust the user in case there may be data that does not match reality. I have had several complications when updating the versions, since once I have updated the document to a latest available version, it does not allow me to open it in a previous version. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. RE Reviewer Project Leader - Electrical Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "ETAP Software for Electrical Engineers" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 September 24, 2019 I am working with Arc Flash Hazard Study to generate Arc Flash labels. Hence need to use Short-circuit, Protection co-ordination study software's as well. I am very much impressed with the software builder keeping in mind the user flexibility and moreover libraries its tested and provides users on Electrical components like relays, breakers etc., Pros User friendly, flexibility to open. Abundant library files for each electrical components like relays, circuit breakers, etc., Running the program and easy understanding of the analysis at the finger tip of the user Cons Hardlock dongle makes it difficult to enter the power plant in Middle east, instead it should have be software controlled dongle. In Middle east Power plants controlled by Military team it is not allowed to enter USB or pendrive or any external harddrive devices. Hence request to look into the solution of Software opening with softlock key. Even though some of Library files are available with ETAP team, it is not send as a whole package with the latest Software version, need to request the same through the ticket. When Arc Flash is running it takes couple of mins to come back to normal screen. Instead an progress bar display will help user to understand the estimated time to complete calculation. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. RE Reviewer SPSE Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "Depends on what you are looking for in Power Systesm Software" 3.0 Overall Rating 3.0 3.0 Ease of Use 1.0 1.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 3.0 3.0 Likelihood to Recommend 5/10 September 26, 2019 Power Systems issues. Wow this "survey" is really a "one size fits none" bit of work isn't it. Pros Flexibility, but it comes with some sever downsides Cons The user interface, both in getting data in to the software, and getting useable results back out. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. RE Reviewer President Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "ETAP Review" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 September 15, 2021 It is an excellent package and its my right hand. I could not do my jobs without it. Also thanks for the outstanding tech help!!! Pros I can make a model very quickly and run cases as fast as can design them. Allows for quick answers to customer/management questions. Cons Having dongle identification trouble. I have to reset License Manager EVERY time. The regular start cannot see it. Run LM and then I run ETAP. Printing setup could be easier to use. Having trouble with printing output not changing. I have a ticket open now on it. Would to turn off data from certain buses and lines. I do not need to see all when it turn it on in the display options. Just certain buses. It muddies the screen. TCC could be easier to use. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. VR Verified Reviewer Electrical Engineer Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "User-friendly Electrical Modelling" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 May 22, 2020 Etap is very useful for an electrical engineer, and is fantastic to model electrical systems. It allows you to complete many different types of studies, from load flow to arc flash, grounding, and many more. Certain modules are sold separately, such as the harmonic study and motor starting modules, which is fine, but can get expensive if you need all of them, but only sporadicly. Customer support has been pretty good, they will assist you when you have technical questions on how to model certain things, or if the library does not have a specific model of breaker, for example. Pros \- Etap has a wide variety of equipment that can be connected - The help function is very well put together, for every single user interface window - Highly customizable for reporting Cons \- Sometimes difficult to print a Single Line Diagram as intended - VFDs typical show overloaded, even if the rating of the drive matches the motor, and that issue has not been resolved, as far as I know, even if it was pointed out several years ago - Training from etap is a must to use the software properly, especially the case scenario options Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Verified Reviewer Technical Services Representative Used the software for: Less than 1 year ### "ETAP Arc Flash Analysis, Coordination Study and Short Circuit Analysis Review" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 3.0 3.0 Likelihood to Recommend 7/10 May 28, 2021 Overall the experience is good. The user interface is straightforward and doesn't require a big learning curve to get started. Pros The product is easy to use. The diagram can be easily created with multiple networks as well. Once the network is created, we can carry out a short circuit analysis with a single click. The report feature allows the export of results in multiple formats (pdfs/excel/word etc). Can create a copy of the base case, with proposed or amended case results can be easily compared. Faults can be easily simulated, and thus coordination curves can be easily generated. Cons Limitation of the number of buses. If bus sizes go around 300 buses, the network takes a bit longer to run the analysis. The installation process is not simple with matching the key and license. Required help from IT department to get it on my computer. Faults can be inserted however, not of a specific value (overvoltage conditions not possible), only high currents (Short circuit 3PH, 1PH) can be simulated. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. VR Verified Reviewer Researcher Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "Indeed a good software for Electrical Analysis" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 July 20, 2022 It's great ! Overall it is a decent software to carry out some research and even real time approaches. Pros Easy to use, you just have to drag and drop the bus bars/ circuit breakers from the column to the drawing page. Major settings are done automatically (by default), and you also have the option of selecting different models of various companies. Cons Some of the features are missing. For example STATCOM was missing in all the prior versions. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. VR Verified Reviewer Phd Student Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "It's user friendly." 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 November 18, 2020 Various tutorials, examples and helps are existed online. Pros It can be used in power system stability analysis. Cons defining standard between ANSI/IEC and measurement SI/English metric Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. VR Verified Reviewer Electrical PM Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "Etap Power System Review " 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 September 13, 2019 The software has helped us for many simulations such as Arc Flash, Load Flow, Motor Acceleration and short circuit Pros The software has a very good user-friendly ability. Also, the simulation is well done and the report well compiled. Cons The language barrier is sometimes an issue. For instance, in DRC we speak french and thus if the software can be in french also will help other users as well Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. VR Verified Reviewer Professional Engineer Used the software for: 3-5 years ### "Great Software for Electrical Engineers" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 8/10 September 16, 2021 Grounding studies, Arc Flas Studies, SC and protection coordination studies, Cable Pulls, Line Impedance calculations, Pros Ease of use, user friendly, lot of tools for various studies Cons ETAP needs to invest in better libraries and ensure that they are getting updated faster than they are doing currently. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. 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