--- 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 Service Dispatch products and more." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/87535/ETAP-Software/" page_type: "product" language: "en" --- # ETAP Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons Last updated on September 16, 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. https://etap.com/products/etap-digital-twin ## 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 Overview Updated September 2026 AI summary ETAP offers organizations a suite of tools for electrical design, system modeling, and project management across a range of company sizes. With features including CAD tools, one line diagramming, change management, and collaboration, it supports design accuracy and team coordination. Optional capabilities such as real-time updates, data visualization, and offline access extend its utility. ETAP is available on Windows, Android, and iPad. ## 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 (1,688)](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 ### Which roles and teams benefit most from ETAP? ETAP is most used by electrical engineers, project engineers, and engineering managers who design, analyze, and validate power systems. Consulting engineers and directors use it to model networks, run load flow and fault studies, support protection coordination, and guide project decisions, system reliability, and compliance. Answer based on 82 reviews Overview ### What company size and industries is ETAP built for? ETAP serves the Transmission and Distribution industry, utilities, and all industries, with strongest uptake among small businesses at 47% and Oil & Energy at 35%. It also sees use in enterprises at 30%, midsize businesses at 23%, plus Utilities at 15% and Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing at 11%, especially for electrical design. Answer based on 82 reviews Features and Usability ### What are the key features of ETAP? ETAP includes core electrical engineering features like one-line diagram modeling, load flow, short circuit analysis, and report generation. Differentiating capabilities include arc flash studies, protection coordination with STAR, scenario-based modeling and simulation, and role-based permissions. Reviewers also frequently note its modular design and real-time data visibility. Answer based on 26 reviews Overview ### Is ETAP good for electrical engineering studies? ETAP works well for day-to-day electrical engineering studies, design validation, and power system modeling. Electrical engineers use it for load flow, short circuit, arc flash, coordination, motor starting, and equipment selection. It covers many common analysis needs, though some specialized work, such as complex grounding or certain cable calculations, may require other tools. Answer based on 20 reviews Limitations ### Does ETAP have bugs or technical issues? ETAP has recurring technical pain points that matter for engineering teams managing installations, studies, and version changes. Users often mention licensing and dongle problems, installation friction, version compatibility limits, and missing library updates. Some teams also report study-specific limitations, while others say support resolves issues when responses are timely and knowledgeable. Answer based on 21 reviews Getting Started and Support ### How easy is it to onboard and train a team on ETAP? ETAP offers in-person training, live online sessions, webinars, and documentation. Reviewers describe the interface as intuitive enough for students, first-time learners, and engineers to get started quickly, while admins and advanced users typically need more time for deeper study features, customization, and module-specific workflows. Online tutorials and peer coaching also help. 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 describe support as knowledgeable, helpful, and quick to resolve issues, but some report weak website help, delayed responses, language barriers, and inconsistent follow-through on technical questions. Answer based on 24 reviews Security ### How does ETAP handle data security and access control? ETAP uses user authentication during the software update process, requiring each user to authenticate every time. Reviewers more often highlight protection and safety capabilities such as relay coordination, arc flash, and fault studies than access controls. A noted limitation is that updates are not automatic online, and version compatibility can complicate model exchange. Answer based on 14 reviews Features and Usability ### How easy is ETAP to use? ETAP feels approachable for many electrical engineers, with clear diagrams, helpful defaults, and readable results. Many teams find project setup, modeling, and common studies easy to learn, especially for single-line diagrams and reporting. New users can still face a learning curve around advanced options, licensing, printing, and custom TCC or report setup. Answer based on 26 reviews ## Features AI summary Based on 151 Service Dispatch 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 5(47) 4(33) 3(2) 2(0) 1(0) Mentioned topic Sorted by most recent CY credo Y. technicien Professional Training & Coaching ### "Best electrical design software" 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 April 14, 2023 With ETAP I have designed many projects in the field of electricity Pros ETAP is a very easy to use application for electrical design, the features are very understandable and the rendering is professional Cons Personally I did not see any disadvantage at my level 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. Response from Vendor January 17, 2024 Thank you for your positive feedback AN Anonymous User Researcher Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing ### "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 19, 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. Response from Vendor August 9, 2022 Thank you for your positive feedback. STATCOM is available in the last few releases of ETAP. Please refer to our solution catalog or web site for more information. YB Yasceine B. Quality Manager Construction ### "ETAP Overview" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 3.0 3.0 Likelihood to Recommend 7/10 May 29, 2022 I really like the software and am become more comfortable with it from beginning till end of work Pros User-friendly. results are very clear. the processing is fast. Cons It is extremely expensive. It may require more options for modeling the structure. Reasons for choosing ETAP it is very easy to operate and has a user friendly interface Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Response from Vendor August 9, 2022 Thank you for your positive review. Yes, ETAP can be expensive, depending in the configuration, but we offer a range of options to keep the cost within our user's budget range. Please contact sales@etap.com to to get a quote. GS Given S. Self Employed Accounting ### "ETAP reviews" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 April 19, 2022 Etap may be very beneficial for an electrical engineer, and is remarkable to new version electric systems. It lets you to finish many extraordinary varieties of studies, from load waft to arc flash, grounding, and plenty of more. Certain modules are bought separately, along with the harmonic and motor beginning modules. It can however get high-priced in case you want all of them, however simplest sporadicly. Customer assist has been quite good, they'll help you if you have technical questions about a way to version sure things, or if the library does now no longer have a particular version of breaker, for example Pros Comfortable while using the software program and smooth interpretation and attractiveness of results." "It could be very beneficial & beneficial device for each electric engineer. High degree Calculations may be accomplished very precisely & with excessive degree of accuracy." "I constantly loved operating with etap due to the high-satisfactory of the software program and correct results. Plus the truth that the reviews do not appear to be from a kind creator the manner SKM looks." "Etap could be very beneficial for an electrical engineer, and is first-rate to version electric systems." Cons "Various variations have mistakes that provoke new releases." " Some Problems with distinct faucet changer for parralel application. Its Hard to personalize a TCC curve." "Problems with the installation, the extrade from check model to complete model creates many problems." "It Lacks a few common products (e.g. cable library)." Reasons for choosing ETAP Hiring agency decisions, and recognition of etap among a number of the industry. 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. Response from Vendor August 9, 2022 Thank for you feedback. Just as with every other software, new releases may have minor bugs, that's why it is important to issues point release with fixes. ETAP is tested thoroughly prior to every release and as you know complies to high-impact standards requested by the nuclear industries world wide. ETAP had 100+ audits from independent auditors over the last 30 years, with an average of 3-5 audits per year. You can read more about standards and QA audits on our web site https://etap.com/audits JA James A. Global CAD Manager Mining & Metals ### "My ETAP Feedback" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 3.0 3.0 Features 3.0 3.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 6/10 September 21, 2021 We are working to standardize our Electrical designs and address some areas were we feel we can improve the products. I am looking forward to seeing if the tool meets our expectations it should help us achieve those goals. Pros I am the administrator and worked / coordinated with IT to get the tools installed and up and running for the users. My work with the support folks when we had issues went very well and the support teams were knowledgeable. Cons I am still waiting on feedback from the users and what they feel is missing from the tool. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Response from Vendor August 9, 2022 Hello James, thank you for your positive feedback. We would like to hear from you on what your user's experience is with our software. AD Apparao D. Assistant Professor Higher Education ### "One of the best software for power system studies" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 3.0 3.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 September 20, 2021 Pros The software is easy to use by first-time learners without much background. It is useful to develop and analyze power system networks particularly power flow studies, fault analysis, and protection coordination. The one-line diagram approach and report generation are quite useful. Cons The library should be updated with modern power system components to simulate various current scenarios. The scope of studies should extend similar to PSCAD and EMTP softwares. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Response from Vendor August 9, 2022 Thank you for your positive feedback. As an ETAP user you know that we constantly update our libraries and it is a constant chase to catch up with the latest products. In our latest release we added over 14,000 new libraries. You can also contact our Help Center to request the addition of missing libraries or you can also add and import libraries specific to your project yourself. MK Mike K. Electrical Engineer Management Consulting ### "Recommended software for design and analysis" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 0.0 0.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 September 20, 2021 Pros Good Library and easy to use. Also, the software was very friendly to use. Cons Devices specs and one-line such as Manufacturer, type, and style. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Response from Vendor August 9, 2022 Thank you for your positive feedback Please contact our Help Center if you need assistance with adding devices to your project. https://helpcenter.etap.com RN Rebecca N. Connections Engineer Renewables & Environment ### "ETAP Review" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 3.0 3.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 8/10 September 20, 2021 We use ETAP for modelling power systems to check overload on cables, we also mainly use it to evaluate short circuit and find values for the short circuit contribution as is required by DNOs during applications for new generation Pros It is easy to pick up most of the features, has good displays of information in real time and in report form. Flags issues visually with red so can quickly identify where the system is facing an overload Cons Sometimes it is unclear what error is stopping the simulation running, The same diagram sometimes will work and sometimes throws and error and not always clear what it is that is changing between iterations Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. NM Natalie M. IT Contracts and Procurement Specialist Oil & Energy ### "Necessary for success" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 0.0 0.0 Likelihood to Recommend 9/10 September 20, 2021 Pros ETAP is a necessary tool for daily oil and gas engineering needs. Cons We have no issues with this application. Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. PG Percy G. Electrical Engineer Design ### "General Design software features" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 September 16, 2021 ETAP is generally the best software i have used. I would love to see features like infinite busbar being able to be implemented Pros The software is good for asset management, real time simulation and for everyday problem solving on all designs Cons They software is only forward compactible. Exchange of models between clients and designers wont be easy if we are using different versions. I would to see the features such as lightning protection modelling using rolling sphere, EGM and shield angels. The software can only perform grid design for substation earthing only Review source Incentivized review: software users are invited to submit an honest review and offered a nominal incentive for their time and effort. All incentivized reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. Response from Vendor November 23, 2021 Hello Percy, thank you for your positive feedback. We always add new and innovative features to our annual releases and take suggestions from our customers into consideration for future releases. In regards to your question about lightning protection, you can utilize the ETAP emtCoSim module; and your feature request for "infinite busbar" you can utilize the bus editor and select "swing" to model an infinite bus. See the latest ETAP innovations and feature updates at https://etap.com/whats-new. [View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/87535/ETAP-Software/reviews/) ## Top-rated software of 2026 ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.