Is Mathematica better than GNU Octave?

Mathematica ranks higher in our list of math and graphing software (#3 against #7, score 88.5 against 81.0). GNU Octave is best for: free MATLAB-style numerical computing. Mathematica is best for: research computation and notebook documents.

Which is cheaper, GNU Octave or Mathematica?

GNU Octave: Free software under GPL-3.0; donations accepted. Mathematica: Paid licences; free trial on the vendor site.

Do GNU Octave and Mathematica run on the same platforms?

GNU Octave supports Linux, macOS, Windows. Mathematica supports Windows, macOS, Linux.

Comparison · Math and graphing software

GNU Octave vs Mathematica: which is better in 2026?

GNU Octave81.0#7 in best math and graphing software

Mathematica88.5#3 in best math and graphing software

Mathematica ranks higher in our list of math and graphing software (#3 against #7, score 88.5 against 81.0).

How we rank Share

81.0
Editorial score
88.5
3
Platforms
3
Yes
Free to use
No
Yes
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

Choose GNU Octave if you want

Free MATLAB-style numerical computing.

Free software for numerical computing that runs many MATLAB scripts with little change, on Linux, macOS and Windows. It has fewer toolboxes than MATLAB and suits numerical work more than graphing.

Choose Mathematica if you want

Research computation and notebook documents.

Wolfram Language system for technical computing, with notebooks and cloud access, on Windows, macOS and Linux. It is a paid research environment, so it asks more of users than GeoGebra or Desmos, which are free.

The main differences

GNU Octave is open source; Mathematica is not.
GNU Octave can be used for free; Mathematica requires payment.

Side by side

	GNU Octave	Mathematica
Score	81.0	88.5
Rank in list	#7 of 10	#3 of 10
Price	Free and open sourceFree software under GPL-3.0; donations accepted	PaidPaid licences; free trial on the vendor site
Free to use	Yes	No
Open source	Yes	No
Platforms	LinuxmacOSWindowsLinux, macOS, Windows	WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux
Made by	GNU Project	Wolfram
Main use	Numerical computing	Technical computing and notebooks
Where it runs	Linux, macOS and Windows	Windows, macOS, Linux, cloud
Scripting or programming	Yes	Yes
Best for	Free MATLAB-style numerical computing	Research computation and notebook documents
Strengths	Free software under GPL-3.0 Runs on Linux, macOS and Windows Many MATLAB scripts run with little change	Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and in the cloud Wolfram Language and notebook documents Free trial available
Limits	Smaller toolbox set than MATLAB	Paid licences Heavier than browser calculators such as Desmos
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about GNU Octave vs Mathematica

Is Mathematica better than GNU Octave?: Mathematica ranks higher in our list of math and graphing software (#3 against #7, score 88.5 against 81.0). GNU Octave is best for: free MATLAB-style numerical computing. Mathematica is best for: research computation and notebook documents.
Which is cheaper, GNU Octave or Mathematica?: GNU Octave: Free software under GPL-3.0; donations accepted. Mathematica: Paid licences; free trial on the vendor site.
Do GNU Octave and Mathematica run on the same platforms?: GNU Octave supports Linux, macOS, Windows. Mathematica supports Windows, macOS, Linux.