FLOW-3D vs STAR-CCM+:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, FLOW-3D had more branded searches than STAR-CCM+ among CFD software worldwide. FLOW-3D had about 2,900 branded searches, while STAR-CCM+ had 2,400. FLOW-3D made up 2.2% of all CFD software searches we track, and STAR-CCM+ accounted for 1.8%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about CFD software, STAR-CCM+ appeared in all five answers and FLOW-3D in four. STAR-CCM+ was mentioned before FLOW-3D in every answer.
Who do people search for more?
FLOW-3D, about 21% more searches than STAR-CCM+
Who does AI mention more?
STAR-CCM+, mentioned in every answer we collected
Who does AI recommend more?
STAR-CCM+, named ahead of FLOW-3D in every answer
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Top CFD software in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, STAR-CCM+ appeared in all five answers. FLOW-3D was mentioned in four out of five: in two of the three ChatGPT answers and in both Google AI Overviews. STAR-CCM+ was listed before FLOW-3D in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
COMSOL5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
OpenFOAM5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
SimScale5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Ansys Fluent5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers- STAR-CCM+5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
- FLOW-3D4 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about CFD software
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which CFD software should I use?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best CFD software options?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best CFD software for fluid simulation?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“cfd software”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“fluid dynamics software”
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in the United States on October 20, 2026.
Is FLOW-3D or STAR-CCM+ more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for FLOW-3D and STAR-CCM+ by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all six CFD software we track, month by month, from English-language searches worldwide.
Share of searches by month for FLOW-3D, STAR-CCM+. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | COMSOL | OpenFOAM | SimScale | Ansys Fluent | FLOW-3D | STAR-CCM+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 31.7% | 31.7% | 17.4% | 14.2% | 2.8% | 2.3% |
| Nov 2025 | 31.8% | 31.8% | 17.4% | 14.2% | 2.8% | 1.9% |
| Dec 2025 | 31.4% | 31.4% | 21.1% | 11.5% | 2.8% | 1.8% |
| Jan 2026 | 32.7% | 32.7% | 17.9% | 11.9% | 2.9% | 1.9% |
| Feb 2026 | 30.3% | 30.3% | 20.3% | 13.6% | 3.3% | 2.2% |
| Mar 2026 | 30.6% | 30.6% | 20.5% | 13.7% | 2.7% | 1.8% |
| Apr 2026 | 31.4% | 31.4% | 21% | 11.5% | 2.8% | 1.9% |
| May 2026 | 29.1% | 29.1% | 23.9% | 13% | 3.2% | 1.7% |
| Jun 2026 | 29.1% | 29.1% | 23.9% | 13% | 3.2% | 1.7% |
| Jul 2026 | 27.8% | 27.8% | 27.8% | 12.4% | 2.4% | 1.6% |
| Aug 2026 | 30.1% | 30.1% | 24.7% | 11% | 2.6% | 1.5% |
| Sep 2026 | 30.8% | 30.8% | 20.6% | 13.8% | 2.2% | 1.8% |
How has the FLOW-3D and STAR-CCM+ comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- FLOW-3D was ahead of STAR-CCM+ in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, FLOW-3D’s share of searches among CFD software worldwide moved from 2.8% to 2.2%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 3.6K to 2.9K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, STAR-CCM+’s share of searches among CFD software worldwide moved from 2.3% to 1.8%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 2.9K to 2.4K.
How did search popularity change for CFD software worldwide in September 2026?
2 changes
How are branded searches counted?
2 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using FLOW-3D’s and STAR-CCM+’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
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