SmartPLS
Structural equation modelling on the desktop from SmartPLS GmbH in Monheim am Rhein
Quick Overview
| Company | SmartPLS GmbH |
|---|---|
| Category | Statistical Software |
| Headquarters | Monheim am Rhein, Germany |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | Desktop app on your own computer; the website privacy policy covers site visitors |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Desktop install on your own computer |
| Main Features | PLS-SEM, CB-SEM, GSCA, regression, PROCESS, necessary condition analysis, model drawing interface, more than 40 documented methods |
| Pricing | Free 30-day trial with all features. The pricing page did not render in the text we read, so no price is stated. |
| Best For | Researchers in business and social science who need structural equation models with a drawing interface |
| Replaces | IBM SPSS Statistics |
Detailed Review
SmartPLS is software for structural equation modelling in which users draw the model instead of writing syntax. The SmartPLS imprint names SmartPLS GmbH, Rheinpromenade 2, D-40789 Monheim am Rhein, Germany, and the commercial register entry HRB 11552 PI at the Pinneberg local court.
SmartPLS lists PLS-SEM, CB-SEM, GSCA, regression and PROCESS. We read the SmartPLS home, imprint, terms and privacy pages on 5 November 2026; the pricing page did not render.
Who is the contracting party for SmartPLS?
The SmartPLS terms state that the contracting party is SmartPLS GmbH, Rheinpromenade 2, D-40789 Monheim am Rhein, Germany. The imprint gives the VAT identification number DE297105888 and names Prof. Dr. Christian Ringle and Sven Wende as managing directors.
The terms were last updated on 25 October 2026.
What is SmartPLS used for?
SmartPLS says it estimates models with PLS-SEM, CB-SEM, GSCA, regression or PROCESS and lists more than 40 methods. The SmartPLS home page says it has been used in more than 30,000 published studies since 2005.
That is SmartPLS's own claim, not something we verified.
How does SmartPLS differ from IBM SPSS Statistics?
SmartPLS concentrates on multivariate modelling, while IBM SPSS Statistics covers a broad list from regression to forecasting and decision trees. SmartPLS runs on Windows, macOS and Linux as a desktop app.
SmartPLS offers a 30-day trial with all features and only an email address.
Limitations to Consider
The SmartPLS pricing page did not render in the text we read, so licence prices are unknown to us. SmartPLS concentrates on structural equation modelling and regression, so it does not replace the full range of descriptive and survey procedures in IBM SPSS Statistics. The usage numbers on the home page are SmartPLS's own claims.
Who Should Use SmartPLS
Business, marketing and social-science researchers whose main need is PLS-SEM or CB-SEM and who want a German vendor. For general descriptive statistics, use it next to JASP.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Registered German GmbH with register number and VAT ID
- Draw models instead of writing syntax
- PLS-SEM, CB-SEM, GSCA and PROCESS in one tool
- 30-day trial with all features
- Windows, macOS and Linux
Cons
- Prices not visible in the text we read
- Narrow focus on SEM and regression
- Usage claims are self-reported
- Desktop licence, no free tier stated
Alternatives to SmartPLS
Other European statistical software worth comparing before you decide:
See all European statistical software or compare them directly against IBM SPSS Statistics on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
SmartPLS GmbH, Rheinpromenade 2, D-40789 Monheim am Rhein, Germany, registered under HRB 11552 PI.
Yes. The SmartPLS home page offers a 30-day trial with all features and asks only for an email address.
Only for structural equation modelling and regression work. IBM SPSS Statistics covers a wider range of procedures.