Best molecular visualization software
Desktop and web apps for viewing, analysing and rendering 3D molecular structures such as proteins, nucleic acids and small molecules.
4 apps, ordered by visits from AppBreakup and how often our research lists each one as an alternative. Open any app to see its alternatives.
All molecular visualization software
- Alternatives to PyMOL
Molecular visualization program from Schrödinger, widely used for protein structure figures.
PaidWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to Jmol
Free, open-source viewer for 3D chemical structures, on the desktop or in web pages.
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, Web - UcAlternatives to UCSF ChimeraX
UCSF's molecular visualization program for structures, cryo-EM maps and VR.
Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Linux - Alternatives to VMD
Free molecular viewer for large biomolecular systems and dynamics trajectories.
FreeWindows, macOS, Linux
Our picks by need
Common questions
What is the best molecular visualization software?
Based on how often our research lists them as alternatives and visits from AppBreakup, the leading molecular visualization software options right now are PyMOL, Jmol, UCSF ChimeraX and VMD.
Is there free molecular visualization software?
Yes. Jmol (open source), UCSF ChimeraX (free plan + paid) and VMD (free) have a free option, out of 3 free or freemium apps we track.
Which molecular visualization software is open source?
Jmol.