PsychoPy

Education & research

Free open-source softwareEditorial overview
A CLOSER LOOK

What is PsychoPy?

PsychoPy creates behavioral and neuroscience experiments using a visual Builder interface or Python code. It supports stimulus presentation, response recording, and local experiment execution, while online hosting through associated services has separate access and usage arrangements.

Visual experiment Builder

Python scripting

Stimulus presentation

Response recording

Is it a good fit?

Best suited to

Researchers building behavioral experiments

Before you choose

Timing needs validation on study hardware. Online hosting can require paid services.

Editorial assessment based on the provider’s published information. Our method

Know what you're signing up for.

PsychoPy’s open-source desktop application includes experiment authoring and local execution without a software subscription. Online hosting and participant runs through Pavlovia are separate services and are not included in the free desktop listing.

Local experiment authoring and execution are free; hosted Pavlovia studies have separate terms.

Check current official pricing

The useful parts. The trade-offs.

Why consider it

Combines graphical and coded experiment design

Supports controlled local study tasks

What to keep in mind

Timing needs validation on study hardware

Online hosting can require paid services

How to use it well

Implement a short trial loop and confirm every output column before extending the study. Run timing checks on the computer and devices participants will use, and pilot instructions with someone unfamiliar with the task. Keep the experiment version and analysis script linked so changes in stimuli or response coding remain traceable.

This is best suited to researchers building behavioral experiments. Before committing a larger project, account for these trade-offs: timing needs validation on study hardware; online hosting can require paid services.

A few things you might be wondering.

Is PsychoPy free?

PsychoPy’s open-source desktop application includes experiment authoring and local execution without a software subscription. Online hosting and participant runs through Pavlovia are separate services and are not included in the free desktop listing.

Is Pavlovia hosting included in free PsychoPy desktop?

No. Online hosting and participant-run arrangements are separate.

Can I design experiments without writing all the code?

Builder supports graphical experiment construction, with coding available when needed.

Where can I check the latest prices?

Use the provider link on this page. Billing period, location, team size, promotions, taxes, and optional extras may affect the amount you pay.

How should I compare this tool with alternatives?

Choose tools for the same task, then compare their feature limits, platform support, and total cost for your team. The Compare button helps you keep a shortlist.

Are the user reviews moderated?

Yes. New reviews are submitted for moderation. We show published user reviews separately from the editorial overview and never assign a default user rating.

Real experiences matter.

Be the first to share your experience.

No published user reviews yet.

Write a review

Your name, rating, and review may be published after moderation. Your email is kept private and is not displayed.

Keep exploring.

HELP SHAPE THE DIRECTORY

Know a useful tool?

Send your suggestion for editorial review.

Suggestions are reviewed before they appear in the directory.