SmartPLS 4 vs LISREL
Innovation Meets Intuition. **Goodbye syntax, hello simplicity — SmartPLS 4 delivers LISREL‑level rigor with a modern interface.
Overview
LISREL helped define SEM theory. SmartPLS 4 turns that theory into efficient academic practice — with visual modeling, built‑in diagnostics, and combined CB‑SEM & PLS‑SEM support.
Why Institutions Choose SmartPLS
SmartPLS replaces syntax barriers with drag-and-drop modeling, reducing onboarding for students and staff while preserving full CB-SEM rigor.
Unified multi-method coverage and exportable, reviewer-friendly reports create a consistent standard across courses and research labs.
Unified multi-method coverage and exportable, reviewer-friendly reports create a consistent standard across courses and research labs.
Key Differences
| Feature | SmartPLS 4 | Lisrel |
|---|---|---|
| Method Coverage | CB-SEM and PLS-SEM (incl. PROCESS, GSCA, Regression, NCA) | CB-SEM |
| Interface | GUI based | script based |
| Usability | Modern GUI. Drag-and-drop modeling. | Syntax-centric |
| Learning Curve | Low | High |
| Platform & OS Support | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows |
| Licensing Model | Commercial license (academic/site options) | Commercial |
Sources (short)
- SmartPLS: https://www.smartpls.com
- Lisrel: https://www.lisrel.com
Note on comparability and sources
This comparison reflects SmartPLS 4.1.1.5 versus LISREL 12.5.1 (Jul 31, 2025), as of 11 Oct 2025. The information is based on publicly available vendor/user documentation, release notes, and hands‑on use. Please include concrete version numbers and this as‑of date when citing. Product and brand names belong to their respective owners and are used for identification only.
