SmartPLS 4 vs Mplus
Power Without the Complexity.
Why use complex syntax when you can click, model, and publish?
Overview
Mplus is exceptionally powerful — particularly for very advanced models.
SmartPLS 4 covers the core SEM needs of most academic projects with a clean GUI, fast iteration, and both CB‑SEM & PLS‑SEM in one platform.
SmartPLS 4 covers the core SEM needs of most academic projects with a clean GUI, fast iteration, and both CB‑SEM & PLS‑SEM in one platform.
Why Institutions Choose SmartPLS
SmartPLS delivers the SEM capabilities most programs need in a GUI-first environment, minimizing training load relative to syntax-heavy workflows.
With CB-SEM + PLS-SEM and publication-ready exports, departments standardize teaching and research without juggling multiple tools.
With CB-SEM + PLS-SEM and publication-ready exports, departments standardize teaching and research without juggling multiple tools.
Key Differences
| Feature | SmartPLS 4 | Mplus |
|---|---|---|
| Method Coverage | CB-SEM and PLS-SEM (incl. PROCESS, GSCA, Regression, NCA) | CB-SEM (advanced modeling) |
| Interface | GUI based | script based |
| Usability | Modern GUI. Drag-and-drop modeling. | Syntax-first |
| Learning Curve | Low | High |
| Platform & OS Support | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS |
| Licensing Model | Commercial license (academic/site options) | Commercial |
Sources (short)
- SmartPLS: https://www.smartpls.com
- Mplus: https://www.statmodel.com
Note on comparability and sources
This comparison reflects SmartPLS 4.1.1.5 versus Mplus 8.11 (Oct 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.
