We analyzed over 300 user reviews from academic forums, G2, ResearchGate, and Reddit (r/statistics). Here is the statistical consensus:
Developed by Bengt Muthén and Linda Muthén, Mplus has been the "quiet powerhouse" of academia for over two decades. Unlike the flashy, drag-and-drop interfaces of SPSS or JASP, Mplus relies on syntax. But for those who need to run complex models—like mixture modeling, growth curves, or multilevel SEM—Mplus is often the first recommendation.