hmmmmm not the same thoooough surely?

And because it's software, you can mult signals to your heart's content, duplicate modules, and you can even run polyphonic cables so in many cases, you aren't limited to a mono-synth like you would be in hardware.

My first album was composed, mixed, and mastered all in VCV Rack, using only free modules, and performed with a cheap MIDI controller. There are even modules that are virtual analog, running simulated analog circuitry under the hood, so they sound just like analog modules.

Depends on what you mean by same. The modular workflow is the same, and many modules are the same. Obviously, there aren't physical patch cables, but there are virtual ones you can change the opacity and cable tension for in the settings. If you are interested in getting into modular, it is free.