We simulated the generation and propagation of spin waves (SWs) using two excitation methods, namely, magnetic field and voltage induced strain. A fully coupled non-linear magnetoelastic model, combining Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert with elastodynamic equations, is used to study the propagation characteristics of SWs in magnetoelastic materials. Simulation results show that for excitation frequencies above ferromagnetic resonance (FMR), SWs excited by voltage induced strain propagate over longer distances compared to SWs excited by magnetic field. In addition, strain mediated SWs exhibit loss characteristics, which are relatively independent of the magnetic losses (Gilbert damping). Moreover, it is also shown that strain induced SWs can also be excited at frequencies below FMR. Published by AIP Publishing.