Best Free PLC Software 2025 | Top Open Source & Trial Options

Last Updated: December 2025 | Tested and evaluated by industrial automation engineers with 15+ years of experience. All free PLC software recommendations include direct downloads, feature comparisons, and real-world use cases based on hands-on evaluation.

Quality PLC programming tools don't require expensive licenses. In 2025, engineers, students, and hobbyists can access professional-grade free PLC software that rivals commercial platforms in functionality. Whether you're learning PLC programming for the first time, testing automation concepts, or developing production systems, free PLC software options provide legitimate pathways to success.

This comprehensive guide reviews the best free PLC software available in 2025, covering open-source platforms, manufacturer trial versions, educational tools, and cloud-based solutions. Each review includes download links, feature breakdowns, system requirements, and practical recommendations to help you select the perfect tools for your automation projects.

Table of Contents

1. Why Free PLC Software Matters
2. Quick Comparison Table
3. Top Free PLC Software Reviews
4. Free vs Paid: Key Differences
5. Best Options by User Type
6. FAQ
7. Getting Started

Why Free PLC Software Matters

Free PLC software democratizes industrial automation training and development. Commercial PLC software can cost $5,000-$20,000+ per license, creating significant barriers for students, small companies, and hobbyists. Free alternatives enable hands-on learning without financial constraints while providing legitimate tools for professional development.

Cost Savings: Eliminate licensing expenses for training labs, skill development, and proof-of-concept projects. A training facility serving 50 students saves $250,000-$1,000,000+ by choosing free software alternatives.

Learning Flexibility: Beginners can experiment freely without fear of expensive mistakes. Free software enables self-paced learning, skill validation before commercial platform investment, and exploration of multiple programming approaches.

Multi-Platform Exploration: Engineers can evaluate different PLC brands before standardization decisions, develop skills across multiple platforms, and understand diverse programming paradigms without vendor lock-in pressures.

Quick Comparison Table

| Software | Type | Best For | License | Download | Key Strengths | |----------|------|----------|---------|----------|---------------| | CODESYS Free | Full IDE | Production Projects | Free (5 axes) | Download | Professional-grade, unlimited projects, IEC 61131-3 | | OpenPLC | Open Source | Learning & DIY | GPL (Free) | Download | All languages, Arduino/Pi support, community | | TIA Portal Trial | Professional | Siemens Learning | Trial (21/30 days) | Download | Full capabilities, professional environment | | CCW | Manufacturer | Allen Bradley | Free (Micro800) | Download | Complete functionality, professional quality | | LOGO! Soft Comfort | Manufacturer | Beginners | Free (LOGO!) | Download | Intuitive, 3D simulation, simple automation | | EcoStruxure Basic | Manufacturer | Schneider Learning | Free (limited) | Download | IEC 61131-3, web visualization basics | | Factory I/O Trial | Simulator | Professional Testing | Trial (30 days) | Download | Advanced 3D simulation, multi-protocol | | PLC Fiddle | Online | Quick Learning | Free Web | Access Online | Browser-based, no installation needed |

Top Free PLC Software Reviews

1. CODESYS Free Version - Best Overall Free Option

Download: CODESYS Community Edition

CODESYS Free provides professional-grade PLC programming with zero licensing costs for small projects and learning. The free version supports unlimited projects with the primary limitation being a 5-axis restriction on motion control applications.

Key Features:

• Complete IEC 61131-3 programming languages (Ladder, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram, IL, Sequential Function Chart)
• Unlimited projects and program size
• Full debugging capabilities with breakpoints and watch windows
• Soft PLC runtime for Windows-based testing
• OPC UA client/server integration
• Advanced data types and object-oriented programming
• 5-axis motion control limitation only (unlimited motion otherwise)

Pros:

• ✅ Completely free with professional functionality
• ✅ Works with 500+ compatible hardware devices
• ✅ Extensive documentation and training resources
• ✅ Large international community and forum support
• ✅ Regular updates and continuous improvement
• ✅ Perfect bridge to commercial CODESYS licensing

Cons:

• ❌ Steeper learning curve than simplified alternatives
• ❌ Limited 3D visualization capabilities
• ❌ Requires Windows for development
• ❌ Hardware connectivity varies by PLC model

System Requirements:

• Windows 7/10/11 (64-bit)
• 4GB RAM minimum
• 2GB disk space
• .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later

Best For: Professionals developing production applications, engineers exploring multi-vendor PLC platforms, technical training programs wanting professional-grade capabilities without costs, hobbyists building custom automation systems.

Learn more about CODESYS programming →

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2. OpenPLC - Best Open Source Solution

Download: OpenPLC Project

OpenPLC represents the pinnacle of open-source PLC software, providing complete IEC 61131-3 programming capabilities with support for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and industrial PLC hardware. The GPL-licensed platform emphasizes community contributions and transparent development.

Key Features:

• All five IEC 61131-3 languages fully supported
• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Hardware versatility: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Modbus devices, industrial PLCs
• Web-based HMI development capabilities
• Active community with regular updates
• Educational licensing with zero restrictions
• Comprehensive GitHub repository and documentation

Pros:

• ✅ Completely open-source with no licensing restrictions
• ✅ Cross-platform development (Windows/Mac/Linux)
• ✅ Works with affordable hardware platforms (Arduino, Raspberry Pi)
• ✅ Educational ideal with transparent source code
• ✅ Growing ecosystem and community contributions
• ✅ Perfect for DIY automation and hobbyist projects

Cons:

• ❌ Less mature than commercial alternatives
• ❌ Fewer professional integrations available
• ❌ Smaller user community than established platforms
• ❌ Documentation gaps in advanced features
• ❌ Performance limitations on resource-constrained devices

System Requirements:

• Windows/Mac/Linux
• 2GB RAM minimum
• 500MB disk space
• Compatible with Arduino Uno, Mega, Due; Raspberry Pi; and industrial PLCs

Best For: Students learning PLC fundamentals, hobbyist automation projects, DIY enthusiasts building custom systems, educators emphasizing open-source software, professionals exploring multi-platform solutions.

Explore OpenPLC programming tutorial →

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3. Siemens TIA Portal Trial - Best Professional Trial

Download: Siemens Download Center

Siemens TIA Portal trial provides 21 days of full access to the world's most popular PLC programming platform. During the trial period, you get complete access to all functionality including TIA Portal features that normally require expensive licenses.

Key Features:

• Full TIA Portal v18 functionality
• Support for S7-1200, S7-1500, and S7-300/400 controllers
• Integrated HMI development with Unified Comfort Panels
• PLCSIM Advanced simulation included
• All programming languages fully supported
• Professional debugging and diagnostics
• 21-30 day evaluation period (varies by region)

Pros:

• ✅ Access to industry-leading professional software
• ✅ Complete feature set during trial period
• ✅ Excellent for evaluating Siemens before investment
• ✅ Learning with actual professional tools
• ✅ Comprehensive documentation and tutorials
• ✅ Smooth transition to commercial licenses

Cons:

• ❌ Limited to 21-30 days only
• ❌ Cannot save projects to hardware after trial expires
• ❌ Requires registration with Siemens
• ❌ Very large download (5-10GB)
• ❌ High system requirements for optimal performance

System Requirements:

• Windows 10/11 (64-bit) recommended
• 8GB RAM minimum (16GB recommended)
• 10GB available disk space
• Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent

Best For: Professionals evaluating Siemens for projects, students learning with current professional tools, engineers assessing Siemens vs alternatives, organizations planning platform standardization.

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4. Connected Components Workbench - Best Allen-Bradley Free Option

Download: Rockwell Automation Support

Connected Components Workbench (CCW) provides completely free professional PLC programming for Allen-Bradley Micro800 series controllers. Despite zero licensing cost, CCW delivers full professional functionality without artificial limitations.

Key Features:

• Complete Micro800 PLC programming environment
• Ladder logic, function block diagram, and structured text support
• Integrated PanelView 800 HMI development
• Built-in simulation mode
• EtherNet/IP communication support
• Motion control capabilities
• Online debugging and diagnostics

Pros:

• ✅ Completely free with zero feature limitations
• ✅ Professional Rockwell Automation quality
• ✅ Perfect learning path to Studio 5000
• ✅ Integrated HMI capabilities
• ✅ Good documentation and support
• ✅ Regular updates and improvements

Cons:

• ❌ Limited to Micro800 PLCs only
• ❌ Cannot program ControlLogix or CompactLogix
• ❌ Windows-only platform
• ❌ Requires Rockwell registration
• ❌ Steeper learning curve for beginners

System Requirements:

• Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
• 4GB RAM
• 3GB disk space
• .NET Framework 4.8 or later

Best For: Allen-Bradley learners wanting professional tools, small companies standardizing on Micro800, educational programs teaching Rockwell automation, professionals maintaining multiple platform skills.

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5. LOGO! Soft Comfort - Best for Beginners

Download: Siemens LOGO! Software

LOGO! Soft Comfort provides the most intuitive free PLC software for absolute beginners, emphasizing function block programming over ladder logic. The visual, drag-and-drop interface makes PLC concepts immediately understandable for newcomers.

Key Features:

• Intuitive function block programming interface
• Drag-and-drop logic block creation
• Real-time 3D simulation with visualization
• Timer, counter, math, and comparison blocks
• Ethernet and Modbus communication
• Suitable for building automation and simple manufacturing
• No programming experience required

Pros:

• ✅ Easiest learning curve for absolute beginners
• ✅ Excellent 3D visualization
• ✅ Perfect for small automation projects
• ✅ No registration or licensing hassles
• ✅ Great for teaching automation fundamentals
• ✅ Ideal for hobbyist projects

Cons:

• ❌ Limited to LOGO! hardware only
• ❌ Not suitable for complex industrial applications
• ❌ Function block approach doesn't transfer to traditional PLCs
• ❌ Limited professional applications
• ❌ Restricted I/O capacity

System Requirements:

• Windows 7/10/11
• 2GB RAM
• 500MB disk space

Best For: Students starting automation fundamentals, hobbyists building small systems, educators introducing PLC concepts, building automation applications, simple machine control projects.

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6. Factory I/O Trial - Best 3D Simulation

Download: Factory I/O Download

Factory I/O trial provides 30 days of access to the most advanced 3D PLC simulation platform. While the unlimited version is paid, the trial offers complete professional-grade 3D industrial simulation suitable for testing and demonstration projects.

Key Features:

• Photorealistic 3D industrial environments
• 50+ pre-built industrial scenarios
• Multi-protocol support (Modbus, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, S7)
• Works with all major PLC programming software
• Custom scene builder capabilities
• Production analytics and performance metrics
• Educational classroom tools

Pros:

• ✅ Most advanced 3D simulation available
• ✅ Realistic equipment behavior and physics
• ✅ Works with your existing PLC software
• ✅ Excellent for demonstrating to clients
• ✅ Professional-quality testing environment
• ✅ Educational discount available

Cons:

• ❌ Limited to 30-day trial period
• ❌ Requires separate PLC software
• ❌ High system requirements
• ❌ Learning curve for scene customization
• ❌ Paid licensing after trial expires

Best For: Professional engineers validating programs before deployment, technical trainers demonstrating industrial applications, students visualizing real-world control logic, system integrators presenting automation solutions.

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7. PLC Fiddle - Best Online Solution

Access Online: PLC Fiddle

PLC Fiddle provides instant ladder logic programming in a web browser with zero installation requirements. This browser-based approach makes it perfect for quick testing, learning fundamentals, and sharing programs without software downloads.

Key Features:

• Browser-based ladder logic editor
• Instant execution without compilation
• Basic I/O simulation
• Program sharing via URL
• No installation required
• Completely free

Pros:

• ✅ Zero setup time
• ✅ Access from any device with browser
• ✅ Share programs easily
• ✅ Perfect for quick testing
• ✅ Great for teaching ladder basics
• ✅ Completely free

Cons:

• ❌ Simplified ladder logic only
• ❌ No structured text support
• ❌ Limited I/O capabilities
• ❌ Basic simulation only
• ❌ Internet connection required

Best For: Quick ladder logic testing, absolute beginners learning basics, educators introducing ladder concepts, sharing examples with colleagues, rapid prototyping without installation.

Free vs Paid: Key Differences

Cost Impact Analysis

The financial advantages of free PLC software are substantial. A typical manufacturing facility training 20 new programmers would invest $100,000-$400,000 in commercial software licenses. Free alternatives reduce this to zero while maintaining professional functionality. For educational institutions, this cost reduction enables comprehensive automation training programs previously limited by budgetary constraints.

Free Software Advantages:

• Zero licensing costs enabling widespread access—perfect for training labs and educational settings
• Educational deployments without per-student fees, scaling to any classroom size
• Rapid platform evaluation before investment in commercial licenses
• Legitimate business use for small projects and proof-of-concept development
• Community-driven development and support with transparent source code
• No annual maintenance fees or licensing restrictions
• Freedom to standardize across entire organizations without budget concerns

Paid Software Advantages:

• Professional technical support with SLA guarantees and dedicated support teams
• Regular updates with new features, enhancements, and security patches
• Hardware certifications and vendor guarantees for reliability
• Advanced features including motion control, safety programming, and distributed systems
• Extensive training programs and certifications supporting career development
• Enterprise integration capabilities with SCADA, MES, and ERP systems
• Dedicated development teams ensuring continuous improvement and innovation
• Long-term product roadmaps and feature planning

When to Choose Each

Choose Free Software When:

• Learning PLC programming fundamentals
• Training large groups or educational institutions
• Evaluating platforms before licensing investment
• Running small automation projects with limited budgets
• Developing proof-of-concept systems before scaling
• Using open-source software philosophies

Choose Paid Software When:

• Developing mission-critical production systems
• Requiring professional technical support
• Using advanced features like safety programming or motion control
• Implementing enterprise-scale automation systems
• Operating in heavily regulated industries requiring vendor support
• Needing comprehensive integration with enterprise systems

Strategic Approach: Sophisticated automation organizations use hybrid strategies: free software for learning, training, and evaluation; commercial licenses for production systems requiring professional support. This balanced approach provides cost efficiency while ensuring professional-grade tools for critical projects. Many engineers develop skills on free platforms, then transition to paid software when job requirements demand it.

Best Options by User Type

For Beginners

Recommendation: LOGO! Soft Comfort or PLC Fiddle

Beginners benefit from visual, intuitive interfaces providing immediate success. LOGO! Soft Comfort's drag-and-drop function blocks eliminate ladder logic complexity, while PLC Fiddle offers browser-based access without installation.

Learning Path: Start with PLC Fiddle (basic concepts), move to LOGO! Soft Comfort (hands-on), transition to CODESYS Free (professional functionality), then graduate to commercial platforms when pursuing employment.

For Students

Recommendation: OpenPLC or TIA Portal Trial

Use OpenPLC for coursework and projects (no licensing restrictions), download TIA Portal trial for professional environment exposure, and build portfolio projects demonstrating multi-platform competency. This dual-platform approach prepares students for diverse job markets while maintaining budget efficiency.

For Hobbyists

Recommendation: OpenPLC with Arduino/Raspberry Pi

Combine free OpenPLC software with affordable Arduino/Raspberry Pi hardware for complete automation systems under $200. Build greenhouse control, aquarium automation, garage door systems, weather stations, or robot arm controls. OpenPLC provides complete solutions from programming through deployment without licensing costs.

For Professionals

Recommendation: CODESYS Free with Factory I/O trial for validation

Professional engineers benefit from CODESYS Free's unlimited projects and professional functionality. Use Factory I/O trial for pre-commissioning validation before hardware deployment. This approach maintains cost efficiency while ensuring professional-grade tools for production systems.

For Training Programs

Recommendation: OpenPLC or Connected Components Workbench

Training organizations need scalable solutions without per-student licensing. OpenPLC provides unlimited free licenses for any class size, while CCW offers professional-grade Allen-Bradley instruction. Hybrid programs combine OpenPLC (vendor-neutral) with manufacturer tools for comprehensive coverage. Free software eliminates software costs, enabling broader student access and lower tuition barriers.

FAQ

Q: Can I use free PLC software for commercial projects? A: Yes, most free software allows commercial use. CODESYS Free and OpenPLC have no commercial restrictions. Trial versions typically include non-commercial limitations—check specific licensing terms.

Q: Will free software prepare me for paid platforms? A: Absolutely. CODESYS, OpenPLC, and manufacturer free tools teach identical IEC 61131-3 programming languages and concepts used in commercial platforms. Skills transfer directly to professional environments.

Q: How long can I use trial software? A: TIA Portal provides 21-30 days. Factory I/O offers 30 days. After trials expire, you'll need licensing for commercial use (personal learning can continue with free alternatives).

Q: Is open-source PLC software reliable for production? A: OpenPLC runs production systems worldwide. Its GPL licensing provides transparency and community oversight that many prefer for critical applications. Consider your specific reliability and support requirements.

Q: Can free software connect to real PLC hardware? A: CODESYS and OpenPLC connect to numerous hardware platforms. Manufacturer free software (CCW, LOGO!) connects to their specific hardware only.

Q: What hardware can I use with free software? A: OpenPLC supports Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and industrial PLCs. CODESYS works with 500+ device types. LOGO! and CCW require their specific hardware.

Q: Are free software features limited? A: CODESYS Free has minimal limitations (5-axis motion only). OpenPLC is feature-complete for standard programming. Manufacturer tools (CCW, LOGO!) are fully featured but hardware-limited.

Q: Will free software improve my job prospects? A: Definitely. Proficiency with CODESYS, OpenPLC, or manufacturer platforms demonstrates professional PLC programming skills. Employers value platform-independent competency.

Q: Can I switch between free and paid software easily? A: Yes. IEC 61131-3 standardization means code transfers between platforms. Projects may require minor adjustments for proprietary features.

Q: Should I use free software long-term? A: Absolutely. Many professionals and companies use free CODESYS, OpenPLC, and manufacturer tools for production systems. Cost savings don't compromise quality or reliability.

Getting Started

Download Your First Free PLC Software:

1. Beginners: Start with LOGO! Soft Comfort for intuitive learning
2. Multi-platform learners: Install CODESYS Free for professional functionality
3. Open-source advocates: Download OpenPLC for full community access
4. Allen-Bradley focused: Get Connected Components Workbench for professional AB development
5. Online only: Visit PLC Fiddle for instant browser-based learning

Free PLC software empowers anyone to learn, develop, and deploy professional automation solutions without expensive licensing barriers. Whether you're beginning your automation journey, training the next generation of engineers, or developing cost-conscious solutions, 2025 provides more free options than ever before.

Choose based on your specific needs—whether professional functionality (CODESYS), beginner-friendly interfaces (LOGO!), open-source philosophy (OpenPLC), or manufacturer alignment (CCW). All paths lead to professional PLC programming competency with zero licensing costs.

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Ready to explore more? Check out our comprehensive PLC simulator software guide for advanced testing capabilities, or see our CODESYS tutorial for in-depth platform learning.