Learn PLCs free

Compare PLC Software Platforms

Expert analysis of 30 PLC programming software platforms. Find the perfect tool for your automation projects.

30
Software Platforms
435
Head-to-Head Comparisons
10
Category Rankings

Browse by Category

Popular Comparisons

Looking for a specific comparison? Scroll down to see all 30 software platforms.

Overall Rankings

RankSoftwareOverall ScorePriceBest For
1🏆
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
85
$
Learning PLC programming and IEC 61131-3
2🥈
GX Works3
Mitsubishi Electric
81
$$
Asian manufacturing facilities
3🥉
TIA Portal
Siemens
77
$$$
Professional Siemens automation engineers
4
EcoStruxure
Schneider Electric
77
$$
Building automation projects
5
TwinCAT
Beckhoff Automation
77
$
High-speed motion control applications
6
CX-Programmer
Omron
77
$$
Material handling and logistics systems
7
RSLogix 500/5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
76
$$
Maintaining existing MicroLogix/SLC 500 systems
8
PLC Simulation Software
plcsimulationsoftware.com
74
free
Absolute beginners learning PLC programming
9
Sysmac Studio
Omron
73
$$
Machine automation with robotics
10
WPLSoft
Delta
73
free
Cost-sensitive small machinery OEMs

All PLC Software

PLC Simulation Software

plcsimulationsoftware.com

74
Score
Price:free
Adoption:28%

Zero install, zero cost, zero licence keys — fastest path to running ladder logic

See comparisons

TIA Portal

Siemens

77
Score
Price:$$$
Adoption:85%

Industry-leading integration with Siemens hardware

See comparisons

Studio 5000

Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley

72
Score
Price:$$$
Adoption:80%

Dominant in North American market - high job demand

See comparisons

GX Works3

Mitsubishi Electric

81
Score
Price:$$
Adoption:65%

User-friendly interface, easier learning curve

See comparisons

EcoStruxure

Schneider Electric

77
Score
Price:$$
Adoption:55%

Modern, user-friendly interface

See comparisons

TwinCAT

Beckhoff Automation

77
Score
Price:$
Adoption:60%

FREE engineering software - only pay for runtime

See comparisons

CODESYS

CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)

85
Score
Price:$
Adoption:70%

FREE basic version - perfect for learning

See comparisons

OpenPLC

OpenPLC Project (Open Source)

55
Score
Price:free
Adoption:10%

Completely FREE - no costs ever

See comparisons

LogixPro

The Learning Pit

51
Score
Price:$
Adoption:5%

Extremely affordable (~$50 for students)

See comparisons

Automation Studio

B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)

70
Score
Price:$$
Adoption:45%

Excellent for high-speed packaging machinery

See comparisons

RSLogix 500/5000

Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)

76
Score
Price:$$
Adoption:75%

Massive installed base - many jobs still require it

See comparisons

FactoryTalk

Rockwell Automation

62
Score
Price:$$$
Adoption:70%

Industry standard for Rockwell SCADA

See comparisons

PLCnext

Phoenix Contact

64
Score
Price:$
Adoption:25%

FREE programming software

See comparisons

CX-Programmer

Omron

77
Score
Price:$$
Adoption:50%

Easy to learn and use

See comparisons

Unity Pro

Schneider Electric

71
Score
Price:$$
Adoption:55%

Large installed base in process industries

See comparisons

Sysmac Studio

Omron

73
Score
Price:$$
Adoption:50%

All-in-one machine automation solution

See comparisons

Factory I/O

Real Games

57
Score
Price:$$
Adoption:22%

Genuinely realistic 3D plant scenarios

See comparisons

Siemens PLCSIM

Siemens

62
Score
Price:$$$
Adoption:42%

Industry-standard Siemens emulator

See comparisons

Studio 5000 Logix Emulate

Rockwell Automation

60
Score
Price:$$$
Adoption:38%

Industry-standard for Allen-Bradley emulation

See comparisons

RSLogix Emulate 500

Rockwell Automation

55
Score
Price:$$
Adoption:18%

Affordable Allen-Bradley emulation

See comparisons

CODESYS Control Win

CODESYS GmbH

60
Score
Price:$
Adoption:15%

Free for development use — no time-bombed trial

See comparisons

CCW Micro800 Simulator

Rockwell Automation

58
Score
Price:free
Adoption:8%

Free — zero licence cost

See comparisons

Ladder Logic Online

Various educational publishers

52
Score
Price:free
Adoption:12%

Zero install

See comparisons

Vijeo Designer

Schneider Electric

63
Score
Price:$$
Adoption:18%

Tight native integration with Schneider M-series PLCs

See comparisons

WPLSoft

Delta

73
Score
Price:free
Adoption:35%

Free — no licensing cost ever

See comparisons

iFIX

GE Vernova

58
Score
Price:$$$
Adoption:22%

Battle-tested in regulated industries (pharma, power, utilities)

See comparisons

Wonderware InTouch

AVEVA

67
Score
Price:$$$
Adoption:45%

Largest SCADA installed base in process industries

See comparisons

Citect SCADA

AVEVA

62
Score
Price:$$$
Adoption:28%

Mature with 50+ year track record (founded 1973)

See comparisons

Proficy

GE Vernova

56
Score
Price:$$$
Adoption:18%

Deep historian capabilities

See comparisons

VTScada

Trihedral (Delta Electronics)

61
Score
Price:$$
Adoption:12%

Exceptional fit for distributed utility-style assets (pump stations, substations, pipelines)

See comparisons

Comparison Matrix

Compare any two software platforms side-by-side. Click on any intersection to see a detailed comparison.

PLC Simulation SoftwareTIA PortalStudio 5000GX Works3EcoStruxureTwinCATCODESYSOpenPLC
PLC Simulation SoftwareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompare
TIA PortalCompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompare
Studio 5000CompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompare
GX Works3CompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompare
EcoStruxureCompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompare
TwinCATCompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompare
CODESYSCompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompare
OpenPLCCompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompareCompare

Matrix shows first 8 software for readability. Use category pages or search below for more comparisons.

All Head-to-Head Comparisons

Explore detailed comparisons between any two PLC software platforms. Click on any comparison below to see in-depth analysis, pros & cons, and recommendations.

PLC Simulation SoftwarevsTIA Portal
plcsimulationsoftware.comSiemens
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsStudio 5000
plcsimulationsoftware.comRockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsGX Works3
plcsimulationsoftware.comMitsubishi Electric
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsEcoStruxure
plcsimulationsoftware.comSchneider Electric
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsTwinCAT
plcsimulationsoftware.comBeckhoff Automation
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsCODESYS
plcsimulationsoftware.comCODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsOpenPLC
plcsimulationsoftware.comOpenPLC Project (Open Source)
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsLogixPro
plcsimulationsoftware.comThe Learning Pit
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsAutomation Studio
plcsimulationsoftware.comB&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsRSLogix 500/5000
plcsimulationsoftware.comRockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsFactoryTalk
plcsimulationsoftware.comRockwell Automation
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsPLCnext
plcsimulationsoftware.comPhoenix Contact
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsCX-Programmer
plcsimulationsoftware.comOmron
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsUnity Pro
plcsimulationsoftware.comSchneider Electric
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsSysmac Studio
plcsimulationsoftware.comOmron
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsFactory I/O
plcsimulationsoftware.comReal Games
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsSiemens PLCSIM
plcsimulationsoftware.comSiemens
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
plcsimulationsoftware.comRockwell Automation
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsRSLogix Emulate 500
plcsimulationsoftware.comRockwell Automation
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsCODESYS Control Win
plcsimulationsoftware.comCODESYS GmbH
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsCCW Micro800 Simulator
plcsimulationsoftware.comRockwell Automation
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsLadder Logic Online
plcsimulationsoftware.comVarious educational publishers
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsVijeo Designer
plcsimulationsoftware.comSchneider Electric
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsWPLSoft
plcsimulationsoftware.comDelta
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsiFIX
plcsimulationsoftware.comGE Vernova
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsWonderware InTouch
plcsimulationsoftware.comAVEVA
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsCitect SCADA
plcsimulationsoftware.comAVEVA
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsProficy
plcsimulationsoftware.comGE Vernova
PLC Simulation SoftwarevsVTScada
plcsimulationsoftware.comTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
TIA PortalvsStudio 5000
SiemensRockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley
TIA PortalvsGX Works3
SiemensMitsubishi Electric
TIA PortalvsEcoStruxure
SiemensSchneider Electric
TIA PortalvsTwinCAT
SiemensBeckhoff Automation
TIA PortalvsCODESYS
SiemensCODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
TIA PortalvsOpenPLC
SiemensOpenPLC Project (Open Source)
TIA PortalvsLogixPro
SiemensThe Learning Pit
TIA PortalvsAutomation Studio
SiemensB&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)
TIA PortalvsRSLogix 500/5000
SiemensRockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
TIA PortalvsFactoryTalk
SiemensRockwell Automation
TIA PortalvsPLCnext
SiemensPhoenix Contact
TIA PortalvsCX-Programmer
SiemensOmron
TIA PortalvsUnity Pro
SiemensSchneider Electric
TIA PortalvsSysmac Studio
SiemensOmron
TIA PortalvsFactory I/O
SiemensReal Games
TIA PortalvsSiemens PLCSIM
SiemensSiemens
TIA PortalvsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
SiemensRockwell Automation
TIA PortalvsRSLogix Emulate 500
SiemensRockwell Automation
TIA PortalvsCODESYS Control Win
SiemensCODESYS GmbH
TIA PortalvsCCW Micro800 Simulator
SiemensRockwell Automation
TIA PortalvsLadder Logic Online
SiemensVarious educational publishers
TIA PortalvsVijeo Designer
SiemensSchneider Electric
TIA PortalvsWPLSoft
SiemensDelta
TIA PortalvsiFIX
SiemensGE Vernova
TIA PortalvsWonderware InTouch
SiemensAVEVA
TIA PortalvsCitect SCADA
SiemensAVEVA
TIA PortalvsProficy
SiemensGE Vernova
TIA PortalvsVTScada
SiemensTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
Studio 5000vsGX Works3
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyMitsubishi Electric
Studio 5000vsEcoStruxure
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleySchneider Electric
Studio 5000vsTwinCAT
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyBeckhoff Automation
Studio 5000vsCODESYS
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyCODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
Studio 5000vsOpenPLC
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyOpenPLC Project (Open Source)
Studio 5000vsLogixPro
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyThe Learning Pit
Studio 5000vsAutomation Studio
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyB&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)
Studio 5000vsRSLogix 500/5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyRockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
Studio 5000vsFactoryTalk
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyRockwell Automation
Studio 5000vsPLCnext
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyPhoenix Contact
Studio 5000vsCX-Programmer
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyOmron
Studio 5000vsUnity Pro
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleySchneider Electric
Studio 5000vsSysmac Studio
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyOmron
Studio 5000vsFactory I/O
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyReal Games
Studio 5000vsSiemens PLCSIM
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleySiemens
Studio 5000vsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyRockwell Automation
Studio 5000vsRSLogix Emulate 500
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyRockwell Automation
Studio 5000vsCODESYS Control Win
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyCODESYS GmbH
Studio 5000vsCCW Micro800 Simulator
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyRockwell Automation
Studio 5000vsLadder Logic Online
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyVarious educational publishers
Studio 5000vsVijeo Designer
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleySchneider Electric
Studio 5000vsWPLSoft
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyDelta
Studio 5000vsiFIX
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyGE Vernova
Studio 5000vsWonderware InTouch
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyAVEVA
Studio 5000vsCitect SCADA
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyAVEVA
Studio 5000vsProficy
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyGE Vernova
Studio 5000vsVTScada
Rockwell Automation / Allen-BradleyTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
GX Works3vsEcoStruxure
Mitsubishi ElectricSchneider Electric
GX Works3vsTwinCAT
Mitsubishi ElectricBeckhoff Automation
GX Works3vsCODESYS
Mitsubishi ElectricCODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
GX Works3vsOpenPLC
Mitsubishi ElectricOpenPLC Project (Open Source)
GX Works3vsLogixPro
Mitsubishi ElectricThe Learning Pit
GX Works3vsAutomation Studio
Mitsubishi ElectricB&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)
GX Works3vsRSLogix 500/5000
Mitsubishi ElectricRockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
GX Works3vsFactoryTalk
Mitsubishi ElectricRockwell Automation
GX Works3vsPLCnext
Mitsubishi ElectricPhoenix Contact
GX Works3vsCX-Programmer
Mitsubishi ElectricOmron
GX Works3vsUnity Pro
Mitsubishi ElectricSchneider Electric
GX Works3vsSysmac Studio
Mitsubishi ElectricOmron
GX Works3vsFactory I/O
Mitsubishi ElectricReal Games
GX Works3vsSiemens PLCSIM
Mitsubishi ElectricSiemens
GX Works3vsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
Mitsubishi ElectricRockwell Automation
GX Works3vsRSLogix Emulate 500
Mitsubishi ElectricRockwell Automation
GX Works3vsCODESYS Control Win
Mitsubishi ElectricCODESYS GmbH
GX Works3vsCCW Micro800 Simulator
Mitsubishi ElectricRockwell Automation
GX Works3vsLadder Logic Online
Mitsubishi ElectricVarious educational publishers
GX Works3vsVijeo Designer
Mitsubishi ElectricSchneider Electric
GX Works3vsWPLSoft
Mitsubishi ElectricDelta
GX Works3vsiFIX
Mitsubishi ElectricGE Vernova
GX Works3vsWonderware InTouch
Mitsubishi ElectricAVEVA
GX Works3vsCitect SCADA
Mitsubishi ElectricAVEVA
GX Works3vsProficy
Mitsubishi ElectricGE Vernova
GX Works3vsVTScada
Mitsubishi ElectricTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
EcoStruxurevsTwinCAT
Schneider ElectricBeckhoff Automation
EcoStruxurevsCODESYS
Schneider ElectricCODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
EcoStruxurevsOpenPLC
Schneider ElectricOpenPLC Project (Open Source)
EcoStruxurevsLogixPro
Schneider ElectricThe Learning Pit
EcoStruxurevsAutomation Studio
Schneider ElectricB&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)
EcoStruxurevsRSLogix 500/5000
Schneider ElectricRockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
EcoStruxurevsFactoryTalk
Schneider ElectricRockwell Automation
EcoStruxurevsPLCnext
Schneider ElectricPhoenix Contact
EcoStruxurevsCX-Programmer
Schneider ElectricOmron
EcoStruxurevsUnity Pro
Schneider ElectricSchneider Electric
EcoStruxurevsSysmac Studio
Schneider ElectricOmron
EcoStruxurevsFactory I/O
Schneider ElectricReal Games
EcoStruxurevsSiemens PLCSIM
Schneider ElectricSiemens
EcoStruxurevsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
Schneider ElectricRockwell Automation
EcoStruxurevsRSLogix Emulate 500
Schneider ElectricRockwell Automation
EcoStruxurevsCODESYS Control Win
Schneider ElectricCODESYS GmbH
EcoStruxurevsCCW Micro800 Simulator
Schneider ElectricRockwell Automation
EcoStruxurevsLadder Logic Online
Schneider ElectricVarious educational publishers
EcoStruxurevsVijeo Designer
Schneider ElectricSchneider Electric
EcoStruxurevsWPLSoft
Schneider ElectricDelta
EcoStruxurevsiFIX
Schneider ElectricGE Vernova
EcoStruxurevsWonderware InTouch
Schneider ElectricAVEVA
EcoStruxurevsCitect SCADA
Schneider ElectricAVEVA
EcoStruxurevsProficy
Schneider ElectricGE Vernova
EcoStruxurevsVTScada
Schneider ElectricTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
TwinCATvsCODESYS
Beckhoff AutomationCODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
TwinCATvsOpenPLC
Beckhoff AutomationOpenPLC Project (Open Source)
TwinCATvsLogixPro
Beckhoff AutomationThe Learning Pit
TwinCATvsAutomation Studio
Beckhoff AutomationB&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)
TwinCATvsRSLogix 500/5000
Beckhoff AutomationRockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
TwinCATvsFactoryTalk
Beckhoff AutomationRockwell Automation
TwinCATvsPLCnext
Beckhoff AutomationPhoenix Contact
TwinCATvsCX-Programmer
Beckhoff AutomationOmron
TwinCATvsUnity Pro
Beckhoff AutomationSchneider Electric
TwinCATvsSysmac Studio
Beckhoff AutomationOmron
TwinCATvsFactory I/O
Beckhoff AutomationReal Games
TwinCATvsSiemens PLCSIM
Beckhoff AutomationSiemens
TwinCATvsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
Beckhoff AutomationRockwell Automation
TwinCATvsRSLogix Emulate 500
Beckhoff AutomationRockwell Automation
TwinCATvsCODESYS Control Win
Beckhoff AutomationCODESYS GmbH
TwinCATvsCCW Micro800 Simulator
Beckhoff AutomationRockwell Automation
TwinCATvsLadder Logic Online
Beckhoff AutomationVarious educational publishers
TwinCATvsVijeo Designer
Beckhoff AutomationSchneider Electric
TwinCATvsWPLSoft
Beckhoff AutomationDelta
TwinCATvsiFIX
Beckhoff AutomationGE Vernova
TwinCATvsWonderware InTouch
Beckhoff AutomationAVEVA
TwinCATvsCitect SCADA
Beckhoff AutomationAVEVA
TwinCATvsProficy
Beckhoff AutomationGE Vernova
TwinCATvsVTScada
Beckhoff AutomationTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
CODESYSvsOpenPLC
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)OpenPLC Project (Open Source)
CODESYSvsLogixPro
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)The Learning Pit
CODESYSvsAutomation Studio
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)
CODESYSvsRSLogix 500/5000
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
CODESYSvsFactoryTalk
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Rockwell Automation
CODESYSvsPLCnext
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Phoenix Contact
CODESYSvsCX-Programmer
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Omron
CODESYSvsUnity Pro
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Schneider Electric
CODESYSvsSysmac Studio
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Omron
CODESYSvsFactory I/O
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Real Games
CODESYSvsSiemens PLCSIM
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Siemens
CODESYSvsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Rockwell Automation
CODESYSvsRSLogix Emulate 500
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Rockwell Automation
CODESYSvsCODESYS Control Win
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)CODESYS GmbH
CODESYSvsCCW Micro800 Simulator
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Rockwell Automation
CODESYSvsLadder Logic Online
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Various educational publishers
CODESYSvsVijeo Designer
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Schneider Electric
CODESYSvsWPLSoft
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Delta
CODESYSvsiFIX
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)GE Vernova
CODESYSvsWonderware InTouch
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)AVEVA
CODESYSvsCitect SCADA
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)AVEVA
CODESYSvsProficy
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)GE Vernova
CODESYSvsVTScada
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Trihedral (Delta Electronics)
OpenPLCvsLogixPro
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)The Learning Pit
OpenPLCvsAutomation Studio
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)
OpenPLCvsRSLogix 500/5000
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
OpenPLCvsFactoryTalk
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Rockwell Automation
OpenPLCvsPLCnext
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Phoenix Contact
OpenPLCvsCX-Programmer
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Omron
OpenPLCvsUnity Pro
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Schneider Electric
OpenPLCvsSysmac Studio
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Omron
OpenPLCvsFactory I/O
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Real Games
OpenPLCvsSiemens PLCSIM
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Siemens
OpenPLCvsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Rockwell Automation
OpenPLCvsRSLogix Emulate 500
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Rockwell Automation
OpenPLCvsCODESYS Control Win
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)CODESYS GmbH
OpenPLCvsCCW Micro800 Simulator
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Rockwell Automation
OpenPLCvsLadder Logic Online
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Various educational publishers
OpenPLCvsVijeo Designer
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Schneider Electric
OpenPLCvsWPLSoft
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Delta
OpenPLCvsiFIX
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)GE Vernova
OpenPLCvsWonderware InTouch
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)AVEVA
OpenPLCvsCitect SCADA
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)AVEVA
OpenPLCvsProficy
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)GE Vernova
OpenPLCvsVTScada
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)Trihedral (Delta Electronics)
LogixProvsAutomation Studio
The Learning PitB&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)
LogixProvsRSLogix 500/5000
The Learning PitRockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
LogixProvsFactoryTalk
The Learning PitRockwell Automation
LogixProvsPLCnext
The Learning PitPhoenix Contact
LogixProvsCX-Programmer
The Learning PitOmron
LogixProvsUnity Pro
The Learning PitSchneider Electric
LogixProvsSysmac Studio
The Learning PitOmron
LogixProvsFactory I/O
The Learning PitReal Games
LogixProvsSiemens PLCSIM
The Learning PitSiemens
LogixProvsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
The Learning PitRockwell Automation
LogixProvsRSLogix Emulate 500
The Learning PitRockwell Automation
LogixProvsCODESYS Control Win
The Learning PitCODESYS GmbH
LogixProvsCCW Micro800 Simulator
The Learning PitRockwell Automation
LogixProvsLadder Logic Online
The Learning PitVarious educational publishers
LogixProvsVijeo Designer
The Learning PitSchneider Electric
LogixProvsWPLSoft
The Learning PitDelta
LogixProvsiFIX
The Learning PitGE Vernova
LogixProvsWonderware InTouch
The Learning PitAVEVA
LogixProvsCitect SCADA
The Learning PitAVEVA
LogixProvsProficy
The Learning PitGE Vernova
LogixProvsVTScada
The Learning PitTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
Automation StudiovsRSLogix 500/5000
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
Automation StudiovsFactoryTalk
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Rockwell Automation
Automation StudiovsPLCnext
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Phoenix Contact
Automation StudiovsCX-Programmer
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Omron
Automation StudiovsUnity Pro
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Schneider Electric
Automation StudiovsSysmac Studio
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Omron
Automation StudiovsFactory I/O
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Real Games
Automation StudiovsSiemens PLCSIM
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Siemens
Automation StudiovsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Rockwell Automation
Automation StudiovsRSLogix Emulate 500
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Rockwell Automation
Automation StudiovsCODESYS Control Win
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)CODESYS GmbH
Automation StudiovsCCW Micro800 Simulator
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Rockwell Automation
Automation StudiovsLadder Logic Online
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Various educational publishers
Automation StudiovsVijeo Designer
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Schneider Electric
Automation StudiovsWPLSoft
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Delta
Automation StudiovsiFIX
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)GE Vernova
Automation StudiovsWonderware InTouch
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)AVEVA
Automation StudiovsCitect SCADA
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)AVEVA
Automation StudiovsProficy
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)GE Vernova
Automation StudiovsVTScada
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)Trihedral (Delta Electronics)
RSLogix 500/5000vsFactoryTalk
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)Rockwell Automation
RSLogix 500/5000vsPLCnext
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)Phoenix Contact
RSLogix 500/5000vsCX-Programmer
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)Omron
RSLogix 500/5000vsUnity Pro
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)Schneider Electric
RSLogix 500/5000vsSysmac Studio
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)Omron
RSLogix 500/5000vsFactory I/O
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)Real Games
RSLogix 500/5000vsSiemens PLCSIM
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)Siemens
RSLogix 500/5000vsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)Rockwell Automation
RSLogix 500/5000vsRSLogix Emulate 500
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)Rockwell Automation
RSLogix 500/5000vsCODESYS Control Win
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)CODESYS GmbH
RSLogix 500/5000vsCCW Micro800 Simulator
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)Rockwell Automation
RSLogix 500/5000vsLadder Logic Online
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)Various educational publishers
RSLogix 500/5000vsVijeo Designer
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)Schneider Electric
RSLogix 500/5000vsWPLSoft
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)Delta
RSLogix 500/5000vsiFIX
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)GE Vernova
RSLogix 500/5000vsWonderware InTouch
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)AVEVA
RSLogix 500/5000vsCitect SCADA
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)AVEVA
RSLogix 500/5000vsProficy
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)GE Vernova
RSLogix 500/5000vsVTScada
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)Trihedral (Delta Electronics)
FactoryTalkvsPLCnext
Rockwell AutomationPhoenix Contact
FactoryTalkvsCX-Programmer
Rockwell AutomationOmron
FactoryTalkvsUnity Pro
Rockwell AutomationSchneider Electric
FactoryTalkvsSysmac Studio
Rockwell AutomationOmron
FactoryTalkvsFactory I/O
Rockwell AutomationReal Games
FactoryTalkvsSiemens PLCSIM
Rockwell AutomationSiemens
FactoryTalkvsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
Rockwell AutomationRockwell Automation
FactoryTalkvsRSLogix Emulate 500
Rockwell AutomationRockwell Automation
FactoryTalkvsCODESYS Control Win
Rockwell AutomationCODESYS GmbH
FactoryTalkvsCCW Micro800 Simulator
Rockwell AutomationRockwell Automation
FactoryTalkvsLadder Logic Online
Rockwell AutomationVarious educational publishers
FactoryTalkvsVijeo Designer
Rockwell AutomationSchneider Electric
FactoryTalkvsWPLSoft
Rockwell AutomationDelta
FactoryTalkvsiFIX
Rockwell AutomationGE Vernova
FactoryTalkvsWonderware InTouch
Rockwell AutomationAVEVA
FactoryTalkvsCitect SCADA
Rockwell AutomationAVEVA
FactoryTalkvsProficy
Rockwell AutomationGE Vernova
FactoryTalkvsVTScada
Rockwell AutomationTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
PLCnextvsCX-Programmer
Phoenix ContactOmron
PLCnextvsUnity Pro
Phoenix ContactSchneider Electric
PLCnextvsSysmac Studio
Phoenix ContactOmron
PLCnextvsFactory I/O
Phoenix ContactReal Games
PLCnextvsSiemens PLCSIM
Phoenix ContactSiemens
PLCnextvsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
Phoenix ContactRockwell Automation
PLCnextvsRSLogix Emulate 500
Phoenix ContactRockwell Automation
PLCnextvsCODESYS Control Win
Phoenix ContactCODESYS GmbH
PLCnextvsCCW Micro800 Simulator
Phoenix ContactRockwell Automation
PLCnextvsLadder Logic Online
Phoenix ContactVarious educational publishers
PLCnextvsVijeo Designer
Phoenix ContactSchneider Electric
PLCnextvsWPLSoft
Phoenix ContactDelta
PLCnextvsiFIX
Phoenix ContactGE Vernova
PLCnextvsWonderware InTouch
Phoenix ContactAVEVA
PLCnextvsCitect SCADA
Phoenix ContactAVEVA
PLCnextvsProficy
Phoenix ContactGE Vernova
PLCnextvsVTScada
Phoenix ContactTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
CX-ProgrammervsUnity Pro
OmronSchneider Electric
CX-ProgrammervsSysmac Studio
OmronOmron
CX-ProgrammervsFactory I/O
OmronReal Games
CX-ProgrammervsSiemens PLCSIM
OmronSiemens
CX-ProgrammervsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
OmronRockwell Automation
CX-ProgrammervsRSLogix Emulate 500
OmronRockwell Automation
CX-ProgrammervsCODESYS Control Win
OmronCODESYS GmbH
CX-ProgrammervsCCW Micro800 Simulator
OmronRockwell Automation
CX-ProgrammervsLadder Logic Online
OmronVarious educational publishers
CX-ProgrammervsVijeo Designer
OmronSchneider Electric
CX-ProgrammervsWPLSoft
OmronDelta
CX-ProgrammervsiFIX
OmronGE Vernova
CX-ProgrammervsWonderware InTouch
OmronAVEVA
CX-ProgrammervsCitect SCADA
OmronAVEVA
CX-ProgrammervsProficy
OmronGE Vernova
CX-ProgrammervsVTScada
OmronTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
Unity ProvsSysmac Studio
Schneider ElectricOmron
Unity ProvsFactory I/O
Schneider ElectricReal Games
Unity ProvsSiemens PLCSIM
Schneider ElectricSiemens
Unity ProvsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
Schneider ElectricRockwell Automation
Unity ProvsRSLogix Emulate 500
Schneider ElectricRockwell Automation
Unity ProvsCODESYS Control Win
Schneider ElectricCODESYS GmbH
Unity ProvsCCW Micro800 Simulator
Schneider ElectricRockwell Automation
Unity ProvsLadder Logic Online
Schneider ElectricVarious educational publishers
Unity ProvsVijeo Designer
Schneider ElectricSchneider Electric
Unity ProvsWPLSoft
Schneider ElectricDelta
Unity ProvsiFIX
Schneider ElectricGE Vernova
Unity ProvsWonderware InTouch
Schneider ElectricAVEVA
Unity ProvsCitect SCADA
Schneider ElectricAVEVA
Unity ProvsProficy
Schneider ElectricGE Vernova
Unity ProvsVTScada
Schneider ElectricTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
Sysmac StudiovsFactory I/O
OmronReal Games
Sysmac StudiovsSiemens PLCSIM
OmronSiemens
Sysmac StudiovsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
OmronRockwell Automation
Sysmac StudiovsRSLogix Emulate 500
OmronRockwell Automation
Sysmac StudiovsCODESYS Control Win
OmronCODESYS GmbH
Sysmac StudiovsCCW Micro800 Simulator
OmronRockwell Automation
Sysmac StudiovsLadder Logic Online
OmronVarious educational publishers
Sysmac StudiovsVijeo Designer
OmronSchneider Electric
Sysmac StudiovsWPLSoft
OmronDelta
Sysmac StudiovsiFIX
OmronGE Vernova
Sysmac StudiovsWonderware InTouch
OmronAVEVA
Sysmac StudiovsCitect SCADA
OmronAVEVA
Sysmac StudiovsProficy
OmronGE Vernova
Sysmac StudiovsVTScada
OmronTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
Factory I/OvsSiemens PLCSIM
Real GamesSiemens
Factory I/OvsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
Real GamesRockwell Automation
Factory I/OvsRSLogix Emulate 500
Real GamesRockwell Automation
Factory I/OvsCODESYS Control Win
Real GamesCODESYS GmbH
Factory I/OvsCCW Micro800 Simulator
Real GamesRockwell Automation
Factory I/OvsLadder Logic Online
Real GamesVarious educational publishers
Factory I/OvsVijeo Designer
Real GamesSchneider Electric
Factory I/OvsWPLSoft
Real GamesDelta
Factory I/OvsiFIX
Real GamesGE Vernova
Factory I/OvsWonderware InTouch
Real GamesAVEVA
Factory I/OvsCitect SCADA
Real GamesAVEVA
Factory I/OvsProficy
Real GamesGE Vernova
Factory I/OvsVTScada
Real GamesTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
Siemens PLCSIMvsStudio 5000 Logix Emulate
SiemensRockwell Automation
Siemens PLCSIMvsRSLogix Emulate 500
SiemensRockwell Automation
Siemens PLCSIMvsCODESYS Control Win
SiemensCODESYS GmbH
Siemens PLCSIMvsCCW Micro800 Simulator
SiemensRockwell Automation
Siemens PLCSIMvsLadder Logic Online
SiemensVarious educational publishers
Siemens PLCSIMvsVijeo Designer
SiemensSchneider Electric
Siemens PLCSIMvsWPLSoft
SiemensDelta
Siemens PLCSIMvsiFIX
SiemensGE Vernova
Siemens PLCSIMvsWonderware InTouch
SiemensAVEVA
Siemens PLCSIMvsCitect SCADA
SiemensAVEVA
Siemens PLCSIMvsProficy
SiemensGE Vernova
Siemens PLCSIMvsVTScada
SiemensTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
Studio 5000 Logix EmulatevsRSLogix Emulate 500
Rockwell AutomationRockwell Automation
Studio 5000 Logix EmulatevsCODESYS Control Win
Rockwell AutomationCODESYS GmbH
Studio 5000 Logix EmulatevsCCW Micro800 Simulator
Rockwell AutomationRockwell Automation
Studio 5000 Logix EmulatevsLadder Logic Online
Rockwell AutomationVarious educational publishers
Studio 5000 Logix EmulatevsVijeo Designer
Rockwell AutomationSchneider Electric
Studio 5000 Logix EmulatevsWPLSoft
Rockwell AutomationDelta
Studio 5000 Logix EmulatevsiFIX
Rockwell AutomationGE Vernova
Studio 5000 Logix EmulatevsWonderware InTouch
Rockwell AutomationAVEVA
Studio 5000 Logix EmulatevsCitect SCADA
Rockwell AutomationAVEVA
Studio 5000 Logix EmulatevsProficy
Rockwell AutomationGE Vernova
Studio 5000 Logix EmulatevsVTScada
Rockwell AutomationTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
RSLogix Emulate 500vsCODESYS Control Win
Rockwell AutomationCODESYS GmbH
RSLogix Emulate 500vsCCW Micro800 Simulator
Rockwell AutomationRockwell Automation
RSLogix Emulate 500vsLadder Logic Online
Rockwell AutomationVarious educational publishers
RSLogix Emulate 500vsVijeo Designer
Rockwell AutomationSchneider Electric
RSLogix Emulate 500vsWPLSoft
Rockwell AutomationDelta
RSLogix Emulate 500vsiFIX
Rockwell AutomationGE Vernova
RSLogix Emulate 500vsWonderware InTouch
Rockwell AutomationAVEVA
RSLogix Emulate 500vsCitect SCADA
Rockwell AutomationAVEVA
RSLogix Emulate 500vsProficy
Rockwell AutomationGE Vernova
RSLogix Emulate 500vsVTScada
Rockwell AutomationTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
CODESYS Control WinvsCCW Micro800 Simulator
CODESYS GmbHRockwell Automation
CODESYS Control WinvsLadder Logic Online
CODESYS GmbHVarious educational publishers
CODESYS Control WinvsVijeo Designer
CODESYS GmbHSchneider Electric
CODESYS Control WinvsWPLSoft
CODESYS GmbHDelta
CODESYS Control WinvsiFIX
CODESYS GmbHGE Vernova
CODESYS Control WinvsWonderware InTouch
CODESYS GmbHAVEVA
CODESYS Control WinvsCitect SCADA
CODESYS GmbHAVEVA
CODESYS Control WinvsProficy
CODESYS GmbHGE Vernova
CODESYS Control WinvsVTScada
CODESYS GmbHTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
CCW Micro800 SimulatorvsLadder Logic Online
Rockwell AutomationVarious educational publishers
CCW Micro800 SimulatorvsVijeo Designer
Rockwell AutomationSchneider Electric
CCW Micro800 SimulatorvsWPLSoft
Rockwell AutomationDelta
CCW Micro800 SimulatorvsiFIX
Rockwell AutomationGE Vernova
CCW Micro800 SimulatorvsWonderware InTouch
Rockwell AutomationAVEVA
CCW Micro800 SimulatorvsCitect SCADA
Rockwell AutomationAVEVA
CCW Micro800 SimulatorvsProficy
Rockwell AutomationGE Vernova
CCW Micro800 SimulatorvsVTScada
Rockwell AutomationTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
Ladder Logic OnlinevsVijeo Designer
Various educational publishersSchneider Electric
Ladder Logic OnlinevsWPLSoft
Various educational publishersDelta
Ladder Logic OnlinevsiFIX
Various educational publishersGE Vernova
Ladder Logic OnlinevsWonderware InTouch
Various educational publishersAVEVA
Ladder Logic OnlinevsCitect SCADA
Various educational publishersAVEVA
Ladder Logic OnlinevsProficy
Various educational publishersGE Vernova
Ladder Logic OnlinevsVTScada
Various educational publishersTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
Vijeo DesignervsWPLSoft
Schneider ElectricDelta
Vijeo DesignervsiFIX
Schneider ElectricGE Vernova
Vijeo DesignervsWonderware InTouch
Schneider ElectricAVEVA
Vijeo DesignervsCitect SCADA
Schneider ElectricAVEVA
Vijeo DesignervsProficy
Schneider ElectricGE Vernova
Vijeo DesignervsVTScada
Schneider ElectricTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
WPLSoftvsiFIX
DeltaGE Vernova
WPLSoftvsWonderware InTouch
DeltaAVEVA
WPLSoftvsCitect SCADA
DeltaAVEVA
WPLSoftvsProficy
DeltaGE Vernova
WPLSoftvsVTScada
DeltaTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
iFIXvsWonderware InTouch
GE VernovaAVEVA
iFIXvsCitect SCADA
GE VernovaAVEVA
iFIXvsProficy
GE VernovaGE Vernova
iFIXvsVTScada
GE VernovaTrihedral (Delta Electronics)
Wonderware InTouchvsCitect SCADA
AVEVAAVEVA
Wonderware InTouchvsProficy
AVEVAGE Vernova
Wonderware InTouchvsVTScada
AVEVATrihedral (Delta Electronics)
Citect SCADAvsProficy
AVEVAGE Vernova
Citect SCADAvsVTScada
AVEVATrihedral (Delta Electronics)
ProficyvsVTScada
GE VernovaTrihedral (Delta Electronics)

How We Compare Software

Our comparison methodology evaluates each software across six key criteria to give you transparent, data-driven recommendations:

1

Pricing (15%)

Cost, licensing models, free trials, and educational discounts

2

Ease of Use (15%)

Learning curve, interface, documentation, and beginner-friendliness

3

Features (25%)

Capabilities, hardware support, and programming languages

4

Industry Adoption (20%)

Market share, regional presence, and industry acceptance

5

Community Support (10%)

Forums, tutorials, user groups, and third-party resources

6

Career Value (15%)

Job demand, certifications, and long-term career prospects

All scores are calculated objectively based on verified data from vendor sources, user reviews, industry surveys, and our own testing. Rankings are updated regularly to reflect current market conditions.

Free PLC simulator

Try one free, right now

Skip the download queue — write ladder logic in your browser and run it against real machine scenarios. 8 PLC dialects, free account, no credit card.

Practice PLCs free →