Compare PLC Software Platforms
Expert analysis of 15 PLC programming software platforms. Find the perfect tool for your automation projects.
Browse by Category
Best PLC Software for Beginners
The easiest PLC programming software to learn for newcomers to industrial automation.
Best Free PLC Software
Top free and open-source PLC programming software options that cost nothing to get started.
Best PLC Software for Professionals
Industry-leading PLC software platforms used by professional automation engineers worldwide.
Best PLC Simulators
PLC simulation software for learning and testing without physical hardware.
Best Software for Siemens PLCs
Programming software options for Siemens S7 and SIMATIC PLC systems.
Best Software for Allen-Bradley PLCs
Programming software for Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Automation PLC systems.
Best Budget PLC Software
Affordable PLC programming software that delivers excellent value for money.
Best Enterprise PLC Software
Enterprise-grade PLC and SCADA software for large-scale industrial automation.
Best Software for Motion Control
PLC software with advanced motion control, robotics, and CNC capabilities.
Best PLC Software for Learning
Educational PLC software platforms ideal for students and self-learners.
Popular Comparisons
TIA Portal
Siemens
Studio 5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley
Studio 5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley
GX Works3
Mitsubishi Electric
GX Works3
Mitsubishi Electric
EcoStruxure
Schneider Electric
EcoStruxure
Schneider Electric
TwinCAT
Beckhoff Automation
Looking for a specific comparison? Scroll down to see all 15 software platforms.
Overall Rankings
| Rank | Software | Overall Score | Price | Best 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 | $$ | Maintaining existing MicroLogix/SLC 500 systems |
8 | Sysmac Studio Omron | 73 | $$ | Machine automation with robotics |
9 | Studio 5000 Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley | 72 | $$$ | North American automation professionals |
10 | Unity Pro Schneider Electric | 71 | $$ | Maintaining existing Modicon installations |
All PLC Software
TIA Portal
Siemens
Industry-leading integration with Siemens hardware
See comparisonsStudio 5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley
Dominant in North American market - high job demand
See comparisonsGX Works3
Mitsubishi Electric
User-friendly interface, easier learning curve
See comparisonsEcoStruxure
Schneider Electric
Modern, user-friendly interface
See comparisonsTwinCAT
Beckhoff Automation
FREE engineering software - only pay for runtime
See comparisonsCODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
See comparisonsOpenPLC
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)
Completely FREE - no costs ever
See comparisonsLogixPro
The Learning Pit
Extremely affordable (~$50 for students)
See comparisonsAutomation Studio
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)
Excellent for high-speed packaging machinery
See comparisonsRSLogix 500/5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
Massive installed base - many jobs still require it
See comparisonsFactoryTalk
Rockwell Automation
Industry standard for Rockwell SCADA
See comparisonsUnity Pro
Schneider Electric
Large installed base in process industries
See comparisonsComparison Matrix
Compare any two software platforms side-by-side. Click on any intersection to see a detailed comparison.
| TIA Portal | Studio 5000 | GX Works3 | EcoStruxure | TwinCAT | CODESYS | OpenPLC | LogixPro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIA Portal | — | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Studio 5000 | Compare | — | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| GX Works3 | Compare | Compare | — | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| EcoStruxure | Compare | Compare | Compare | — | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| TwinCAT | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | — | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| CODESYS | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | — | Compare | Compare |
| OpenPLC | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | — | Compare |
| LogixPro | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | — |
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.
How We Compare Software
Our comparison methodology evaluates each software across six key criteria to give you transparent, data-driven recommendations:
Pricing (15%)
Cost, licensing models, free trials, and educational discounts
Ease of Use (15%)
Learning curve, interface, documentation, and beginner-friendliness
Features (25%)
Capabilities, hardware support, and programming languages
Industry Adoption (20%)
Market share, regional presence, and industry acceptance
Community Support (10%)
Forums, tutorials, user groups, and third-party resources
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.