Automation Studio vs OpenPLC
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
Automation Studio
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)
Excellent for high-speed packaging machinery
OpenPLC
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)
Completely FREE - no costs ever
Overall Winner
Automation Studio leads with an overall score of 70/100
Automation Studio is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, OpenPLC may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the OpenPLC Project (Open Source) ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | Automation Studio | OpenPLC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 70✓ | 55 |
| Pricing | 75 | 100✓ |
| Ease of Use | 50 | 50 |
| Features | 84✓ | 63 |
| Industry Adoption | 55✓ | 18 |
| Community Support | 91 | 94✓ |
| Career Value | 68✓ | 23 |
💰Pricing Comparison
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than Automation Studio ($$). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while Automation Studio ranges from $1,000 to $8,000.
📚Learning Curve
Both Automation Studio and OpenPLC have similar learning curves (rated 6/10). Expect 4-6 months to become proficient with either platform.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
Automation Studio offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. OpenPLC provides 11 key features. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
Automation Studio has 45% market adoption compared to OpenPLC's 10%. Automation Studio dominates in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, while OpenPLC is strongest in Global (primarily education and research). Automation Studio's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
Automation Studio is designed specifically for B&R Automation (ABB) hardware, while OpenPLC works with Generic/Open Hardware PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Automation Studio offers stronger career prospects with 45% market adoption and official certification programs. OpenPLC has 10% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, Automation Studio expertise is more in-demand.
Automation Studio Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Excellent for high-speed packaging machinery
- ✓Strong motion control capabilities
- ✓Modern development environment
- ✓C/C++ programming option for complex logic
Limitations
- ✗Less common than Siemens/Rockwell (fewer jobs)
- ✗Smaller user community
- ✗Limited third-party resources
Best For
OpenPLC Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Completely FREE - no costs ever
- ✓Open source - fully customizable
- ✓Runs on inexpensive hardware (Raspberry Pi)
- ✓Perfect for learning without financial investment
Limitations
- ✗Not suitable for commercial/industrial use
- ✗No official support (community only)
- ✗Limited features compared to commercial PLCs
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
Both are suitable
For Professionals
Automation Studio
Budget-Constrained
OpenPLC
Enterprise Use
Automation Studio
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Automation Studio or OpenPLC?
Automation Studio is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, OpenPLC may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the OpenPLC Project (Open Source) ecosystem.
What is the price difference between Automation Studio and OpenPLC?
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than Automation Studio ($$). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while Automation Studio ranges from $1,000 to $8,000.
Which is easier to learn: Automation Studio or OpenPLC?
Both Automation Studio and OpenPLC have similar learning curves (rated 6/10). Expect 4-6 months to become proficient with either platform.
Which has better career prospects?
Automation Studio offers stronger career prospects with 45% market adoption and official certification programs. OpenPLC has 10% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, Automation Studio expertise is more in-demand.