Automation Studio vs PLCnext
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
Automation Studio
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)
Excellent for high-speed packaging machinery
PLCnext
Phoenix Contact
FREE programming software
Overall Winner
Automation Studio leads with an overall score of 70/100
Automation Studio is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, PLCnext may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the Phoenix Contact ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | Automation Studio | PLCnext |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 70✓ | 64 |
| Pricing | 75 | 100✓ |
| Ease of Use | 50✓ | 40 |
| Features | 84✓ | 69 |
| Industry Adoption | 55✓ | 38 |
| Community Support | 91 | 94✓ |
| Career Value | 68✓ | 58 |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how Automation Studio and PLCnext perform in specific industry scenarios to help guide your decision.
Small Machine Builder
OEM building compact machines with 50-200 I/O points, typically for niche markets or specialized applications
Automation Studio
Excellent choice for small OEMs focused on packaging, food processing, or pharmaceutical machinery. B&R (now ABB) Automation Studio licensing ($1,000-$8,000) is reasonable, and the Mapp Technology framework dramatically accelerates development. These pre-built function blocks handle common packaging tasks (conveyor control, recipe management, batch processing) that would take weeks to program from...
PLCnext
Forward-thinking choice for innovative small OEMs, especially those targeting Industry 4.0-focused customers. The software is FREE - you only pay for controller hardware. Phoenix Contact's open architecture philosophy means you can program in IEC 61131-3, C++, C#, or Python on the same controller. This flexibility is unprecedented. The Docker container support lets you run custom applications (dat...
Key Considerations:
- •Per-machine software licensing cost vs expected production volume
- •Time-to-market pressure - can you afford 6+ month learning curves?
- •Target customer geography and brand preferences
- •Hardware cost optimization - some platforms offer cheaper controllers
Automotive Tier 1 Supplier
Tier 1 automotive supplier providing systems and components directly to OEM vehicle manufacturers (VW, BMW, GM, Ford, Toyota, etc.)
Automation Studio
Strategic choice for Tier 1 suppliers specializing in specific automotive sectors where B&R excels: automotive paint shops (B&R has strong track record in paint atomizer control), electric vehicle battery assembly (precision handling and traceability), and automotive glass manufacturing. ABB's ownership of B&R (since 2017) has strengthened automotive credentials. The Automation Studio licensing ($...
PLCnext
Interesting but risky for automotive Tier 1 suppliers. Phoenix Contact's open architecture and free engineering software are attractive, especially for cost-conscious EV startups. The IoT and Industry 4.0 capabilities align with automotive digital transformation initiatives. The Docker container support enables innovative edge computing applications (predictive maintenance, quality analytics). How...
Key Considerations:
- •Customer-specified platforms are non-negotiable - verify before any engineering investment
- •Long-term parts availability (15-20 years) is critical for automotive
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) must be well-established and accepted
- •Customer's plant maintenance teams must be trained on your platform
Process Industry (Chemical, Oil & Gas, Pharma)
Continuous process control in chemical plants, refineries, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other process industries requiring high reliability and regulatory compliance
Automation Studio
Limited process industry adoption despite B&R's capabilities. The Automation Studio platform is primarily oriented toward discrete manufacturing and packaging. While technically capable of process control, the ecosystem lacks deep integration with process instrumentation and safety systems common in chemical, oil and gas, or pharmaceutical applications. The market positioning doesn't emphasize pro...
PLCnext
Too immature for critical process industries. Phoenix Contact's open architecture and IoT capabilities are interesting, but process industries require proven platforms with decades of regulatory acceptance. The limited process industry track record, lack of redundancy configurations, and minimal safety certifications eliminate PLCnext from consideration for refineries, chemical plants, or pharmace...
Key Considerations:
- •Redundancy and high availability are mandatory for critical processes
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) for emergency shutdown systems
- •Long-term vendor support (20-30 year plant lifecycles)
- •Integration with process instrumentation and field devices
💰Pricing Comparison
PLCnext ($) is significantly more affordable than Automation Studio ($$). PLCnext costs between $0 and $2 000, while Automation Studio ranges from $1 000 to $8 000.
📚Learning Curve
Automation Studio (rated 6/10) is easier to learn than PLCnext (rated 7/10). Automation Studio typically takes 4-6 months to learn, while PLCnext requires 4-8 months. This makes Automation Studio better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
Automation Studio offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. PLCnext provides 11 key features with motion control. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
Automation Studio has 45% market adoption compared to PLCnext's 25%. Automation Studio dominates in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, while PLCnext is strongest in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific. 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 PLCnext works with Phoenix Contact PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both Automation Studio and PLCnext offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.
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
PLCnext Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓FREE programming software
- ✓Open, modern architecture
- ✓Multiple programming language support
- ✓IoT and Industry 4.0 ready
Limitations
- ✗Relatively new platform (limited adoption)
- ✗Small user community
- ✗Fewer job postings
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
Both are suitable
For Professionals
Automation Studio
Budget-Constrained
PLCnext
Enterprise Use
Automation Studio
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Automation Studio or PLCnext?
Automation Studio is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, PLCnext may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the Phoenix Contact ecosystem.
What is the price difference between Automation Studio and PLCnext?
PLCnext ($) is significantly more affordable than Automation Studio ($$). PLCnext costs between $0 and $2 000, while Automation Studio ranges from $1 000 to $8 000.
Which is easier to learn: Automation Studio or PLCnext?
Automation Studio (rated 6/10) is easier to learn than PLCnext (rated 7/10). Automation Studio typically takes 4-6 months to learn, while PLCnext requires 4-8 months. This makes Automation Studio better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both Automation Studio and PLCnext offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.