Best PLC Software for Beginners
The easiest PLC programming software to learn for newcomers to industrial automation.
Quick Picks
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
GX Works3
Mitsubishi Electric
User-friendly interface, easier learning curve
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
Complete Rankings
| Rank | Software | Score | Price | Learning | Adoption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1🏆 | CODESYS CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions) | 85 | $ | beginner-intermediate | 70% |
2🥈 | GX Works3 Mitsubishi Electric | 81 | $$ | beginner-intermediate | 65% |
3🥉 | EcoStruxure Schneider Electric | 77 | $$ | beginner-intermediate | 55% |
4 | CX-Programmer Omron | 77 | $$ | beginner-intermediate | 50% |
5 | RSLogix 500/5000 Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy) | 76 | $$ | intermediate | 75% |
6 | LogixPro The Learning Pit | 51 | $ | beginner | 5% |
Detailed Reviews
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
Key Highlights
- ✓FREE basic version - perfect for learning
- ✓Supports wide range of hardware (500+ manufacturers)
- ✓Pure IEC 61131-3 standard compliance
Considerations
- !Less recognized brand than Siemens/Rockwell
- !Professional features require paid add-ons
Best For
GX Works3
Mitsubishi Electric
Key Highlights
- ✓User-friendly interface, easier learning curve
- ✓More affordable than competitors
- ✓Strong in Asia-Pacific market
Considerations
- !Less common in North America
- !Smaller community compared to Siemens/Rockwell
Best For
EcoStruxure
Schneider Electric
Key Highlights
- ✓Modern, user-friendly interface
- ✓Strong IoT and cloud integration
- ✓Good price-to-feature ratio
Considerations
- !Relatively new platform, less established
- !Smaller community than major competitors
Best For
CX-Programmer
Omron
Key Highlights
- ✓Easy to learn and use
- ✓Affordable pricing
- ✓Good simulation capabilities
Considerations
- !Less common in North America than Siemens/Rockwell
- !Smaller community than major competitors
Best For
RSLogix 500/5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
Key Highlights
- ✓Massive installed base - many jobs still require it
- ✓Well-understood and documented
- ✓Stable, mature platform
Considerations
- !No longer actively developed (legacy software)
- !Being phased out in favor of Studio 5000
Best For
LogixPro
The Learning Pit
Key Highlights
- ✓Extremely affordable (~$50 for students)
- ✓Perfect for absolute beginners
- ✓No hardware needed to learn
Considerations
- !Simulation only - not for real PLCs
- !Limited to Allen-Bradley/RSLogix style ladder logic
Best For
Our Methodology
Our rankings are based on a comprehensive scoring system that evaluates each software across six key criteria:
Pricing (15%)
Cost-effectiveness, free trials, educational discounts, and overall value for money.
Ease of Use (15%)
Learning curve, interface design, documentation quality, and beginner-friendliness.
Features (25%)
Capabilities, hardware support, programming languages, and advanced functionality.
Industry Adoption (20%)
Market share, regional presence, and acceptance across industries.
Community Support (10%)
Forums, documentation, tutorials, user groups, and third-party resources.
Career Value (15%)
Job market demand, certification availability, and long-term career prospects.
All data is collected from official vendor sources, user reviews, industry surveys, and our own testing. Rankings are updated regularly to reflect current market conditions.
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