Best Free PLC Software
Top free and open-source PLC programming software options that cost nothing to get started.
Quick Picks
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
PLCnext
Phoenix Contact
FREE programming software
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🥈 | PLCnext Phoenix Contact | 64 | $ | intermediate-advanced | 25% |
3🥉 | OpenPLC OpenPLC Project (Open Source) | 55 | free | intermediate | 10% |
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
PLCnext
Phoenix Contact
Key Highlights
- ✓FREE programming software
- ✓Open, modern architecture
- ✓Multiple programming language support
Considerations
- !Relatively new platform (limited adoption)
- !Small user community
Best For
OpenPLC
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)
Key Highlights
- ✓Completely FREE - no costs ever
- ✓Open source - fully customizable
- ✓Runs on inexpensive hardware (Raspberry Pi)
Considerations
- !Not suitable for commercial/industrial use
- !No official support (community only)
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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