Best PLC Software for Professionals
Industry-leading PLC software platforms used by professional automation engineers worldwide.
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 | $$ | beginner-intermediate | 65% |
3🥉 | TIA Portal Siemens | 77 | $$$ | intermediate | 85% |
4 | RSLogix 500/5000 Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy) | 76 | $$ | intermediate | 75% |
5 | Studio 5000 Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley | 72 | $$$ | intermediate | 80% |
6 | FactoryTalk Rockwell Automation | 62 | $$$ | intermediate-advanced | 70% |
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
TIA Portal
Siemens
Key Highlights
- ✓Industry-leading integration with Siemens hardware
- ✓Comprehensive all-in-one solution
- ✓Excellent documentation and training materials
Considerations
- !Expensive licensing costs
- !Steep learning curve for beginners
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
Studio 5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley
Key Highlights
- ✓Dominant in North American market - high job demand
- ✓Excellent integration with Rockwell ecosystem
- ✓Strong motion control capabilities
Considerations
- !Very expensive licensing model
- !Limited to Allen-Bradley/Rockwell hardware
Best For
FactoryTalk
Rockwell Automation
Key Highlights
- ✓Industry standard for Rockwell SCADA
- ✓Seamless integration with Studio 5000
- ✓Powerful alarming and trending
Considerations
- !Very expensive licensing
- !Complex to learn and master
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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