PLC Programming
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Best PLC Simulators

PLC simulation software for learning and testing without physical hardware.

2 Options ComparedUpdated 2025Expert Rankings

Quick Picks

Top Pick

OpenPLC

OpenPLC Project (Open Source)

55free
🏆 Best Overall

Completely FREE - no costs ever

Runner-Up

LogixPro

The Learning Pit

51$
🥈 Excellent Choice

Extremely affordable (~$50 for students)

Budget Pick

OpenPLC

OpenPLC Project (Open Source)

55free
💰 Best Value

Completely FREE - no costs ever

Complete Rankings

RankSoftwareScorePriceLearningAdoption
1🏆
OpenPLC
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)
55
freeintermediate10%
2🥈
LogixPro
The Learning Pit
51
$beginner5%

Detailed Reviews

#1

OpenPLC

OpenPLC Project (Open Source)

55
Overall Score
Pricing
100
Ease of Use
50
Features
63
Adoption
18
Community
94
Career
23

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

Students learning PLC programmingHobbyists and DIY automationHome automation projectsEducational institutions on tight budgets
Learning Time
3-6 months
Price Range
$0-$0
Free Trial
Yes
Certification
No
#2

LogixPro

The Learning Pit

51
Overall Score
Pricing
95
Ease of Use
100
Features
40
Adoption
15
Community
60
Career
16

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

Complete beginners learning PLC basicsStudents in technical schools and collegesSelf-learners wanting to try PLCs without investmentUnderstanding ladder logic fundamentals
Learning Time
2-4 weeks
Price Range
$50-$100
Free Trial
Yes
Certification
No

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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