Best Free PLC Software
Top free and open-source PLC programming software options that cost nothing to get started.
Starting Points
These are editorial starting points, not measured winners. Run the same proof project, verify the exact product version and licence, and document which option fits your controller and team.
PLC Simulation Software
plcsimulationsoftware.com
Zero install, zero cost, zero licence keys — fastest path to running ladder logic
Create a free account →CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
Comparison Shortlist
Order reflects the current editorial shortlist. Numeric scores and unattributed adoption percentages are intentionally omitted.
| Software | Licence model | PLC families listed | Operating systems listed |
|---|---|---|---|
PLC Simulation Software plcsimulationsoftware.com | freemium | 3 | Any OS — runs in browser, Windows, macOS |
CODESYS CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions) | freemium | 4 | Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 |
WPLSoft Delta | open source | 9 | Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 |
PLCnext Phoenix Contact | freemium | 4 | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
CODESYS Control Win CODESYS GmbH | freemium | 2 | Windows 10, Windows 11, Linux (separate Control Linux variant) |
CCW Micro800 Simulator Rockwell Automation | freemium | 5 | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
OpenPLC OpenPLC Project (Open Source) | open source | 6 | Linux, Windows, Raspberry Pi OS |
Ladder Logic Online Various educational publishers | freemium | 1 | Any OS — runs in browser |
Detailed Reviews
PLC Simulation Software
plcsimulationsoftware.com
Key Highlights
- ✓Zero install, zero cost, zero licence keys — fastest path to running ladder logic
- ✓Cross-platform: works on macOS, Linux, ChromeOS and tablets where most PLC software won't run
- ✓Browser-based saves and shares — perfect for classrooms and self-paced courses
Considerations
- !Browser-based environment — not a substitute for hands-on hardware programming
- !Cannot connect to physical PLCs or industrial networks
Best For
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
WPLSoft
Delta
Key Highlights
- ✓Free — no licensing cost ever
- ✓Lowest-cost path into PLC programming when paired with Delta DVP-ES2 hardware
- ✓Easy learning curve
Considerations
- !Older WPLSoft UI feels dated; limited visual polish
- !Documentation translation quality varies (English documentation is improving but still lags Chinese)
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
CODESYS Control Win
CODESYS GmbH
Key Highlights
- ✓Free for development use — no time-bombed trial
- ✓Full IEC 61131-3 conformance
- ✓Active development with frequent releases
Considerations
- !Steeper learning curve than browser simulators
- !Production deployment requires paid licence
Best For
CCW Micro800 Simulator
Rockwell Automation
Key Highlights
- ✓Free — zero licence cost
- ✓Genuine Allen-Bradley emulation experience
- ✓Beginner-friendly compared to Studio 5000
Considerations
- !Limited to Micro800 family — not full Logix
- !Windows-only
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
Ladder Logic Online
Various educational publishers
Key Highlights
- ✓Zero install
- ✓Cross-platform
- ✓Free for basics
Considerations
- !Lower fidelity than vendor simulators
- !No real PLC emulation
Best For
Verification Method
The previous 0–100 scores mixed editorial inputs with unverified market estimates. They are no longer presented as objective rankings. Use these six checks instead:
Licence scope
Record edition, seat model, term, runtimes, add-ons, support and the date of the vendor quote.
Proof workflow
Create, compile, simulate, diagnose, archive and restore the same bounded project in every candidate.
Exact compatibility
Verify controller catalogue number, firmware, OS, languages, safety, motion and HMI support.
Installed-base fit
Use customer standards, local support and stocked spares instead of a generic market-share estimate.
Evidence trail
Keep links to manuals, release notes, lifecycle notices and dated test results.
Exit and limitations
Document export, migration, runtime, commissioning and hardware-test boundaries.
Treat every platform field on this page as a shortlist clue until the exact version is checked against a current primary source. See the testing methodology and submit discrepancies through the correction policy.
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