Best Free PLC Software
Top free and open-source PLC programming software options that cost nothing to get started.
Quick Picks
PLC Simulation Software
plcsimulationsoftware.com
Zero install, zero cost, zero licence keys — fastest path to running ladder logic
Open in browser →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
Complete Rankings
| Rank | Software | Score | Price | Learning | Adoption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1🏆 | PLC Simulation Software plcsimulationsoftware.com | 74 | free | beginner | 28% |
2🥈 | CODESYS CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions) | 85 | $ | beginner-intermediate | 70% |
3🥉 | WPLSoft Delta | 73 | free | beginner | 35% |
4 | PLCnext Phoenix Contact | 64 | $ | intermediate-advanced | 25% |
5 | CODESYS Control Win CODESYS GmbH | 60 | $ | intermediate | 15% |
6 | CCW Micro800 Simulator Rockwell Automation | 58 | free | beginner | 8% |
7 | OpenPLC OpenPLC Project (Open Source) | 55 | free | intermediate | 10% |
8 | Ladder Logic Online Various educational publishers | 52 | free | beginner | 12% |
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
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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