Best PLC Software for Professionals
Industry-leading PLC software platforms used by professional automation engineers worldwide.
14 Options ComparedUpdated 2026Editorial Shortlist
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.
First to evaluate
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
Licence modelfreemium
Broad fit in this category
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
Alternative to evaluate
GX Works3
Mitsubishi Electric
Licence modelperpetual license
Compare against the same test
User-friendly interface, easier learning curve
Lower-cost model to check
PLC Simulation Software
plcsimulationsoftware.com
Licence modelfreemium
Confirm the current edition and limits
Zero install, zero cost, zero licence keys — fastest path to running ladder logic
Create a free account →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 |
|---|---|---|---|
CODESYS CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions) | freemium | 4 | Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 |
GX Works3 Mitsubishi Electric | perpetual license | 5 | Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 |
TIA Portal Siemens | perpetual license | 6 | Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server |
RSLogix 500/5000 Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy) | perpetual license | 5 | Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8 |
PLC Simulation Software plcsimulationsoftware.com | freemium | 3 | Any OS — runs in browser, Windows, macOS |
Studio 5000 Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley | subscription | 5 | Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server |
Wonderware InTouch AVEVA | perpetual license | 1 | Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2019 |
FactoryTalk Rockwell Automation | subscription | 5 | Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server |
Siemens PLCSIM Siemens | perpetual license | 4 | Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11 (64-bit) |
Citect SCADA AVEVA | perpetual license | 1 | Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2019 |
Studio 5000 Logix Emulate Rockwell Automation | perpetual license | 3 | Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11 (64-bit) |
CODESYS Control Win CODESYS GmbH | freemium | 2 | Windows 10, Windows 11, Linux (separate Control Linux variant) |
Factory I/O Real Games | perpetual license | 1 | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
RSLogix Emulate 500 Rockwell Automation | perpetual license | 6 | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
Detailed Reviews
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
Dataset version
V3.5
PLC families listed
4
IEC languages listed
6
OS entries listed
4
Safety flag
Listed; verify scope
Motion flag
Listed; verify scope
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
Learning PLC programming and IEC 61131-3Students and hobbyists (free version)OEM machine buildersEmbedded automation projects
Licence model
freemium
Current quote
Required
Compatibility
Verify exact version
Hardware test
Required before use
GX Works3
Mitsubishi Electric
Dataset version
1.095Y
PLC families listed
5
IEC languages listed
5
OS entries listed
4
Safety flag
Listed; verify scope
Motion flag
Listed; verify scope
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
Asian manufacturing facilitiesAutomotive component manufacturersElectronics and semiconductor industriesSmall to medium-sized automation projects
Licence model
perpetual license
Current quote
Required
Compatibility
Verify exact version
Hardware test
Required before use
TIA Portal
Siemens
Dataset version
V19
PLC families listed
6
IEC languages listed
5
OS entries listed
3
Safety flag
Listed; verify scope
Motion flag
Listed; verify scope
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
Professional Siemens automation engineersLarge-scale industrial automation projectsIntegrated machine and plant automationSafety-critical applications
Licence model
perpetual license
Current quote
Required
Compatibility
Verify exact version
Hardware test
Required before use
RSLogix 500/5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
Dataset version
12.00 (RSLogix 500) / 21.00 (RSLogix 5000)
PLC families listed
5
IEC languages listed
4
OS entries listed
4
Safety flag
Listed; verify scope
Motion flag
Listed; verify scope
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
Maintaining existing MicroLogix/SLC 500 systemsCompanies with large legacy installationsLearning fundamentals before Studio 5000Retrofit and upgrade projects
Licence model
perpetual license
Current quote
Required
Compatibility
Verify exact version
Hardware test
Required before use
PLC Simulation Software
plcsimulationsoftware.com
Dataset version
2026
PLC families listed
3
IEC languages listed
3
OS entries listed
7
Safety flag
Not listed
Motion flag
Not listed
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
Absolute beginners learning PLC programmingSelf-learners on macOS, Linux, ChromeOS or tabletsTechnical school and vocational classroomsCareer-changers exploring industrial automation
Licence model
freemium
Current quote
Required
Compatibility
Verify exact version
Hardware test
Required before use
Studio 5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley
Dataset version
V36
PLC families listed
5
IEC languages listed
4
OS entries listed
3
Safety flag
Listed; verify scope
Motion flag
Listed; verify scope
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
North American automation professionalsAllen-Bradley/Rockwell installationsOil and gas industry applicationsMining and material handling
Licence model
subscription
Current quote
Required
Compatibility
Verify exact version
Hardware test
Required before use
Wonderware InTouch
AVEVA
Dataset version
2023 R2
PLC families listed
1
IEC languages listed
0
OS entries listed
4
Safety flag
Not listed
Motion flag
Not listed
Key Highlights
- ✓Largest SCADA installed base in process industries
- ✓Best-in-class historian (AVEVA + PI)
- ✓Strong batch/recipe for pharma, food, chemicals
Considerations
- !Per-tag licensing expensive at 100,000+ tag scale
- !Galaxy/ArchestrA learning curve is steep
Best For
Oil & gas processing plantsChemical manufacturingPharmaceutical batch facilitiesFood & beverage at scale
Licence model
perpetual license
Current quote
Required
Compatibility
Verify exact version
Hardware test
Required before use
FactoryTalk
Rockwell Automation
Dataset version
13.00
PLC families listed
5
IEC languages listed
0
OS entries listed
3
Safety flag
Not listed
Motion flag
Not listed
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
Large-scale SCADA systemsMulti-site monitoring and controlEnterprise Rockwell installationsOil and gas operations
Licence model
subscription
Current quote
Required
Compatibility
Verify exact version
Hardware test
Required before use
Siemens PLCSIM
Siemens
Dataset version
V19
PLC families listed
4
IEC languages listed
5
OS entries listed
2
Safety flag
Listed; verify scope
Motion flag
Listed; verify scope
Key Highlights
- ✓Industry-standard Siemens emulator
- ✓Real firmware behaviour, not approximation
- ✓Tight TIA Portal integration
Considerations
- !Windows-only
- !Requires TIA Portal — large install (~6 GB+)
Best For
Working Siemens automation engineersPre-commissioning code validation on S7 projectsFactory acceptance testing for Siemens-house OEMsEngineers preparing for Siemens certification exams
Licence model
perpetual license
Current quote
Required
Compatibility
Verify exact version
Hardware test
Required before use
Citect SCADA
AVEVA
Dataset version
2024
PLC families listed
1
IEC languages listed
0
OS entries listed
4
Safety flag
Not listed
Motion flag
Not listed
Key Highlights
- ✓Mature with 50+ year track record (founded 1973)
- ✓Strong fit for Schneider Electric / Modicon plants
- ✓Native to Australia/APAC mining sector
Considerations
- !AVEVA Plant SCADA rebrand has caused naming confusion
- !Cicode is proprietary — engineers can't transfer skills directly
Best For
Mining and mineral processingSchneider Modicon-based plantsWater and wastewater utilities (especially Australian)Oil & gas remote operations
Licence model
perpetual license
Current quote
Required
Compatibility
Verify exact version
Hardware test
Required before use
Studio 5000 Logix Emulate
Rockwell Automation
Dataset version
V35
PLC families listed
3
IEC languages listed
4
OS entries listed
2
Safety flag
Listed; verify scope
Motion flag
Listed; verify scope
Key Highlights
- ✓Industry-standard for Allen-Bradley emulation
- ✓Trusted for FAT and pre-commissioning
- ✓Pairs with Factory I/O for scenario testing
Considerations
- !Expensive ($500-1500+ per seat)
- !Windows-only
Best For
North-American Allen-Bradley engineersOEM panel-builders shipping into Rockwell-house customersFactory acceptance testingCompactLogix / ControlLogix program development
Licence model
perpetual license
Current quote
Required
Compatibility
Verify exact version
Hardware test
Required before use
CODESYS Control Win
CODESYS GmbH
Dataset version
V3.5
PLC families listed
2
IEC languages listed
6
OS entries listed
3
Safety flag
Not listed
Motion flag
Listed; verify scope
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
Engineers learning IEC 61131-3 properlyHobbyists building home automation projectsOEM developers using CODESYS-compatible hardwareUniversities teaching standards-based PLC programming
Licence model
freemium
Current quote
Required
Compatibility
Verify exact version
Hardware test
Required before use
Factory I/O
Real Games
Dataset version
2.5
PLC families listed
1
IEC languages listed
1
OS entries listed
2
Safety flag
Not listed
Motion flag
Not listed
Key Highlights
- ✓Genuinely realistic 3D plant scenarios
- ✓Pairs with any major PLC simulator
- ✓Strong educational adoption — recognised on CVs
Considerations
- !Windows-only
- !Requires a separate PLC simulator or real PLC
Best For
Vocational and university automation programmesEngineers practising scenario-level PLC programmingOEM machine designers prototyping plant logicSelf-learners past the ladder-fundamentals stage
Licence model
perpetual license
Current quote
Required
Compatibility
Verify exact version
Hardware test
Required before use
RSLogix Emulate 500
Rockwell Automation
Dataset version
V8
PLC families listed
6
IEC languages listed
1
OS entries listed
2
Safety flag
Not listed
Motion flag
Not listed
Key Highlights
- ✓Affordable Allen-Bradley emulation
- ✓Faithful SLC / MicroLogix behaviour
- ✓Trusted for legacy maintenance training
Considerations
- !Windows-only
- !Limited to legacy Allen-Bradley families
Best For
Maintenance engineers inheriting SLC 500 / MicroLogix panelsAllen-Bradley legacy program trainingVocational schools standardised on RSLogix 500Engineers learning Allen-Bradley basics before moving to Studio 5000
Licence model
perpetual license
Current quote
Required
Compatibility
Verify exact version
Hardware test
Required before use
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.
Explore More Categories
Best PLC Software for Beginners
The easiest PLC programming software to learn for newcomers to industrial automation.
Best Free PLC Software
Top free and open-source PLC programming software options that cost nothing to get started.
Best PLC Simulators
PLC simulation software for learning and testing without physical hardware.
Best Software for Siemens PLCs
Programming software options for Siemens S7 and SIMATIC PLC systems.
Best Software for Allen-Bradley PLCs
Programming software for Allen-Bradley and Rockwell Automation PLC systems.
Best Budget PLC Software
Affordable PLC programming software that delivers excellent value for money.