Best Software for Siemens PLCs
Programming software options for Siemens S7 and SIMATIC PLC systems.
Quick Picks
TIA Portal
Siemens
Industry-leading integration with Siemens hardware
PLC Simulation Software
plcsimulationsoftware.com
Zero install, zero cost, zero licence keys — fastest path to running ladder logic
Open in browser →PLC Simulation Software
plcsimulationsoftware.com
Zero install, zero cost, zero licence keys — fastest path to running ladder logic
Open in browser →Complete Rankings
| Rank | Software | Score | Price | Learning | Adoption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1🏆 | TIA Portal Siemens | 77 | $$$ | intermediate | 85% |
2🥈 | PLC Simulation Software plcsimulationsoftware.com | 74 | free | beginner | 28% |
3🥉 | Wonderware InTouch AVEVA | 67 | $$$ | intermediate-advanced | 45% |
4 | Siemens PLCSIM Siemens | 62 | $$$ | intermediate | 42% |
5 | Citect SCADA AVEVA | 62 | $$$ | intermediate | 28% |
6 | VTScada Trihedral (Delta Electronics) | 61 | $$ | intermediate | 12% |
7 | iFIX GE Vernova | 58 | $$$ | intermediate | 22% |
8 | Factory I/O Real Games | 57 | $$ | beginner-intermediate | 22% |
9 | Proficy GE Vernova | 56 | $$$ | intermediate | 18% |
Detailed Reviews
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
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
Wonderware InTouch
AVEVA
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
Siemens PLCSIM
Siemens
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
Citect SCADA
AVEVA
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
VTScada
Trihedral (Delta Electronics)
Key Highlights
- ✓Exceptional fit for distributed utility-style assets (pump stations, substations, pipelines)
- ✓Built-in cellular store-and-forward — no third-party tools needed
- ✓Single licence — no surprise add-on costs
Considerations
- !Smaller community than AVEVA/Ignition — fewer integrators
- !Proprietary scripting language (VTScada)
Best For
iFIX
GE Vernova
Key Highlights
- ✓Battle-tested in regulated industries (pharma, power, utilities)
- ✓Strong Proficy ecosystem (Historian, Workflow, Plant Apps)
- ✓Excellent alarm management depth
Considerations
- !UI feels dated compared to Ignition Perspective or AVEVA System Platform
- !VBA-based scripting is increasingly out of fashion
Best For
Factory I/O
Real Games
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
Proficy
GE Vernova
Key Highlights
- ✓Deep historian capabilities
- ✓Strong fit in power generation and pharma
- ✓Integrated with Proficy MES and Plant Apps suite
Considerations
- !Roadmap ambiguity since GE Digital → GE Vernova split
- !UI feels dated vs Ignition or System Platform
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.
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 Software for Professionals
Industry-leading PLC software platforms used by professional automation engineers worldwide.
Best PLC Simulators
PLC simulation software for learning and testing without physical hardware.
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.