CODESYS vs CX-Programmer
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
CX-Programmer
Omron
Easy to learn and use
Overall Winner
CODESYS leads with an overall score of 85/100
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, CX-Programmer may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Omron ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | CODESYS | CX-Programmer |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85✓ | 77 |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 75 |
| Ease of Use | 70 | 80✓ |
| Features | 86✓ | 84 |
| Industry Adoption | 83✓ | 65 |
| Community Support | 100✓ | 91 |
| Career Value | 77✓ | 68 |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how CODESYS and CX-Programmer perform in specific industry scenarios to help guide your decision.
Small Machine Builder
OEM building compact machines with 50-200 I/O points, typically for niche markets or specialized applications
CODESYS
Perhaps the best strategic choice for small OEMs with growth ambitions. CODESYS basic version is FREE, and professional features are affordable ($0-$2,000). The killer advantage: hardware flexibility. Your first machines might use WAGO controllers (cost-effective), but as you grow, you can switch to other brands using the SAME programming environment. This prevents vendor lock-in and gives you neg...
CX-Programmer
Solid choice for small OEMs, especially in Asia-Pacific or material handling sectors. CX-Programmer (part of CX-One suite) licensing is affordable ($1,000-$5,000), and Omron CP/CJ series controllers offer good performance at competitive prices. The learning curve is gentle (2-3 months), enabling fast productivity. Omron's strength in sensors, vision systems, and robotics means excellent integratio...
Key Considerations:
- •Per-machine software licensing cost vs expected production volume
- •Time-to-market pressure - can you afford 6+ month learning curves?
- •Target customer geography and brand preferences
- •Hardware cost optimization - some platforms offer cheaper controllers
Automotive Tier 1 Supplier
Tier 1 automotive supplier providing systems and components directly to OEM vehicle manufacturers (VW, BMW, GM, Ford, Toyota, etc.)
CODESYS
Limited direct application for automotive Tier 1 suppliers due to OEM brand preferences, but valuable strategic knowledge. CODESYS underlies many automation platforms (including Schneider's EcoStruxure), so understanding it helps with multiple systems. Some automotive OEMs in China and emerging markets are more open to CODESYS-based controllers, offering cost advantages. The free engineering softw...
CX-Programmer
Limited use in automotive Tier 1 space, primarily for Asian automotive suppliers working with Japanese OEMs where Omron has relationships. CX-Programmer with CP/CJ series PLCs can be cost-effective for ancillary systems, but most automotive assembly lines use more established platforms. The newer Sysmac Studio has better automotive credibility. If working with Japanese automotive companies, verify...
Key Considerations:
- •Customer-specified platforms are non-negotiable - verify before any engineering investment
- •Long-term parts availability (15-20 years) is critical for automotive
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) must be well-established and accepted
- •Customer's plant maintenance teams must be trained on your platform
Process Industry (Chemical, Oil & Gas, Pharma)
Continuous process control in chemical plants, refineries, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other process industries requiring high reliability and regulatory compliance
CODESYS
Underlying platform for several process automation systems (including Schneider's EcoStruxure), but rarely deployed directly in process industries. The hardware flexibility could theoretically reduce vendor lock-in, but process plants prioritize long-term single-vendor support over flexibility. The free engineering software is attractive for development, but process plants need vendor guarantees f...
CX-Programmer
Minimal process industry adoption. Omron's market focus is discrete manufacturing and packaging, not process industries. While technically capable of process control, the ecosystem lacks integration with process field instrumentation, safety systems, and industry-specific certifications. Not recommended for chemical, oil and gas, or pharmaceutical applications. Potentially acceptable for food and ...
Key Considerations:
- •Redundancy and high availability are mandatory for critical processes
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) for emergency shutdown systems
- •Long-term vendor support (20-30 year plant lifecycles)
- •Integration with process instrumentation and field devices
💰Pricing Comparison
CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than CX-Programmer ($$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2 000, while CX-Programmer ranges from $1 000 to $5 000.
📚Learning Curve
CX-Programmer (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than CODESYS (rated 5/10). CX-Programmer typically takes 2-3 months to learn, while CODESYS requires 2-4 months. This makes CX-Programmer better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
CODESYS offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. CX-Programmer provides 11 key features with safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
CODESYS has 70% market adoption compared to CX-Programmer's 50%. CODESYS dominates in Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, while CX-Programmer is strongest in Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America. CODESYS's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
CODESYS is designed specifically for Over 500 manufacturers including Schneider Electric, Wago, Eaton, ifm, Festo, Bosch Rexroth hardware, while CX-Programmer works with Omron PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both CODESYS and CX-Programmer offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.
CODESYS Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓FREE basic version - perfect for learning
- ✓Supports wide range of hardware (500+ manufacturers)
- ✓Pure IEC 61131-3 standard compliance
- ✓Excellent for education and training
Limitations
- ✗Less recognized brand than Siemens/Rockwell
- ✗Professional features require paid add-ons
- ✗Fewer job postings specifically for CODESYS
Best For
CX-Programmer Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Easy to learn and use
- ✓Affordable pricing
- ✓Good simulation capabilities
- ✓Strong in material handling and robotics
Limitations
- ✗Less common in North America than Siemens/Rockwell
- ✗Smaller community than major competitors
- ✗Fewer job postings in some regions
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
Both are suitable
For Professionals
Both are suitable
Budget-Constrained
CODESYS
Enterprise Use
CODESYS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CODESYS or CX-Programmer?
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, CX-Programmer may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Omron ecosystem.
What is the price difference between CODESYS and CX-Programmer?
CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than CX-Programmer ($$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2 000, while CX-Programmer ranges from $1 000 to $5 000.
Which is easier to learn: CODESYS or CX-Programmer?
CX-Programmer (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than CODESYS (rated 5/10). CX-Programmer typically takes 2-3 months to learn, while CODESYS requires 2-4 months. This makes CX-Programmer better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both CODESYS and CX-Programmer offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.