CODESYS vs EcoStruxure

Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms

CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)Schneider ElectricUpdated 2025

CODESYS

CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)

85
Overall Score
Price:$
Learning:beginner-intermediate
Adoption:70%

FREE basic version - perfect for learning

EcoStruxure

Schneider Electric

77
Overall Score
Price:$$
Learning:beginner-intermediate
Adoption:55%

Modern, user-friendly interface

Overall Winner

CODESYS leads with an overall score of 85/100

CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, EcoStruxure may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Schneider Electric ecosystem.

Score Breakdown

CategoryCODESYSEcoStruxure
Overall
85
77
Pricing
100
75
Ease of Use
70
70
Features
86
86
Industry Adoption
83
68
Community Support
100
89
Career Value
77
74

💰Pricing Comparison

CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than EcoStruxure ($$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2,000, while EcoStruxure ranges from $800 to $8,000.

📚Learning Curve

Both CODESYS and EcoStruxure have similar learning curves (rated 5/10). Expect 2-4 months to become proficient with either platform.

⚙️Features & Capabilities

CODESYS offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. EcoStruxure 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 EcoStruxure's 55%. CODESYS dominates in Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, while EcoStruxure is strongest in Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa. 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 EcoStruxure works with Schneider Electric PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.

💼Career Prospects

Both CODESYS and EcoStruxure 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

Learning PLC programming and IEC 61131-3Students and hobbyists (free version)OEM machine builders

EcoStruxure Overview

Key Strengths

  • Modern, user-friendly interface
  • Strong IoT and cloud integration
  • Good price-to-feature ratio
  • Based on widely-used CoDeSys platform

Limitations

  • Relatively new platform, less established
  • Smaller community than major competitors
  • Limited third-party support

Best For

Building automation projectsEnergy management systemsWater and wastewater treatment

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 EcoStruxure?

CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, EcoStruxure may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Schneider Electric ecosystem.

What is the price difference between CODESYS and EcoStruxure?

CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than EcoStruxure ($$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2,000, while EcoStruxure ranges from $800 to $8,000.

Which is easier to learn: CODESYS or EcoStruxure?

Both CODESYS and EcoStruxure have similar learning curves (rated 5/10). Expect 2-4 months to become proficient with either platform.

Which has better career prospects?

Both CODESYS and EcoStruxure offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.

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