CODESYS vs GX Works3
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
GX Works3
Mitsubishi Electric
User-friendly interface, easier learning curve
Head-to-Head Match
Both CODESYS and GX Works3 are excellent choices with different strengths. CODESYS excels in pricing, while GX Works3 leads in community support. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.
Score Breakdown
| Category | CODESYS | GX Works3 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85✓ | 81 |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 75 |
| Ease of Use | 70 | 80✓ |
| Features | 86 | 86 |
| Industry Adoption | 83✓ | 80 |
| Community Support | 100✓ | 91 |
| Career Value | 77✓ | 74 |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how CODESYS and GX Works3 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...
GX Works3
Sweet spot for small Asian and European OEMs. GX Works3 licensing ($1,000-$5,000) is affordable enough that you can license 2-3 seats without breaking the bank. Mitsubishi's iQ-R and FX5 series offer excellent performance at competitive prices. The learning curve is gentle (1-3 months) - your programmer can be productive quickly, accelerating time-to-market. The software runs smoothly on modest ha...
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...
GX Works3
Increasingly common for Asian automotive Tier 1 suppliers, particularly those serving Japanese, Korean, and Chinese OEMs (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Geely, BYD). Mitsubishi Electric has strong presence in Asian automotive manufacturing, and many OEMs specify or prefer GX Works3. The licensing cost ($1,000-$5,000) is significantly lower than Siemens/Rockwell - attractive for cost-sensitive mar...
Key Considerations:
- •Customer-specified platforms are non-negotiable - verify before any engineering investment
- •Long-term parts availability (15-20 years) is critical for automotive
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) must be well-established and accepted
- •Customer's plant maintenance teams must be trained on your platform
Process Industry (Chemical, Oil & Gas, Pharma)
Continuous process control in chemical plants, refineries, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other process industries requiring high reliability and regulatory compliance
CODESYS
Underlying platform for several process automation systems (including Schneider's EcoStruxure), but rarely deployed directly in process industries. The hardware flexibility could theoretically reduce vendor lock-in, but process plants prioritize long-term single-vendor support over flexibility. The free engineering software is attractive for development, but process plants need vendor guarantees f...
GX Works3
Limited adoption in Western process industries, but more common in Asian process plants. Mitsubishi has process automation solutions, but market penetration is lower than Siemens or Rockwell in critical process applications. The reliability and features are adequate, but the ecosystem of process field instruments, safety systems, and SCADA integrations is less developed. For non-critical process a...
Key Considerations:
- •Redundancy and high availability are mandatory for critical processes
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) for emergency shutdown systems
- •Long-term vendor support (20-30 year plant lifecycles)
- •Integration with process instrumentation and field devices
💰Pricing Comparison
CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than GX Works3 ($$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2 000, while GX Works3 ranges from $1 000 to $5 000.
📚Learning Curve
GX Works3 (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than CODESYS (rated 5/10). GX Works3 typically takes 1-3 months to learn, while CODESYS requires 2-4 months. This makes GX Works3 better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
CODESYS offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. GX Works3 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 GX Works3's 65%. CODESYS dominates in Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, while GX Works3 is strongest in Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe. 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 GX Works3 works with Mitsubishi Electric PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both CODESYS and GX Works3 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
GX Works3 Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓User-friendly interface, easier learning curve
- ✓More affordable than competitors
- ✓Strong in Asia-Pacific market
- ✓Good simulation capabilities
Limitations
- ✗Less common in North America
- ✗Smaller community compared to Siemens/Rockwell
- ✗Limited third-party integration
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
Both are suitable
For Professionals
Both are suitable
Budget-Constrained
CODESYS
Enterprise Use
Both are suitable
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CODESYS or GX Works3?
Both CODESYS and GX Works3 are excellent choices with different strengths. CODESYS excels in pricing, while GX Works3 leads in community support. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.
What is the price difference between CODESYS and GX Works3?
CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than GX Works3 ($$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2 000, while GX Works3 ranges from $1 000 to $5 000.
Which is easier to learn: CODESYS or GX Works3?
GX Works3 (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than CODESYS (rated 5/10). GX Works3 typically takes 1-3 months to learn, while CODESYS requires 2-4 months. This makes GX Works3 better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both CODESYS and GX Works3 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.