CODESYS vs Siemens PLCSIM
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
Siemens PLCSIM
Siemens
Industry-standard Siemens emulator
Overall Winner
CODESYS leads with an overall score of 85/100
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, Siemens PLCSIM may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Siemens ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | CODESYS | Siemens PLCSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85✓ | 62 |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 50 |
| Ease of Use | 70✓ | 50 |
| Features | 86✓ | 61 |
| Industry Adoption | 83✓ | 69 |
| Community Support | 100 | 100 |
| Career Value | 77✓ | 52 |
💰Pricing Comparison
CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than Siemens PLCSIM ($$$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2 000, while Siemens PLCSIM ranges from $0 to $2 000.
📚Learning Curve
CODESYS (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than Siemens PLCSIM (rated 6/10). CODESYS typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while Siemens PLCSIM requires 2-4 weeks. This makes CODESYS better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
CODESYS offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. Siemens PLCSIM provides 7 key features with safety programming, motion control. CODESYS offers a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
CODESYS has 70% market adoption compared to Siemens PLCSIM's 42%. CODESYS dominates in Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, while Siemens PLCSIM is strongest in Global. 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 Siemens PLCSIM works with Siemens PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
CODESYS offers stronger career prospects with 70% market adoption and official certification programs. Siemens PLCSIM has 42% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, CODESYS expertise is more in-demand.
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
Siemens PLCSIM Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Industry-standard Siemens emulator
- ✓Real firmware behaviour, not approximation
- ✓Tight TIA Portal integration
- ✓Trusted for production code validation and FAT
Limitations
- ✗Windows-only
- ✗Requires TIA Portal — large install (~6 GB+)
- ✗TIA Portal licence costs €1,200-2,000+/year for production use
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
CODESYS
For Professionals
CODESYS
Budget-Constrained
CODESYS
Enterprise Use
CODESYS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CODESYS or Siemens PLCSIM?
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, Siemens PLCSIM may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Siemens ecosystem.
What is the price difference between CODESYS and Siemens PLCSIM?
CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than Siemens PLCSIM ($$$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2 000, while Siemens PLCSIM ranges from $0 to $2 000.
Which is easier to learn: CODESYS or Siemens PLCSIM?
CODESYS (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than Siemens PLCSIM (rated 6/10). CODESYS typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while Siemens PLCSIM requires 2-4 weeks. This makes CODESYS better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
CODESYS offers stronger career prospects with 70% market adoption and official certification programs. Siemens PLCSIM has 42% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, CODESYS expertise is more in-demand.