CODESYS vs TIA Portal
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
TIA Portal
Siemens
Industry-leading integration with Siemens hardware
Overall Winner
CODESYS leads with an overall score of 85/100
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, TIA Portal may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Siemens ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | CODESYS | TIA Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85✓ | 77 |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 50 |
| Ease of Use | 70✓ | 50 |
| Features | 86✓ | 79 |
| Industry Adoption | 83 | 95✓ |
| Community Support | 100 | 100 |
| Career Value | 77 | 85✓ |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how CODESYS and TIA Portal 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...
TIA Portal
Challenging choice for small OEMs. While TIA Portal offers exceptional capabilities, the licensing cost ($1,500-$15,000) can consume 10-30% of your entire automation budget on a single machine. The S7-1200 hardware is excellent and compact, but you're paying premium prices for enterprise features you may never use. Consider TIA Portal only if your end customers specifically require Siemens (common...
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...
TIA Portal
Often mandatory for European automotive OEMs, particularly German manufacturers (VW, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche). These companies explicitly specify Siemens in their supplier requirements documents - you have no choice. TIA Portal with S7-1500 Safety PLCs is the standard for assembly lines, body shops, and paint shops. The cost ($1,500-$15,000 per license, multiplied by 10-50 engineers) is signi...
Key Considerations:
- •Customer-specified platforms are non-negotiable - verify before any engineering investment
- •Long-term parts availability (15-20 years) is critical for automotive
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) must be well-established and accepted
- •Customer's plant maintenance teams must be trained on your platform
Process Industry (Chemical, Oil & Gas, Pharma)
Continuous process control in chemical plants, refineries, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other process industries requiring high reliability and regulatory compliance
CODESYS
Underlying platform for several process automation systems (including Schneider's EcoStruxure), but rarely deployed directly in process industries. The hardware flexibility could theoretically reduce vendor lock-in, but process plants prioritize long-term single-vendor support over flexibility. The free engineering software is attractive for development, but process plants need vendor guarantees f...
TIA Portal
Strong choice for process industries, particularly in Europe and pharmaceuticals. TIA Portal with S7-1500/S7-400 Redundancy (H-Systems) provides the high availability needed for critical processes. The hot-standby redundancy ensures control continuity during PLC failures - essential for processes that can't be interrupted (chemical reactions, pharmaceutical batch processes). The safety PLC capabil...
Key Considerations:
- •Redundancy and high availability are mandatory for critical processes
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) for emergency shutdown systems
- •Long-term vendor support (20-30 year plant lifecycles)
- •Integration with process instrumentation and field devices
💰Pricing Comparison
CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than TIA Portal ($$$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2 000, while TIA Portal ranges from $1 500 to $15 000.
📚Learning Curve
CODESYS (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than TIA Portal (rated 6/10). CODESYS typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while TIA Portal requires 3-6 months. This makes CODESYS better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
CODESYS offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. TIA Portal provides 11 key features with safety programming, motion control. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
TIA Portal has 85% market adoption compared to CODESYS's 70%. TIA Portal dominates in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, while CODESYS is strongest in Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America. TIA Portal'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 TIA Portal works with Siemens PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both CODESYS and TIA Portal 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
TIA Portal Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Industry-leading integration with Siemens hardware
- ✓Comprehensive all-in-one solution
- ✓Excellent documentation and training materials
- ✓Strong simulation capabilities
Limitations
- ✗Expensive licensing costs
- ✗Steep learning curve for beginners
- ✗Resource-intensive software (requires powerful PC)
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
CODESYS
For Professionals
Both are suitable
Budget-Constrained
CODESYS
Enterprise Use
TIA Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CODESYS or TIA Portal?
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, TIA Portal 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 TIA Portal?
CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than TIA Portal ($$$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2 000, while TIA Portal ranges from $1 500 to $15 000.
Which is easier to learn: CODESYS or TIA Portal?
CODESYS (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than TIA Portal (rated 6/10). CODESYS typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while TIA Portal requires 3-6 months. This makes CODESYS better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both CODESYS and TIA Portal offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.