CODESYS vs TwinCAT
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
TwinCAT
Beckhoff Automation
FREE engineering software - only pay for runtime
Overall Winner
CODESYS leads with an overall score of 85/100
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, TwinCAT may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Beckhoff Automation ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | CODESYS | TwinCAT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85✓ | 77 |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 95 |
| Ease of Use | 70✓ | 40 |
| Features | 86 | 86 |
| Industry Adoption | 83✓ | 70 |
| Community Support | 100✓ | 99 |
| Career Value | 77✓ | 75 |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how CODESYS and TwinCAT 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...
TwinCAT
Intriguing choice for engineering-savvy small OEMs, particularly if you need exceptional motion control. The licensing model is perfect for small builders: Engineering software is completely FREE - you only pay for runtime licenses on target hardware ($0-$3,000 per machine). This means zero upfront investment to develop your first machine. If you build 10 machines, you pay 10 runtime licenses. Bui...
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...
TwinCAT
Specialized choice for automotive Tier 1 suppliers focused on testing equipment, dynamometers, or advanced motion control applications rather than assembly lines. Beckhoff TwinCAT excels in: engine test stands (precise motion and data acquisition), suspension testing rigs, battery testing systems, and automated quality inspection with high-speed vision. The PC-based architecture provides computing...
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...
TwinCAT
Niche applications in process industries, primarily for specialized high-speed data acquisition, advanced process analytics, or precision motion control in pharmaceutical packaging. The PC-based architecture provides computing power for real-time process calculations and optimization algorithms that exceed typical PLC capabilities. The MATLAB/Simulink integration enables model-based control strate...
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
Both CODESYS and TwinCAT are in the same price range ($). CODESYS pricing ranges from $0 to $2 000, while TwinCAT ranges from $0 to $3 000.
📚Learning Curve
CODESYS (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than TwinCAT (rated 7/10). CODESYS typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while TwinCAT requires 6-12 months. This makes CODESYS better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
CODESYS offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. TwinCAT 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 TwinCAT's 60%. CODESYS dominates in Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, while TwinCAT is strongest in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific. 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 TwinCAT works with Beckhoff PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both CODESYS and TwinCAT 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
TwinCAT Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓FREE engineering software - only pay for runtime
- ✓Exceptional motion control capabilities
- ✓PC-based architecture provides high performance
- ✓Excellent real-time performance with EtherCAT
Limitations
- ✗Steep learning curve
- ✗Requires strong PC/Windows knowledge
- ✗Less common than Siemens/Rockwell (fewer jobs)
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
CODESYS
For Professionals
Both are suitable
Budget-Constrained
Both are suitable
Enterprise Use
CODESYS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CODESYS or TwinCAT?
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, TwinCAT may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Beckhoff Automation ecosystem.
What is the price difference between CODESYS and TwinCAT?
Both CODESYS and TwinCAT are in the same price range ($). CODESYS pricing ranges from $0 to $2 000, while TwinCAT ranges from $0 to $3 000.
Which is easier to learn: CODESYS or TwinCAT?
CODESYS (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than TwinCAT (rated 7/10). CODESYS typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while TwinCAT requires 6-12 months. This makes CODESYS better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both CODESYS and TwinCAT offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.