CODESYS vs Unity Pro
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
Unity Pro
Schneider Electric
Large installed base in process industries
Overall Winner
CODESYS leads with an overall score of 85/100
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, Unity Pro may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Schneider Electric ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | CODESYS | Unity Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85✓ | 71 |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 75 |
| Ease of Use | 70✓ | 50 |
| Features | 86✓ | 76 |
| Industry Adoption | 83✓ | 68 |
| Community Support | 100✓ | 91 |
| Career Value | 77✓ | 73 |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how CODESYS and Unity Pro 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...
Unity Pro
Legacy Schneider platform being replaced by EcoStruxure. Not recommended for new machine designs - choose EcoStruxure instead. Unity Pro is for maintaining existing Modicon M340/M580 installations. If a customer specifically requests Modicon compatibility with legacy systems, Unity Pro may be necessary, but negotiate this carefully as it's sunset technology. The licensing cost ($1,500-$7,000) is b...
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...
Unity Pro
Legacy platform - not recommended for new automotive projects. Some European automotive plants have existing Modicon M580 installations that require Unity Pro for maintenance and expansions. If you're supporting existing lines, Unity Pro knowledge is necessary. For new projects, choose EcoStruxure instead. Don't invest in learning sunset technology unless you're maintaining specific legacy systems...
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...
Unity Pro
Legacy Schneider platform with significant installed base in process industries, particularly oil and gas offshore platforms, water treatment, and power generation. Unity Pro with Modicon Quantum/M580 Hot Standby provides the redundancy needed for critical processes. However, Schneider is transitioning customers to EcoStruxure. For existing Unity Pro installations, maintenance and expansions are n...
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 Unity Pro ($$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2 000, while Unity Pro ranges from $1 500 to $7 000.
📚Learning Curve
CODESYS (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than Unity Pro (rated 6/10). CODESYS typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while Unity Pro requires 3-5 months. This makes CODESYS better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
CODESYS offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. Unity Pro provides 10 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 Unity Pro's 55%. CODESYS dominates in Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, while Unity Pro is strongest in Europe, Middle East, Africa, 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 Unity Pro works with Schneider Electric PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both CODESYS and Unity Pro 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
Unity Pro Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Large installed base in process industries
- ✓Reliable, proven platform
- ✓Good for oil and gas applications
- ✓Strong redundancy and safety features
Limitations
- ✗Being phased out for EcoStruxure
- ✗Legacy software with older interface
- ✗New projects should use EcoStruxure
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
CODESYS
For Professionals
Both are suitable
Budget-Constrained
CODESYS
Enterprise Use
CODESYS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CODESYS or Unity Pro?
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, Unity Pro 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 Unity Pro?
CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than Unity Pro ($$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2 000, while Unity Pro ranges from $1 500 to $7 000.
Which is easier to learn: CODESYS or Unity Pro?
CODESYS (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than Unity Pro (rated 6/10). CODESYS typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while Unity Pro requires 3-5 months. This makes CODESYS better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both CODESYS and Unity Pro offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.