CX-Programmer vs GX Works3

Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms

OmronMitsubishi ElectricUpdated 2025

CX-Programmer

Omron

77
Overall Score
Price:$$
Learning:beginner-intermediate
Adoption:50%

Easy to learn and use

GX Works3

Mitsubishi Electric

81
Overall Score
Price:$$
Learning:beginner-intermediate
Adoption:65%

User-friendly interface, easier learning curve

Head-to-Head Match

Both CX-Programmer and GX Works3 are excellent choices with different strengths. CX-Programmer excels in community support, while GX Works3 leads in community support. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.

Score Breakdown

CategoryCX-ProgrammerGX Works3
Overall
77
81
Pricing
75
75
Ease of Use
80
80
Features
84
86
Industry Adoption
65
80
Community Support
91
91
Career Value
68
74

💰Pricing Comparison

Both CX-Programmer and GX Works3 are in the same price range ($$). CX-Programmer pricing ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, while GX Works3 ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.

📚Learning Curve

Both CX-Programmer and GX Works3 have similar learning curves (rated 4/10). Expect 2-3 months to become proficient with either platform.

⚙️Features & Capabilities

CX-Programmer 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

GX Works3 has 65% market adoption compared to CX-Programmer's 50%. GX Works3 dominates in Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, while CX-Programmer is strongest in Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America. GX Works3's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.

🔌Hardware Compatibility

CX-Programmer is designed specifically for Omron hardware, while GX Works3 works with Mitsubishi Electric PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.

💼Career Prospects

Both CX-Programmer and GX Works3 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.

CX-Programmer Overview

Key Strengths

  • Easy to learn and use
  • Affordable pricing
  • Good simulation capabilities
  • Strong in material handling and robotics

Limitations

  • Less common in North America than Siemens/Rockwell
  • Smaller community than major competitors
  • Fewer job postings in some regions

Best For

Material handling and logistics systemsPackaging machineryAutomotive component manufacturing

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

Asian manufacturing facilitiesAutomotive component manufacturersElectronics and semiconductor industries

Recommendations

For Beginners

Both are suitable

For Professionals

Both are suitable

Budget-Constrained

Both are suitable

Enterprise Use

GX Works3

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: CX-Programmer or GX Works3?

Both CX-Programmer and GX Works3 are excellent choices with different strengths. CX-Programmer excels in community support, 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 CX-Programmer and GX Works3?

Both CX-Programmer and GX Works3 are in the same price range ($$). CX-Programmer pricing ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, while GX Works3 ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.

Which is easier to learn: CX-Programmer or GX Works3?

Both CX-Programmer and GX Works3 have similar learning curves (rated 4/10). Expect 2-3 months to become proficient with either platform.

Which has better career prospects?

Both CX-Programmer and GX Works3 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.

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