CX-Programmer vs OpenPLC
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
CX-Programmer
Omron
Easy to learn and use
OpenPLC
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)
Completely FREE - no costs ever
Overall Winner
CX-Programmer leads with an overall score of 77/100
CX-Programmer is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, OpenPLC may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the OpenPLC Project (Open Source) ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | CX-Programmer | OpenPLC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 77✓ | 55 |
| Pricing | 75 | 100✓ |
| Ease of Use | 80✓ | 50 |
| Features | 84✓ | 63 |
| Industry Adoption | 65✓ | 18 |
| Community Support | 91 | 94✓ |
| Career Value | 68✓ | 23 |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how CX-Programmer and OpenPLC 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
CX-Programmer
Solid choice for small OEMs, especially in Asia-Pacific or material handling sectors. CX-Programmer (part of CX-One suite) licensing is affordable ($1,000-$5,000), and Omron CP/CJ series controllers offer good performance at competitive prices. The learning curve is gentle (2-3 months), enabling fast productivity. Omron's strength in sensors, vision systems, and robotics means excellent integratio...
OpenPLC
Interesting for proof-of-concept or extremely budget-constrained startups, but risky for commercial machines. The appeal is obvious: completely FREE, runs on Raspberry Pi ($35-$100 hardware cost), zero licensing restrictions. Perfect for: (1) Building your first prototype to secure investor funding, (2) Educational machines or demonstration units, (3) Very simple control tasks with forgiving indus...
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.)
CX-Programmer
Limited use in automotive Tier 1 space, primarily for Asian automotive suppliers working with Japanese OEMs where Omron has relationships. CX-Programmer with CP/CJ series PLCs can be cost-effective for ancillary systems, but most automotive assembly lines use more established platforms. The newer Sysmac Studio has better automotive credibility. If working with Japanese automotive companies, verify...
OpenPLC
Not viable for automotive Tier 1 production equipment. Automotive OEMs have strict certification, safety, and vendor support requirements that OpenPLC cannot meet. Insurance, liability, and customer acceptance issues eliminate this option. Possibly acceptable for internal R&D labs, proof-of-concept demonstrations, or training junior engineers before expensive platform licenses. Otherwise, avoid fo...
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
CX-Programmer
Minimal process industry adoption. Omron's market focus is discrete manufacturing and packaging, not process industries. While technically capable of process control, the ecosystem lacks integration with process field instrumentation, safety systems, and industry-specific certifications. Not recommended for chemical, oil and gas, or pharmaceutical applications. Potentially acceptable for food and ...
OpenPLC
Completely unsuitable for process industries. The lack of safety certifications, redundancy, regulatory compliance documentation, and vendor support eliminates OpenPLC from consideration. Process industries cannot accept uncertified control systems due to safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Not viable even for non-critical applications in regulated environments.
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
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than CX-Programmer ($$). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while CX-Programmer ranges from $1 000 to $5 000.
📚Learning Curve
CX-Programmer (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than OpenPLC (rated 6/10). CX-Programmer typically takes 2-3 months to learn, while OpenPLC requires 3-6 months. This makes CX-Programmer better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
CX-Programmer offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. OpenPLC provides 11 key features. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
CX-Programmer has 50% market adoption compared to OpenPLC's 10%. CX-Programmer dominates in Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, while OpenPLC is strongest in Global (primarily education and research). CX-Programmer's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
CX-Programmer is designed specifically for Omron hardware, while OpenPLC works with Generic/Open Hardware PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
CX-Programmer offers stronger career prospects with 50% market adoption and official certification programs. OpenPLC has 10% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, CX-Programmer expertise is more in-demand.
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
OpenPLC Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Completely FREE - no costs ever
- ✓Open source - fully customizable
- ✓Runs on inexpensive hardware (Raspberry Pi)
- ✓Perfect for learning without financial investment
Limitations
- ✗Not suitable for commercial/industrial use
- ✗No official support (community only)
- ✗Limited features compared to commercial PLCs
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
CX-Programmer
For Professionals
CX-Programmer
Budget-Constrained
OpenPLC
Enterprise Use
CX-Programmer
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CX-Programmer or OpenPLC?
CX-Programmer is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, OpenPLC may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the OpenPLC Project (Open Source) ecosystem.
What is the price difference between CX-Programmer and OpenPLC?
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than CX-Programmer ($$). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while CX-Programmer ranges from $1 000 to $5 000.
Which is easier to learn: CX-Programmer or OpenPLC?
CX-Programmer (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than OpenPLC (rated 6/10). CX-Programmer typically takes 2-3 months to learn, while OpenPLC requires 3-6 months. This makes CX-Programmer better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
CX-Programmer offers stronger career prospects with 50% market adoption and official certification programs. OpenPLC has 10% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, CX-Programmer expertise is more in-demand.