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 |
💰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.