EcoStruxure vs CODESYS
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
EcoStruxure
Schneider Electric
Modern, user-friendly interface
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
Overall Winner
CODESYS leads with an overall score of 85/100
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, EcoStruxure may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Schneider Electric ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | EcoStruxure | CODESYS |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 77 | 85✓ |
| Pricing | 75 | 100✓ |
| Ease of Use | 70 | 70 |
| Features | 86 | 86 |
| Industry Adoption | 68 | 83✓ |
| Community Support | 89 | 100✓ |
| Career Value | 74 | 77✓ |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how EcoStruxure and CODESYS 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
EcoStruxure
Underrated option for small OEMs, especially in building automation or energy-related machinery. The Basic version can be FREE for simple projects, with paid licenses starting around $800-$8,000. This CODESYS-based platform means you're learning widely-applicable IEC 61131-3 skills, not proprietary languages. Modicon M241/M251 controllers are competitively priced and compact. The modern IoT featur...
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...
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.)
EcoStruxure
Emerging option for automotive suppliers, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing sectors where Schneider Electric is pushing hard. EcoStruxure Machine Expert's modern architecture and IoT capabilities align with automotive Industry 4.0 initiatives. The CODESYS foundation provides IEC 61131-3 standardization, which some progressive automotive OEMs appreciate (reduces vendor...
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...
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
EcoStruxure
Schneider Electric has deep process industry heritage (legacy Modicon and Foxboro DCS), making EcoStruxure a viable process automation choice, particularly for water/wastewater, food processing, and discrete manufacturing transitioning to continuous processes. The Modicon M580 Hot Standby provides redundancy for process applications. The safety PLC options meet basic SIL requirements. The OPC UA i...
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...
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 EcoStruxure ($$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2,000, while EcoStruxure ranges from $800 to $8,000.
📚Learning Curve
Both EcoStruxure and CODESYS have similar learning curves (rated 5/10). Expect 2-4 months to become proficient with either platform.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
EcoStruxure offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. CODESYS 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 EcoStruxure's 55%. CODESYS dominates in Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, while EcoStruxure is strongest in Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa. CODESYS's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
EcoStruxure is designed specifically for Schneider Electric hardware, while CODESYS works with Over 500 manufacturers including Schneider Electric, Wago, Eaton, ifm, Festo, Bosch Rexroth PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both EcoStruxure and CODESYS offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.
EcoStruxure Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Modern, user-friendly interface
- ✓Strong IoT and cloud integration
- ✓Good price-to-feature ratio
- ✓Based on widely-used CoDeSys platform
Limitations
- ✗Relatively new platform, less established
- ✗Smaller community than major competitors
- ✗Limited third-party support
Best For
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
Recommendations
For Beginners
Both are suitable
For Professionals
Both are suitable
Budget-Constrained
CODESYS
Enterprise Use
CODESYS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: EcoStruxure or CODESYS?
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, EcoStruxure 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 EcoStruxure and CODESYS?
CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than EcoStruxure ($$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2,000, while EcoStruxure ranges from $800 to $8,000.
Which is easier to learn: EcoStruxure or CODESYS?
Both EcoStruxure and CODESYS have similar learning curves (rated 5/10). Expect 2-4 months to become proficient with either platform.
Which has better career prospects?
Both EcoStruxure and CODESYS offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.