FactoryTalk vs PLCnext
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
FactoryTalk
Rockwell Automation
Industry standard for Rockwell SCADA
PLCnext
Phoenix Contact
FREE programming software
Head-to-Head Match
Both FactoryTalk and PLCnext are excellent choices with different strengths. FactoryTalk excels in community support, while PLCnext leads in pricing. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.
Score Breakdown
| Category | FactoryTalk | PLCnext |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 62 | 64✓ |
| Pricing | 45 | 100✓ |
| Ease of Use | 40 | 40 |
| Features | 48 | 69✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 83✓ | 38 |
| Community Support | 100✓ | 94 |
| Career Value | 70✓ | 58 |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how FactoryTalk and PLCnext 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
FactoryTalk
Not a PLC programming platform - this is SCADA/HMI software. Small OEMs typically don't need enterprise SCADA. If you need machine HMI, use lower-cost solutions like PanelView Plus (included with Studio 5000) or third-party HMI software. FactoryTalk View is for plant-wide visualization, not machine-level HMI. The cost ($3,000-$25,000) is prohibitive for machines. Skip this unless you're building e...
PLCnext
Forward-thinking choice for innovative small OEMs, especially those targeting Industry 4.0-focused customers. The software is FREE - you only pay for controller hardware. Phoenix Contact's open architecture philosophy means you can program in IEC 61131-3, C++, C#, or Python on the same controller. This flexibility is unprecedented. The Docker container support lets you run custom applications (dat...
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.)
FactoryTalk
Essential complement to Studio 5000 for North American automotive Tier 1 suppliers. Most automotive OEMs require plant-wide SCADA/MES integration for real-time production monitoring, OEE tracking, downtime analysis, and quality traceability. FactoryTalk View ($3,000-$25,000+ per production line) integrates seamlessly with ControlLogix PLCs. The centralized FactoryTalk AssetCentre enables standardi...
PLCnext
Interesting but risky for automotive Tier 1 suppliers. Phoenix Contact's open architecture and free engineering software are attractive, especially for cost-conscious EV startups. The IoT and Industry 4.0 capabilities align with automotive digital transformation initiatives. The Docker container support enables innovative edge computing applications (predictive maintenance, quality analytics). How...
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
FactoryTalk
Essential for North American process plants using Rockwell control systems. FactoryTalk View provides the SCADA visualization, alarm management, and historical trending that process operators depend on. The centralized architecture supports multi-unit process plants with centralized control rooms. The integration with ControlLogix and PlantPAx provides seamless process data access. The costs ($3,0...
PLCnext
Too immature for critical process industries. Phoenix Contact's open architecture and IoT capabilities are interesting, but process industries require proven platforms with decades of regulatory acceptance. The limited process industry track record, lack of redundancy configurations, and minimal safety certifications eliminate PLCnext from consideration for refineries, chemical plants, or pharmace...
Key Considerations:
- •Redundancy and high availability are mandatory for critical processes
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) for emergency shutdown systems
- •Long-term vendor support (20-30 year plant lifecycles)
- •Integration with process instrumentation and field devices
💰Pricing Comparison
PLCnext ($) is significantly more affordable than FactoryTalk ($$$). PLCnext costs between $0 and $2 000, while FactoryTalk ranges from $3 000 to $25 000.
📚Learning Curve
Both FactoryTalk and PLCnext have similar learning curves (rated 7/10). Expect 4-8 months to become proficient with either platform.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
FactoryTalk offers 11 key features. PLCnext provides 11 key features with motion control. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
FactoryTalk has 70% market adoption compared to PLCnext's 25%. FactoryTalk dominates in North America, Latin America, while PLCnext is strongest in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific. FactoryTalk's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
FactoryTalk is designed specifically for Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation, Third-party via OPC hardware, while PLCnext works with Phoenix Contact PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
FactoryTalk offers stronger career prospects with 70% market adoption and official certification programs. PLCnext has 25% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, FactoryTalk expertise is more in-demand.
FactoryTalk Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Industry standard for Rockwell SCADA
- ✓Seamless integration with Studio 5000
- ✓Powerful alarming and trending
- ✓Centralized asset management
Limitations
- ✗Very expensive licensing
- ✗Complex to learn and master
- ✗Tag-based pricing can get costly
Best For
PLCnext Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓FREE programming software
- ✓Open, modern architecture
- ✓Multiple programming language support
- ✓IoT and Industry 4.0 ready
Limitations
- ✗Relatively new platform (limited adoption)
- ✗Small user community
- ✗Fewer job postings
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
Both are suitable
For Professionals
PLCnext
Budget-Constrained
PLCnext
Enterprise Use
FactoryTalk
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: FactoryTalk or PLCnext?
Both FactoryTalk and PLCnext are excellent choices with different strengths. FactoryTalk excels in community support, while PLCnext leads in pricing. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.
What is the price difference between FactoryTalk and PLCnext?
PLCnext ($) is significantly more affordable than FactoryTalk ($$$). PLCnext costs between $0 and $2 000, while FactoryTalk ranges from $3 000 to $25 000.
Which is easier to learn: FactoryTalk or PLCnext?
Both FactoryTalk and PLCnext have similar learning curves (rated 7/10). Expect 4-8 months to become proficient with either platform.
Which has better career prospects?
FactoryTalk offers stronger career prospects with 70% market adoption and official certification programs. PLCnext has 25% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, FactoryTalk expertise is more in-demand.