GX Works3 vs OpenPLC
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
GX Works3
Mitsubishi Electric
User-friendly interface, easier learning curve
OpenPLC
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)
Completely FREE - no costs ever
Overall Winner
GX Works3 leads with an overall score of 81/100
GX Works3 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 | GX Works3 | OpenPLC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 81✓ | 55 |
| Pricing | 75 | 100✓ |
| Ease of Use | 80✓ | 50 |
| Features | 86✓ | 63 |
| Industry Adoption | 80✓ | 18 |
| Community Support | 91 | 94✓ |
| Career Value | 74✓ | 23 |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how GX Works3 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
GX Works3
Sweet spot for small Asian and European OEMs. GX Works3 licensing ($1,000-$5,000) is affordable enough that you can license 2-3 seats without breaking the bank. Mitsubishi's iQ-R and FX5 series offer excellent performance at competitive prices. The learning curve is gentle (1-3 months) - your programmer can be productive quickly, accelerating time-to-market. The software runs smoothly on modest ha...
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.)
GX Works3
Increasingly common for Asian automotive Tier 1 suppliers, particularly those serving Japanese, Korean, and Chinese OEMs (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Geely, BYD). Mitsubishi Electric has strong presence in Asian automotive manufacturing, and many OEMs specify or prefer GX Works3. The licensing cost ($1,000-$5,000) is significantly lower than Siemens/Rockwell - attractive for cost-sensitive mar...
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
GX Works3
Limited adoption in Western process industries, but more common in Asian process plants. Mitsubishi has process automation solutions, but market penetration is lower than Siemens or Rockwell in critical process applications. The reliability and features are adequate, but the ecosystem of process field instruments, safety systems, and SCADA integrations is less developed. For non-critical process a...
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 GX Works3 ($$). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while GX Works3 ranges from $1 000 to $5 000.
📚Learning Curve
GX Works3 (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than OpenPLC (rated 6/10). GX Works3 typically takes 1-3 months to learn, while OpenPLC requires 3-6 months. This makes GX Works3 better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
GX Works3 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
GX Works3 has 65% market adoption compared to OpenPLC's 10%. GX Works3 dominates in Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, while OpenPLC is strongest in Global (primarily education and research). GX Works3's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
GX Works3 is designed specifically for Mitsubishi Electric hardware, while OpenPLC works with Generic/Open Hardware PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
GX Works3 offers stronger career prospects with 65% market adoption and official certification programs. OpenPLC has 10% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, GX Works3 expertise is more in-demand.
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
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
GX Works3
For Professionals
GX Works3
Budget-Constrained
OpenPLC
Enterprise Use
GX Works3
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: GX Works3 or OpenPLC?
GX Works3 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 GX Works3 and OpenPLC?
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than GX Works3 ($$). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while GX Works3 ranges from $1 000 to $5 000.
Which is easier to learn: GX Works3 or OpenPLC?
GX Works3 (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than OpenPLC (rated 6/10). GX Works3 typically takes 1-3 months to learn, while OpenPLC requires 3-6 months. This makes GX Works3 better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
GX Works3 offers stronger career prospects with 65% market adoption and official certification programs. OpenPLC has 10% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, GX Works3 expertise is more in-demand.