GX Works3 vs TIA Portal

Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms

Mitsubishi ElectricSiemensUpdated 2025

GX Works3

Mitsubishi Electric

81
Overall Score
Price:$$
Learning:beginner-intermediate
Adoption:65%

User-friendly interface, easier learning curve

TIA Portal

Siemens

77
Overall Score
Price:$$$
Learning:intermediate
Adoption:85%

Industry-leading integration with Siemens hardware

Head-to-Head Match

Both GX Works3 and TIA Portal are excellent choices with different strengths. GX Works3 excels in community support, while TIA Portal leads in community support. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.

Score Breakdown

CategoryGX Works3TIA Portal
Overall
81
77
Pricing
75
50
Ease of Use
80
50
Features
86
79
Industry Adoption
80
95
Community Support
91
100
Career Value
74
85

💰Pricing Comparison

GX Works3 ($$) is significantly more affordable than TIA Portal ($$$). GX Works3 costs between $1,000 and $5,000, while TIA Portal ranges from $1,500 to $15,000.

📚Learning Curve

GX Works3 (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than TIA Portal (rated 6/10). GX Works3 typically takes 1-3 months to learn, while TIA Portal 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. TIA Portal provides 11 key features with safety programming, motion control. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.

🏭Industry Adoption

TIA Portal has 85% market adoption compared to GX Works3's 65%. TIA Portal dominates in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, while GX Works3 is strongest in Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe. TIA Portal's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.

🔌Hardware Compatibility

GX Works3 is designed specifically for Mitsubishi Electric hardware, while TIA Portal works with Siemens PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.

💼Career Prospects

TIA Portal offers stronger career prospects with 85% market adoption and official certification programs. GX Works3 has 65% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, TIA Portal 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

Asian manufacturing facilitiesAutomotive component manufacturersElectronics and semiconductor industries

TIA Portal Overview

Key Strengths

  • Industry-leading integration with Siemens hardware
  • Comprehensive all-in-one solution
  • Excellent documentation and training materials
  • Strong simulation capabilities

Limitations

  • Expensive licensing costs
  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • Resource-intensive software (requires powerful PC)

Best For

Professional Siemens automation engineersLarge-scale industrial automation projectsIntegrated machine and plant automation

Recommendations

For Beginners

GX Works3

For Professionals

Both are suitable

Budget-Constrained

GX Works3

Enterprise Use

TIA Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: GX Works3 or TIA Portal?

Both GX Works3 and TIA Portal are excellent choices with different strengths. GX Works3 excels in community support, while TIA Portal leads in community support. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.

What is the price difference between GX Works3 and TIA Portal?

GX Works3 ($$) is significantly more affordable than TIA Portal ($$$). GX Works3 costs between $1,000 and $5,000, while TIA Portal ranges from $1,500 to $15,000.

Which is easier to learn: GX Works3 or TIA Portal?

GX Works3 (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than TIA Portal (rated 6/10). GX Works3 typically takes 1-3 months to learn, while TIA Portal requires 3-6 months. This makes GX Works3 better for beginners.

Which has better career prospects?

TIA Portal offers stronger career prospects with 85% market adoption and official certification programs. GX Works3 has 65% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, TIA Portal expertise is more in-demand.

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