LogixPro vs OpenPLC
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
LogixPro
The Learning Pit
Extremely affordable (~$50 for students)
OpenPLC
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)
Completely FREE - no costs ever
Head-to-Head Match
Both LogixPro and OpenPLC are excellent choices with different strengths. LogixPro excels in ease of use, while OpenPLC leads in pricing. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.
Score Breakdown
| Category | LogixPro | OpenPLC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 51 | 55✓ |
| Pricing | 95 | 100✓ |
| Ease of Use | 100✓ | 50 |
| Features | 40 | 63✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 15 | 18✓ |
| Community Support | 60 | 94✓ |
| Career Value | 16 | 23✓ |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how LogixPro 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
LogixPro
Not applicable for actual machine building - this is a learning simulator only. However, if you're training a junior programmer or familiarizing yourself with Allen-Bradley ladder logic before investing in Studio 5000, the $50-$100 cost is trivial. You can practice logic development offline without hardware. Some small OEMs use LogixPro to train new hires on fundamentals before putting them on rea...
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.)
LogixPro
Purely educational - not for production equipment. However, useful for training new engineers on Allen-Bradley ladder logic fundamentals before Studio 5000 licenses. At $50-$100, it's a cost-effective onboarding tool for junior engineers joining your team. Some Tier 1 suppliers use LogixPro in training programs before giving new hires access to actual production systems.
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
LogixPro
Educational tool only. Useful for training process operators or junior engineers on ladder logic fundamentals before working with actual DCS/PLC systems. At $50-$100, a cost-effective training tool but not for production processes.
OpenPLC
Completely unsuitable for process industries. The lack of safety certifications, redundancy, regulatory compliance documentation, and vendor support eliminates OpenPLC from consideration. Process industries cannot accept uncertified control systems due to safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Not viable even for non-critical applications in regulated environments.
Key Considerations:
- •Redundancy and high availability are mandatory for critical processes
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) for emergency shutdown systems
- •Long-term vendor support (20-30 year plant lifecycles)
- •Integration with process instrumentation and field devices
💰Pricing Comparison
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than LogixPro ($). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while LogixPro ranges from $50 to $100.
📚Learning Curve
LogixPro (rated 2/10) is easier to learn than OpenPLC (rated 6/10). LogixPro typically takes 2-4 weeks to learn, while OpenPLC requires 3-6 months. This makes LogixPro better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
LogixPro offers 10 key features. OpenPLC provides 11 key features. OpenPLC offers a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
OpenPLC has 10% market adoption compared to LogixPro's 5%. OpenPLC dominates in Global (primarily education and research), while LogixPro is strongest in Global (education only). OpenPLC's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
LogixPro is designed specifically for Simulation only (Allen-Bradley emulation) hardware, while OpenPLC works with Generic/Open Hardware PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both LogixPro and OpenPLC offer similar career value with good job market presence. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.
LogixPro Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Extremely affordable (~$50 for students)
- ✓Perfect for absolute beginners
- ✓No hardware needed to learn
- ✓Realistic simulation environment
Limitations
- ✗Simulation only - not for real PLCs
- ✗Limited to Allen-Bradley/RSLogix style ladder logic
- ✗No advanced features (motion, safety, networking)
Best For
OpenPLC Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Completely FREE - no costs ever
- ✓Open source - fully customizable
- ✓Runs on inexpensive hardware (Raspberry Pi)
- ✓Perfect for learning without financial investment
Limitations
- ✗Not suitable for commercial/industrial use
- ✗No official support (community only)
- ✗Limited features compared to commercial PLCs
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
LogixPro
For Professionals
OpenPLC
Budget-Constrained
Both are suitable
Enterprise Use
Both are suitable
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: LogixPro or OpenPLC?
Both LogixPro and OpenPLC are excellent choices with different strengths. LogixPro excels in ease of use, while OpenPLC leads in pricing. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.
What is the price difference between LogixPro and OpenPLC?
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than LogixPro ($). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while LogixPro ranges from $50 to $100.
Which is easier to learn: LogixPro or OpenPLC?
LogixPro (rated 2/10) is easier to learn than OpenPLC (rated 6/10). LogixPro typically takes 2-4 weeks to learn, while OpenPLC requires 3-6 months. This makes LogixPro better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both LogixPro and OpenPLC offer similar career value with good job market presence. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.