LogixPro vs OpenPLC
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
LogixPro
The Learning Pit
Extremely affordable (~$50 for students)
OpenPLC
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)
Completely FREE - no costs ever
Head-to-Head Match
Both LogixPro and OpenPLC are excellent choices with different strengths. LogixPro excels in ease of use, while OpenPLC leads in pricing. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.
Score Breakdown
| Category | LogixPro | OpenPLC |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 51 | 55✓ |
| Pricing | 95 | 100✓ |
| Ease of Use | 100✓ | 50 |
| Features | 40 | 63✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 15 | 18✓ |
| Community Support | 60 | 94✓ |
| Career Value | 16 | 23✓ |
💰Pricing Comparison
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than LogixPro ($). 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.