OpenPLC vs Unity Pro
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
OpenPLC
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)
Completely FREE - no costs ever
Unity Pro
Schneider Electric
Large installed base in process industries
Overall Winner
Unity Pro leads with an overall score of 71/100
Unity Pro 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 | OpenPLC | Unity Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 55 | 71✓ |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 75 |
| Ease of Use | 50 | 50 |
| Features | 63 | 76✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 18 | 68✓ |
| Community Support | 94✓ | 91 |
| Career Value | 23 | 73✓ |
💰Pricing Comparison
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than Unity Pro ($$). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while Unity Pro ranges from $1,500 to $7,000.
📚Learning Curve
Both OpenPLC and Unity Pro have similar learning curves (rated 6/10). Expect 3-6 months to become proficient with either platform.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
OpenPLC offers 11 key features. Unity Pro provides 10 key features with safety programming, motion control. OpenPLC offers a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
Unity Pro has 55% market adoption compared to OpenPLC's 10%. Unity Pro dominates in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, while OpenPLC is strongest in Global (primarily education and research). Unity Pro's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
OpenPLC is designed specifically for Generic/Open Hardware hardware, while Unity Pro works with Schneider Electric PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Unity Pro offers stronger career prospects with 55% market adoption and official certification programs. OpenPLC has 10% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, Unity Pro expertise is more in-demand.
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
Unity Pro Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Large installed base in process industries
- ✓Reliable, proven platform
- ✓Good for oil and gas applications
- ✓Strong redundancy and safety features
Limitations
- ✗Being phased out for EcoStruxure
- ✗Legacy software with older interface
- ✗New projects should use EcoStruxure
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
Both are suitable
For Professionals
Unity Pro
Budget-Constrained
OpenPLC
Enterprise Use
Unity Pro
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: OpenPLC or Unity Pro?
Unity Pro 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 OpenPLC and Unity Pro?
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than Unity Pro ($$). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while Unity Pro ranges from $1,500 to $7,000.
Which is easier to learn: OpenPLC or Unity Pro?
Both OpenPLC and Unity Pro have similar learning curves (rated 6/10). Expect 3-6 months to become proficient with either platform.
Which has better career prospects?
Unity Pro offers stronger career prospects with 55% market adoption and official certification programs. OpenPLC has 10% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, Unity Pro expertise is more in-demand.