OpenPLC vs Wonderware InTouch
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
OpenPLC
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)
Completely FREE - no costs ever
Wonderware InTouch
AVEVA
Largest SCADA installed base in process industries
Overall Winner
Wonderware InTouch leads with an overall score of 67/100
Wonderware InTouch 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 | Wonderware InTouch |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 55 | 67✓ |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 50 |
| Ease of Use | 50 | 80✓ |
| Features | 63✓ | 47 |
| Industry Adoption | 18 | 75✓ |
| Community Support | 94 | 100✓ |
| Career Value | 23 | 74✓ |
💰Pricing Comparison
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than Wonderware InTouch ($$$). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while Wonderware InTouch ranges from $5 000 to $50 000.
📚Learning Curve
Wonderware InTouch (rated 3/10) is easier to learn than OpenPLC (rated 6/10). Wonderware InTouch typically takes 3-4 months to learn, while OpenPLC requires 3-6 months. This makes Wonderware InTouch better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
OpenPLC offers 11 key features. Wonderware InTouch provides 9 key features. OpenPLC offers a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
Wonderware InTouch has 45% market adoption compared to OpenPLC's 10%. Wonderware InTouch dominates in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, while OpenPLC is strongest in Global (primarily education and research). Wonderware InTouch's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
Wonderware InTouch supports 8+ PLC brands including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, making it highly versatile. OpenPLC is specifically designed for Generic/Open Hardware hardware, offering deeper integration but less flexibility.
💼Career Prospects
Wonderware InTouch offers stronger career prospects with 45% market adoption and official certification programs. OpenPLC has 10% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, Wonderware InTouch 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
Wonderware InTouch Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Largest SCADA installed base in process industries
- ✓Best-in-class historian (AVEVA + PI)
- ✓Strong batch/recipe for pharma, food, chemicals
- ✓Massive integrator ecosystem worldwide
Limitations
- ✗Per-tag licensing expensive at 100,000+ tag scale
- ✗Galaxy/ArchestrA learning curve is steep
- ✗Named-user client licensing creates friction
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
Wonderware InTouch
For Professionals
OpenPLC
Budget-Constrained
OpenPLC
Enterprise Use
Wonderware InTouch
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: OpenPLC or Wonderware InTouch?
Wonderware InTouch 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 Wonderware InTouch?
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than Wonderware InTouch ($$$). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while Wonderware InTouch ranges from $5 000 to $50 000.
Which is easier to learn: OpenPLC or Wonderware InTouch?
Wonderware InTouch (rated 3/10) is easier to learn than OpenPLC (rated 6/10). Wonderware InTouch typically takes 3-4 months to learn, while OpenPLC requires 3-6 months. This makes Wonderware InTouch better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Wonderware InTouch offers stronger career prospects with 45% market adoption and official certification programs. OpenPLC has 10% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, Wonderware InTouch expertise is more in-demand.