PLCnext vs EcoStruxure
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
PLCnext
Phoenix Contact
FREE programming software
EcoStruxure
Schneider Electric
Modern, user-friendly interface
Overall Winner
EcoStruxure leads with an overall score of 77/100
EcoStruxure is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, PLCnext may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the Phoenix Contact ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | PLCnext | EcoStruxure |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 64 | 77✓ |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 75 |
| Ease of Use | 40 | 70✓ |
| Features | 69 | 86✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 38 | 68✓ |
| Community Support | 94✓ | 89 |
| Career Value | 58 | 74✓ |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how PLCnext and EcoStruxure 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
PLCnext
Forward-thinking choice for innovative small OEMs, especially those targeting Industry 4.0-focused customers. The software is FREE - you only pay for controller hardware. Phoenix Contact's open architecture philosophy means you can program in IEC 61131-3, C++, C#, or Python on the same controller. This flexibility is unprecedented. The Docker container support lets you run custom applications (dat...
EcoStruxure
Underrated option for small OEMs, especially in building automation or energy-related machinery. The Basic version can be FREE for simple projects, with paid licenses starting around $800-$8,000. This CODESYS-based platform means you're learning widely-applicable IEC 61131-3 skills, not proprietary languages. Modicon M241/M251 controllers are competitively priced and compact. The modern IoT featur...
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.)
PLCnext
Interesting but risky for automotive Tier 1 suppliers. Phoenix Contact's open architecture and free engineering software are attractive, especially for cost-conscious EV startups. The IoT and Industry 4.0 capabilities align with automotive digital transformation initiatives. The Docker container support enables innovative edge computing applications (predictive maintenance, quality analytics). How...
EcoStruxure
Emerging option for automotive suppliers, particularly in electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing sectors where Schneider Electric is pushing hard. EcoStruxure Machine Expert's modern architecture and IoT capabilities align with automotive Industry 4.0 initiatives. The CODESYS foundation provides IEC 61131-3 standardization, which some progressive automotive OEMs appreciate (reduces vendor...
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
PLCnext
Too immature for critical process industries. Phoenix Contact's open architecture and IoT capabilities are interesting, but process industries require proven platforms with decades of regulatory acceptance. The limited process industry track record, lack of redundancy configurations, and minimal safety certifications eliminate PLCnext from consideration for refineries, chemical plants, or pharmace...
EcoStruxure
Schneider Electric has deep process industry heritage (legacy Modicon and Foxboro DCS), making EcoStruxure a viable process automation choice, particularly for water/wastewater, food processing, and discrete manufacturing transitioning to continuous processes. The Modicon M580 Hot Standby provides redundancy for process applications. The safety PLC options meet basic SIL requirements. The OPC UA i...
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
PLCnext ($) is significantly more affordable than EcoStruxure ($$). PLCnext costs between $0 and $2,000, while EcoStruxure ranges from $800 to $8,000.
📚Learning Curve
EcoStruxure (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than PLCnext (rated 7/10). EcoStruxure typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while PLCnext requires 4-8 months. This makes EcoStruxure better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
PLCnext offers 11 key features including motion control. EcoStruxure provides 11 key features with safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
EcoStruxure has 55% market adoption compared to PLCnext's 25%. EcoStruxure dominates in Europe, North America, Middle East, Africa, while PLCnext is strongest in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific. EcoStruxure's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
PLCnext is designed specifically for Phoenix Contact hardware, while EcoStruxure works with Schneider Electric PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
EcoStruxure offers stronger career prospects with 55% market adoption and official certification programs. PLCnext has 25% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, EcoStruxure expertise is more in-demand.
PLCnext Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓FREE programming software
- ✓Open, modern architecture
- ✓Multiple programming language support
- ✓IoT and Industry 4.0 ready
Limitations
- ✗Relatively new platform (limited adoption)
- ✗Small user community
- ✗Fewer job postings
Best For
EcoStruxure Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Modern, user-friendly interface
- ✓Strong IoT and cloud integration
- ✓Good price-to-feature ratio
- ✓Based on widely-used CoDeSys platform
Limitations
- ✗Relatively new platform, less established
- ✗Smaller community than major competitors
- ✗Limited third-party support
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
EcoStruxure
For Professionals
EcoStruxure
Budget-Constrained
PLCnext
Enterprise Use
EcoStruxure
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: PLCnext or EcoStruxure?
EcoStruxure is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, PLCnext may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the Phoenix Contact ecosystem.
What is the price difference between PLCnext and EcoStruxure?
PLCnext ($) is significantly more affordable than EcoStruxure ($$). PLCnext costs between $0 and $2,000, while EcoStruxure ranges from $800 to $8,000.
Which is easier to learn: PLCnext or EcoStruxure?
EcoStruxure (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than PLCnext (rated 7/10). EcoStruxure typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while PLCnext requires 4-8 months. This makes EcoStruxure better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
EcoStruxure offers stronger career prospects with 55% market adoption and official certification programs. PLCnext has 25% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, EcoStruxure expertise is more in-demand.