PLCnext vs TIA Portal
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
PLCnext
Phoenix Contact
FREE programming software
TIA Portal
Siemens
Industry-leading integration with Siemens hardware
Overall Winner
TIA Portal leads with an overall score of 77/100
TIA Portal 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 | TIA Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 64 | 77✓ |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 50 |
| Ease of Use | 40 | 50✓ |
| Features | 69 | 79✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 38 | 95✓ |
| Community Support | 94 | 100✓ |
| Career Value | 58 | 85✓ |
💰Pricing Comparison
PLCnext ($) is significantly more affordable than TIA Portal ($$$). PLCnext costs between $0 and $2,000, while TIA Portal ranges from $1,500 to $15,000.
📚Learning Curve
TIA Portal (rated 6/10) is easier to learn than PLCnext (rated 7/10). TIA Portal typically takes 3-6 months to learn, while PLCnext requires 4-8 months. This makes TIA Portal better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
PLCnext offers 11 key features including motion control. TIA Portal provides 11 key features with safety programming, motion control. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
TIA Portal has 85% market adoption compared to PLCnext's 25%. TIA Portal dominates in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, while PLCnext is strongest in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific. TIA Portal's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
PLCnext is designed specifically for Phoenix Contact hardware, while TIA Portal works with Siemens PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
TIA Portal offers stronger career prospects with 85% market adoption and official certification programs. PLCnext has 25% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, TIA Portal 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
TIA Portal Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Industry-leading integration with Siemens hardware
- ✓Comprehensive all-in-one solution
- ✓Excellent documentation and training materials
- ✓Strong simulation capabilities
Limitations
- ✗Expensive licensing costs
- ✗Steep learning curve for beginners
- ✗Resource-intensive software (requires powerful PC)
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
Both are suitable
For Professionals
Both are suitable
Budget-Constrained
PLCnext
Enterprise Use
TIA Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: PLCnext or TIA Portal?
TIA Portal 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 TIA Portal?
PLCnext ($) is significantly more affordable than TIA Portal ($$$). PLCnext costs between $0 and $2,000, while TIA Portal ranges from $1,500 to $15,000.
Which is easier to learn: PLCnext or TIA Portal?
TIA Portal (rated 6/10) is easier to learn than PLCnext (rated 7/10). TIA Portal typically takes 3-6 months to learn, while PLCnext requires 4-8 months. This makes TIA Portal better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
TIA Portal offers stronger career prospects with 85% market adoption and official certification programs. PLCnext has 25% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, TIA Portal expertise is more in-demand.