PLCnext vs TwinCAT
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
PLCnext
Phoenix Contact
FREE programming software
TwinCAT
Beckhoff Automation
FREE engineering software - only pay for runtime
Overall Winner
TwinCAT leads with an overall score of 77/100
TwinCAT 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 | TwinCAT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 64 | 77✓ |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 95 |
| Ease of Use | 40 | 40 |
| Features | 69 | 86✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 38 | 70✓ |
| Community Support | 94 | 99✓ |
| Career Value | 58 | 75✓ |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how PLCnext and TwinCAT 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...
TwinCAT
Intriguing choice for engineering-savvy small OEMs, particularly if you need exceptional motion control. The licensing model is perfect for small builders: Engineering software is completely FREE - you only pay for runtime licenses on target hardware ($0-$3,000 per machine). This means zero upfront investment to develop your first machine. If you build 10 machines, you pay 10 runtime licenses. Bui...
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...
TwinCAT
Specialized choice for automotive Tier 1 suppliers focused on testing equipment, dynamometers, or advanced motion control applications rather than assembly lines. Beckhoff TwinCAT excels in: engine test stands (precise motion and data acquisition), suspension testing rigs, battery testing systems, and automated quality inspection with high-speed vision. The PC-based architecture provides computing...
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...
TwinCAT
Niche applications in process industries, primarily for specialized high-speed data acquisition, advanced process analytics, or precision motion control in pharmaceutical packaging. The PC-based architecture provides computing power for real-time process calculations and optimization algorithms that exceed typical PLC capabilities. The MATLAB/Simulink integration enables model-based control strate...
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
Both PLCnext and TwinCAT are in the same price range ($). PLCnext pricing ranges from $0 to $2 000, while TwinCAT ranges from $0 to $3 000.
📚Learning Curve
Both PLCnext and TwinCAT have similar learning curves (rated 7/10). Expect 4-8 months to become proficient with either platform.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
PLCnext offers 11 key features including motion control. TwinCAT provides 11 key features with safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
TwinCAT has 60% market adoption compared to PLCnext's 25%. TwinCAT dominates in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, while PLCnext is strongest in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific. TwinCAT's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
PLCnext is designed specifically for Phoenix Contact hardware, while TwinCAT works with Beckhoff PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
TwinCAT offers stronger career prospects with 60% market adoption and official certification programs. PLCnext has 25% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, TwinCAT 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
TwinCAT Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓FREE engineering software - only pay for runtime
- ✓Exceptional motion control capabilities
- ✓PC-based architecture provides high performance
- ✓Excellent real-time performance with EtherCAT
Limitations
- ✗Steep learning curve
- ✗Requires strong PC/Windows knowledge
- ✗Less common than Siemens/Rockwell (fewer jobs)
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
Both are suitable
For Professionals
TwinCAT
Budget-Constrained
Both are suitable
Enterprise Use
TwinCAT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: PLCnext or TwinCAT?
TwinCAT 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 TwinCAT?
Both PLCnext and TwinCAT are in the same price range ($). PLCnext pricing ranges from $0 to $2 000, while TwinCAT ranges from $0 to $3 000.
Which is easier to learn: PLCnext or TwinCAT?
Both PLCnext and TwinCAT have similar learning curves (rated 7/10). Expect 4-8 months to become proficient with either platform.
Which has better career prospects?
TwinCAT offers stronger career prospects with 60% market adoption and official certification programs. PLCnext has 25% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, TwinCAT expertise is more in-demand.