PLCnext vs Unity Pro
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
PLCnext
Phoenix Contact
FREE programming software
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, PLCnext may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the Phoenix Contact ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | PLCnext | Unity Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 64 | 71✓ |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 75 |
| Ease of Use | 40 | 50✓ |
| Features | 69 | 76✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 38 | 68✓ |
| Community Support | 94✓ | 91 |
| Career Value | 58 | 73✓ |
💰Pricing Comparison
PLCnext ($) is significantly more affordable than Unity Pro ($$). PLCnext costs between $0 and $2,000, while Unity Pro ranges from $1,500 to $7,000.
📚Learning Curve
Unity Pro (rated 6/10) is easier to learn than PLCnext (rated 7/10). Unity Pro typically takes 3-5 months to learn, while PLCnext requires 4-8 months. This makes Unity Pro better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
PLCnext offers 11 key features including motion control. Unity Pro provides 10 key features with safety programming, motion control. PLCnext offers a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
Unity Pro has 55% market adoption compared to PLCnext's 25%. Unity Pro dominates in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, while PLCnext is strongest in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific. Unity Pro's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
PLCnext is designed specifically for Phoenix Contact 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. PLCnext has 25% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, Unity Pro 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
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
Both are suitable
Budget-Constrained
PLCnext
Enterprise Use
Unity Pro
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: PLCnext or Unity Pro?
Unity Pro 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 Unity Pro?
PLCnext ($) is significantly more affordable than Unity Pro ($$). PLCnext costs between $0 and $2,000, while Unity Pro ranges from $1,500 to $7,000.
Which is easier to learn: PLCnext or Unity Pro?
Unity Pro (rated 6/10) is easier to learn than PLCnext (rated 7/10). Unity Pro typically takes 3-5 months to learn, while PLCnext requires 4-8 months. This makes Unity Pro better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Unity Pro 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, Unity Pro expertise is more in-demand.