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✓ |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how PLCnext and Unity Pro 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...
Unity Pro
Legacy Schneider platform being replaced by EcoStruxure. Not recommended for new machine designs - choose EcoStruxure instead. Unity Pro is for maintaining existing Modicon M340/M580 installations. If a customer specifically requests Modicon compatibility with legacy systems, Unity Pro may be necessary, but negotiate this carefully as it's sunset technology. The licensing cost ($1,500-$7,000) is b...
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...
Unity Pro
Legacy platform - not recommended for new automotive projects. Some European automotive plants have existing Modicon M580 installations that require Unity Pro for maintenance and expansions. If you're supporting existing lines, Unity Pro knowledge is necessary. For new projects, choose EcoStruxure instead. Don't invest in learning sunset technology unless you're maintaining specific legacy systems...
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...
Unity Pro
Legacy Schneider platform with significant installed base in process industries, particularly oil and gas offshore platforms, water treatment, and power generation. Unity Pro with Modicon Quantum/M580 Hot Standby provides the redundancy needed for critical processes. However, Schneider is transitioning customers to EcoStruxure. For existing Unity Pro installations, maintenance and expansions are n...
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 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.