Is TwinCAT 3 better than Beremiz?

TwinCAT 3 ranks higher in our list of PLC programming software (#2 against #3, score 90.0 against 82.0). Beremiz is best for: open IEC 61131-3 work on any processor. TwinCAT 3 is best for: PC-based control with a free engineering tier.

Which is cheaper, Beremiz or TwinCAT 3?

Beremiz: Free software; IDE licensed under GPLv2 or later. TwinCAT 3: Engineering free with basic functions; paid runtime and extra function licenses.

Do Beremiz and TwinCAT 3 run on the same platforms?

Beremiz supports Windows, Linux. TwinCAT 3 supports Windows.

Comparison · PLC programming software

Beremiz vs TwinCAT 3: which is better in 2026?

Beremiz82.0#3 in best PLC programming software

TwinCAT 390.0#2 in best PLC programming software

TwinCAT 3 ranks higher in our list of PLC programming software (#2 against #3, score 90.0 against 82.0).

How we rank Share

82.0
Editorial score
90.0
2
Platforms
1
Yes
Free to use
Yes
Yes
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

Choose Beremiz if you want

Open IEC 61131-3 work on any processor.

Open IEC 61131-3 editors that compile to C and then native code, targeting any processor. Windows and Linux builds are published, and the install details live in the repository.

Choose TwinCAT 3 if you want

PC-based control with a free engineering tier.

PC-based real-time control with IEC 61131-3 plus C/C++ and MATLAB, and free core PLC engineering. Runtime licenses are priced by control performance, and the tool runs on Windows.

The main differences

Only Beremiz runs on Linux.
Beremiz is open source; TwinCAT 3 is not.

Side by side

	Beremiz	TwinCAT 3
Score	82.0	90.0
Rank in list	#3 of 6	#2 of 6
Price	Free and open sourceFree software; IDE licensed under GPLv2 or later	Free plan, paid upgradesEngineering free with basic functions; paid runtime and extra function licenses
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	No
Platforms	WindowsLinuxWindows, Linux	WindowsWindows
Made by	Not stated	Beckhoff Automation
Languages	LD, FBD, SFC, IL, ST	IEC 61131-3, C/C++, MATLAB
Runtime target	Any processor, Linux PC or microcontroller	Any PC-based system
Simulation	Not stated on the site	Not stated on the site
Best for	Open IEC 61131-3 work on any processor	PC-based control with a free engineering tier
Strengths	Full IEC 61131-3 editor set with PLCopen XML storage Compiles PLC code to C and native code Targets any processor or a Linux PC	Core PLC engineering carries no license cost IEC 61131-3 plus C/C++, MATLAB and Simulink License dongles on USB or EtherCAT devices
Limits	Windows and Linux builds are the ones the README lists Install details are in the repository, not on the homepage	Runtime licenses are priced by control performance Functions beyond PLC programming cost extra
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Beremiz vs TwinCAT 3

Is TwinCAT 3 better than Beremiz?: TwinCAT 3 ranks higher in our list of PLC programming software (#2 against #3, score 90.0 against 82.0). Beremiz is best for: open IEC 61131-3 work on any processor. TwinCAT 3 is best for: PC-based control with a free engineering tier.
Which is cheaper, Beremiz or TwinCAT 3?: Beremiz: Free software; IDE licensed under GPLv2 or later. TwinCAT 3: Engineering free with basic functions; paid runtime and extra function licenses.
Do Beremiz and TwinCAT 3 run on the same platforms?: Beremiz supports Windows, Linux. TwinCAT 3 supports Windows.