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Comparison · SCADA software

Ignition vs Rapid SCADA: which is better in 2026?

IgnitionvsRapid SCADA

Ignition ranks higher in our list of SCADA software (#1 against #5, score 93.5 against 84.0).

Choose Ignition if you want

Full-featured SCADA with unlimited tags per server.

Unlimited tags and clients per server, with web clients and a free Maker Edition for non-commercial use. Production use needs a paid license per server, and support plans add an annual fee.

Choose Rapid SCADA if you want

Free SCADA on Windows or Linux servers.

Apache 2.0 Standard edition with unlimited data points, running on Windows Server or Linux. Enterprise features need the paid license, and training or consulting are separate services.

The main differences

  • Only Ignition runs on macOS.
  • Rapid SCADA is open source; Ignition is not.

Side by side

IgnitionRapid SCADA
Score93.584.0
Rank in list#1 of 6#5 of 6
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree Maker Edition for non-commercial use; paid perpetual licenses per serverFree and open sourceStandard edition free under Apache 2.0; Enterprise license is paid
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsWindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, LinuxWindowsLinuxWindows, Linux
Made byInductive AutomationNot stated
License modelPer server, unlimited tags and clientsApache 2.0 Standard; paid Enterprise
Web clientYesYes
ProtocolsOPC UA, MQTT, SQLModbus driver; other modules
Best forFull-featured SCADA with unlimited tags per serverFree SCADA on Windows or Linux servers
Strengths
  • Unlimited tags, users and devices per server license
  • Free Maker Edition for personal and non-commercial work
  • Web clients served from the gateway
  • Unlimited data points in the free edition
  • Windows Server and Linux server support
  • Modules can carry their own licenses
Limits
  • Production use needs a paid license per server
  • Annual support plans add a recurring cost
  • Enterprise features need a paid license
  • Training and consulting are sold as separate services
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Ignition vs Rapid SCADA

Is Ignition better than Rapid SCADA?
Ignition ranks higher in our list of SCADA software (#1 against #5, score 93.5 against 84.0). Ignition is best for: full-featured SCADA with unlimited tags per server. Rapid SCADA is best for: free SCADA on Windows or Linux servers.
Which is cheaper, Ignition or Rapid SCADA?
Ignition: Free Maker Edition for non-commercial use; paid perpetual licenses per server. Rapid SCADA: Standard edition free under Apache 2.0; Enterprise license is paid.
Do Ignition and Rapid SCADA run on the same platforms?
Ignition supports Windows, macOS, Linux. Rapid SCADA supports Windows, Linux.