Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software is commenly used in modern industrial automation. It allows engineers to monitor, control, analyze, and visualize industrial processes in real time.
However, many commercial SCADA systems are expensive, which becomes a challenge for startups, small plants and learning environments.
The good thing is that several free and open-source SCADA platforms are available today. Some are completely free, while others offer free runtime or long-term trial versions for learning and prototyping.
In this article, we present an updated list of the best free SCADA software, along with their key features, licensing nature, operating system support, and official download links.
1. Rapid SCADA (Free & Open-Source SCADA)
Rapid SCADA is one of the most popular free SCADA software which is open source and used worldwide for learning and real industrial projects.
It is designed for building large distributed automation systems such as power systems, water treatment, and industrial monitoring networks. The Standard edition is 100% free with no expiration and no data-point limitation, which makes it ideal for long-term use.
Rapid SCADA supports real-time data acquisition, alarm management, trends, and automatic control through additional modules. It also allows real-time interaction with external databases and remote web access.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Linux
Official website & download:
Rapid SCADA – Official Site
Rapid SCADA – Download Page
2. OpenSCADA (Modular Open-Source SCADA Platform)
OpenSCADA is a highly modular and scalable open-source SCADA system mainly developed for Linux-based industrial environments. It follows a flexible architecture where required modules can be added as per application needs.
It supports data acquisition, visualization, control logic, and historian functions. Communication with field devices is possible through standard industrial protocols such as Modbus, OPC, OPC UA, and others.
Supported Operating Systems: Linux (primary), other Unix-based systems
Official website & download:
OpenSCADA – Project Site
OpenSCADA – Download / Releases
3. OpenAPC (Open Process Control & Visualization Suite)
OpenAPC is an open-source industrial control and visualization software suite. It provides tools for HMI, data acquisition, visualization, and control logic. It is used for process stabilization, data collection, online and offline analysis, and visualization.
OpenAPC can be used in applications ranging from home automation to industrial control and even laser engraving.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Linux
Official website & download:
OpenAPC – Project Download
4. SCADA-LTS (Web-Based Open-Source SCADA)
SCADA-LTS is a Java-based, web-enabled open-source SCADA system. The entire interface runs through a standard web browser, so no client installation is required.
It supports real-time data updates, alarm handling, trending, and data logging. Communication is possible using Modbus TCP/IP, DNP3, IEC-101/104 and other protocols.
SCADA-LTS is widely used in power monitoring, research projects, and small automation systems.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, macOS (via Java/Tomcat)
Official website & download:
SCADA-LTS – Official Site
SCADA-LTS – GitHub Releases
5. SZARP (Open-Source Distributed SCADA System)
SZARP is an open-source SCADA platform for industrial data acquisition and visualization. It works as a distributed system where different processes handle data acquisition, processing, and visualization separately. szarp.org+1
It is commonly used in energy systems, utilities, and long-term monitoring and is valued for its UNIX-style modular architecture.
Supported Operating Systems: Linux (server), Windows (client)
Official website & download:
SZARP – Official Site
6. IndigoSCADA (Enterprise-Grade Open-Source SCADA)
IndigoSCADA is a powerful open-source SCADA solution built using C and C++. It is highly appreciated for its broad industrial protocol support such as OPC DA/AE/HDA, OPC UA, Modbus, DNP3, IEC-60870-5-101/103/104, MQTT, and more.
The system provides real-time visualization, historical trending, and SQL-based data management, making it suitable for utility, energy, and complex process applications.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Linux
Official website & download:
IndigoSCADA – Download Page
7. ScadaBR (Web-Based Open-Source SCADA)
ScadaBR is a web-based open-source SCADA system developed in Java. It provides supervisory control, real-time visualization, trending, and alarm management through a browser interface. scadabr.org+1
It stores industrial data in databases and supports industrial drivers such as Modbus, OPC, SNMP, and others, making it very useful for education, building automation, and small industrial systems.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Linux (Java-based)
Official website & download:
ScadaBR – Official Site scadabr.org
ScadaBR – Download Page (SourceForge)
Free SCADA with Limited Free Runtime or Trial Versions
The following software are commercial SCADA platforms, but they offer free runtime, limited free versions, or never-expiring trial modes for learning and testing.
8. Fernhill SCADA (Free Runtime SCADA)
Fernhill SCADA is a modern client-server SCADA platform used in hydroelectric plants, manufacturing processes, building automation, and even wine production.
Its key advantage is that the runtime deployment is completely free of charge. A single low-cost developer license allows you to design and configure projects. It supports OPC UA, OPC Classic, MQTT, ODBC, and multiple PLC drivers.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, macOS (runtime)
Official website & download:
Fernhill SCADA – Official Site
Fernhill SCADA – Download Page
9. Ignition SCADA (Unlimited Reset Trial Edition)
Ignition by Inductive Automation is a powerful web-based industrial SCADA platform used globally across industries. It offers centralized monitoring, alarming, database connectivity, and enterprise-level reporting.
Ignition provides a full-featured trial that never expires, but each trial session runs for 2 hours and must be reset, which makes it ideal for learning, simulation, and testing. For continuous production operation, a paid license is required.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, macOS
Official website & download:
Ignition – Download Page
10. Tatsoft FrameworX / FactoryStudio (Commercial with Free Evaluation)
Tatsoft’s FrameworX platform (including FactoryStudio) is a full-scale SCADA and IIoT development environment. It includes MQTT Sparkplug support, scripting in .NET and Python, audit trails, dashboards, and secure connectivity.
The platform is commercial but offers free development and evaluation options for learning and prototyping industrial applications.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, macOS
Official website & evaluation download:
Tatsoft – FrameworX / FactoryStudio
11. VTScadaLIGHT (Free 50 I/O SCADA)
VTScadaLIGHT is the free edition of VTScada, offering a 50 I/O development and runtime license with no runtime time limit. It includes HMI, alarm management, historian, and mobile connectivity, making it ideal for small projects, pilots, and student labs.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows
Official website & download:
VTScadaLIGHT – Free SCADA Software
12. WinTr SCADA (Free Download, Commercial Use)
WinTr is a proprietary SCADA package with free downloadable versions that are widely used for learning, demos, and smaller applications. It supports OPC, Modbus, Profinet and other protocols, and offers scripting in C# and Visual Basic. fultek.com.tr+1
For unrestricted commercial use, licensing terms apply, but the free download is very useful for students and small test systems.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows
Official website & download:
WinTr SCADA – Official Download Page
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Free Scada Software
Which SCADA software is completely free without time limits?
Rapid SCADA Standard Edition is fully free of charge, with no expiration date and no limitation on data points. This makes it ideal for both learning and long-term industrial use.
Which SCADA software is best for beginners?
Rapid SCADA and AVEVA Edge (formerly InduSoft Web Studio) are widely considered beginner-friendly because of their simple interfaces, strong documentation, and large user communities. Among these, Rapid SCADA is completely free, while AVEVA Edge is commercial.
Is Fernhill SCADA truly free?
Fernhill SCADA provides free runtime deployment. With a single low-cost developer license, you can create and deploy unlimited SCADA systems without paying runtime fees.
Is Ignition SCADA free to use?
Ignition offers a non-expiring full trial version that runs for 2 hours at a time and can be restarted unlimited times. It is excellent for education and testing, but a paid license is required for continuous industrial operation.
Can a PLC operate without SCADA?
Yes, a PLC can operate independently without SCADA. The PLC handles real-time control, while SCADA is used for monitoring, visualization, alarms, trending, and remote supervision.
Can SCADA be learned online?
Yes. Inductive University, developed by Inductive Automation, offers completely free online training for SCADA fundamentals, industrial automation concepts, and Ignition SCADA programming.
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