- What is SCADA Software?
- What is the purpose of SCADA in an industrial process?
- Abbreviations of SCADA Communication protocols
- How can we select SCADA software?
- List of free SCADA software
- Comparison between Free SCADA Software with Download link
- List of Top Free SCADA Softwares
- Why Use Free SCADA Software?
- List of free SCADA software supported in Linux OS
- List of free SCADA software supported in MAC OS
- FAQs on Free SCADA Software
Free SCADA software has become a powerful solution for engineers, students, and industries looking to monitor and control processes without expensive licensing costs. Modern open-source and free SCADA platforms now support real-time data acquisition, alarm management, PLC integration, and advanced visualization—making them suitable for industrial automation, energy systems, and IoT applications.
In this guide, we list the best 12 free SCADA software in 2026, including their features, protocol support, and use cases. Whether you’re working on a small PLC project, industrial plant monitoring, or learning SCADA, this comparison will help you choose the right tool.
What is SCADA Software?
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software is used in industrial automation to monitor, control, and analyze processes in real time. It connects with PLCs, RTUs, and field devices to collect data, visualize operations, and trigger alarms when abnormal conditions occur
What is the purpose of SCADA in an industrial process?
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) is software that can be used to control the industrial process. SCADA can monitor a plant or equipment in industries such as oil and gas, chemical plants, etc. So SCADA is software that is used to monitor the industrial process and if any changes should be made in the process then it would send a command signal to the PLC or other device.
The major functions of a SACDA are data acquisition, networked data communication, presentation of data, and control. We can control or monitor an entire plant with the help of SCADA. In case if there is any fault like a leak in a pipeline then the SCADA system would transfer this data to the home station and also would take the necessary action and control. SCADA would transfer command signals to the PLC or DCS according to the received field data.
Abbreviations of SCADA Communication protocols
| S. NO | Abbreviations | Full-Form |
| 1 | MQTT | MQ Telemetry Transport |
| 2 | ODBC | Open Database Connectivity |
| 3 | OPC | Open Platform Communication |
| 4 | SNMP | Simple Network Management Protocol |
| 5 | SMTP | Simple Mail Transfer Protocol |
| 6 | UDP | User Datagram Protocol |
| 7 | TCP | Transmission Control Protocol |
| 8 | RTP | Real-time Transport protocol |
| 9 | SQL | Structured Query Language |
| 10 | DNP3 | Distributed Network Protocol |
| 11 | HDA | Historical Data Access |
How can we select SCADA software?
- It must be compatible with different operating systems
- OS supported must be considered
- It must be selected according to the type of communication protocol
- System-upgradation
- Safety and reliability
- It must be selected according to the drivers in the SCADA system
- It should be adaptable
List of free SCADA software
1.Fernhill SCADA
2. Tatsoft factory studio
3. Rapid SCADA
4. Ignition SCADA
5.OpenAPC
6. OpenSCADA
7. WinTr
8. VTScadaLight
9. SCADA LTS
10. SZARP
11. IndigoSCADA
12. SCADABr
Comparison between Free SCADA Software with Download link
| Sl no | SCADA software | OS supported | Features | Supported protocol | Download link |
| 1 | Fernhill SCADA | Linux, Windows, MAC | Supports open interfaces such as OPC, UA, ODBC. It also offers API access, import tools, Configuration tool | MQTT, OPC Classic, OPC UA, and ODBC | Download link |
| 2 | Tatsoft factory studio | Windows, Linux, Mac | Real-time data modeling, data logging, Audit trail, alarms, and events | OPC/MQTT | Download link |
| 3 | Rapid SCADA | Windows& MAC | Real-time monitoring, Data visualization, Hardware integration | MODBUS, OPC, SNMP, SMTP, MQTT | Download link |
| 4 | Ignition SCADA | Windows, MAC, cloud, Linux | Built-in OPC UA Hardware integration HMI integration SQL tags Real-time monitoring, Supports – Oracle, MS SQL, MYSQL, etc | Modbus, UDP, and TCP | Download link |
| 5 | OpenAPC | Windows, Linux, MAC | Editors visual interface, Open programming interfaces, Machine control | Modbus, HTTP, RTP | Download link |
| 6 | OpenSCADA | Windows, Linux | It can be connected with OPC Client, S7 MPI, S7 PPI, Profinet, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP | Modbus, OPC-UA, HTTP | Download link |
| 7 | WinTr | Windows | Advanced screen interface can be created by the symbol factory software, Uses Microsoft SQL server database, Unlimited table and each table would have 950 tags, Server client option | OPC client, S7 Mpi, S7 Ppi, Profinet, Modbus RTU, TCP/IP, SQL server | Download link |
| 8 | VTScadaLight | Windows | Workstation/server health monitoring, Redundancy and system backup capability, statistic reporting, and alarm management | OPC, ODBC, SQL queries, Historian, and SOAP | Download link |
| 9 | SCADA-LTS | Windows, Linux, Mac | Custom integration – SOAP & REST API, Reports of data with charts, Available in different languages such as Spanish, Portuguese | MODBUS TCP/IP, DNP3, OPC DA 2.0, HTTP listeners | Download link |
| 10 | SZARP | Windows, Linux | SZARP supports mobile devices, Better user interface | MODBUS (TCP & client-server) | Download link |
| 11 | Indigo SCADA | Windows, Linux | Softlogic programming with C scripts, Multiple users with different access rights, Real-time events, and alarm notification. | OPC DA 2.05, HDA 1.20, XML DA 1.0, OPC UA 1.03, DNP 3.0, MODBUS | Download link |
| 12 | SCADA BR | Windows, Linux | It can be used for home and building automation, Graphical representation of data, user permissions system | MODBUS TCP/IP, OPC, DNP3, IEC, HTTP, Serial ASCII | Download link |
List of Top Free SCADA Softwares
1.Fernhill SCADA
We can use this SCADA software to monitor and control our process, we can use this SCADA software for the major industrial processes from hydroelectric to wine production. This SCADA performs really well according to the client-server architecture. This software also provides certain data access interfaces such as .net API, Java Api, OPC Classic, OPC UA, and ODBC. This SCADA software also provides better security so that our equipment will be protected from unauthorized access.
2. Tatsoft factory studio
By using this tool, we would be able to design industrial applications securely and powerfully. There are many features for this software such as MQTT broker, audit trail, and a lot more. We can program scripts in C, VB.Net, javaScript, and python. It has many built-in protocol drivers to PLCs, DCS and it would also support other industrial standards too.
3. Rapid SCADA
This is open-source software that can be used for industrial automation, this software has many tools which will be useful for quick monitoring and controlling. This software can be used for large distributed industrial automation systems. It has the ability to interact with the external database in real-time. This software has many features such as an automatic control module, rapid gate module, remote troubleshooting, and a lot more.
4. Ignition SCADA
This type of software can be used with large industries, this is a web-based solution that can be used to control the process remotely. By using this software we can check data across different locations.
Supported protocol – Modbus, Ethernet, UDP, and TCP
5.Open APC
This is an open-source process control and it can be used to do many automation processes. We can use this software for process stabilization and also improve the process. So it would do the data collection, data analysis, and also the interpretation of the process and by doing this the process monitoring can be easily done. We can do the offline and online analysis by using this software
6. Open SCADA
This type of SCADA software has good modularity and scalability, by using this SCADA software we can check and visualize the industrial process. This software would provide better control over modules, and also it would provide access to the database. It has various communication modes such as MODBUS, OPC-UA to interact with the external environment. Data acquisition from external sources such as controllers and sensors is also possible.
7. WinTr
The WinTr SCADA software can be used to monitor and also to save the process data. This software can be connected with OPC clients, Profinet, Modbus. The process data will be saved to the database and this will be very useful. winter also offers an advanced screen interface and with the help of this feature. This software provides good flexibility by the Visual Basic and C# scripting. In case if there is an alarm or warning then it would be displayed on the screen in real-time and this would improve the process quality.
8. VTScada
We can use this software for highly customized industrial monitoring. This SCADA software has a better architecture that has all the HMI SCADA software features. This software has an HMI interface and due to this, there are process displays, alarm and event management, Historical data viewer, etc. The major feature of this software is that it has an open architecture and because of this we can communicate with most PLCs and RTUs. Special analog and digital tag features and the component connections won’t degrade over time
9. SCADA-LTS
SCADA-LTS is open-source software and this is developed in JAVA and it can be used with Windows, Linux, and MAC. There is no need for client installation because the user interface runs from a standard web browser. The major feature of this software is that we can monitor the up-date of the data points in real-time. This software has a vast communication protocol such as MODBUS TCP/IP, DNP 3, IEC 101, and a lot more.
10. SZARP
This is an open-source SCADA software, we can describe SZARP as software that has a major collection of processes/applications. Each process in this would have a separate task and it would be done perfectly too.
11. IndigoSCADA
This is open-source software that can be operated on Windows and Linux platforms. This software is developed in C and C++, and the major feature of this software is that it has many supported drivers such as OPC DA 2.05a, AE 1.10, H. DA 1.20, MODBUS, etc. We can watch the historical and real-time graphical representation of the data by using this software. We can do the maintenance of historical and real-time data with the help of SQL editor.
12. SCADA BR
This is open-source software that can be used for supervisory control applications. Real-time data visualization is possible with this software. It would record process data in a database. We can access this software on a desktop or in mobile, it has script engines to control automation and batches.
Why Use Free SCADA Software?
- No licensing cost
- Ideal for learning and testing
- Supports real-time monitoring
- Works with PLCs and IoT systems
- Suitable for small to medium projects
Free SCADA tools like Rapid SCADA and Scada-LTS provide powerful features such as dashboards, alarms, and historian without restrictions in many cases.
List of free SCADA software supported in Linux OS
- Fernhill SCADA
- Tatsoft factory studio
- Ignition SCADA
- OpenAPC
- OpenSCADA
- SCADA-LTS
- SZARP
- Indigo SCADA
- SCADA BR
List of free SCADA software supported in MAC OS
- Fernhill SCADA
- Tatsoft factory studio
- Rapid SCADA
- Ignition SCADA
- OpenAPC
- SCADA-LTS
FAQs on Free SCADA Software
Which SCADA software is available for free?
Rapid SCADA Standard is free of charge.
This edition is perfect for long-term projects or learning since it has no expiration date and lets users create SCADA systems without restrictions on the quantity of data points.
What is the easiest SCADA software to use?
Widely considered to be among the most beginner-friendly SCADA systems, InduSoft Web Studio and Rapid SCADA
They provide:
- Easy to use interfaces
- Easy installation and deployment
- Support from the community and useful documents
These characteristics make them great decisions for SCADA system beginners.
Is Fernhill SCADA free?
Yes, Fernhill SCADA provides free runtime deployment.
With a single, inexpensive developer license, you may run and deploy endless SCADA systems.
Used in many different sectors, including hydroelectric power, manufacturing, and even wine making.
Is Ignition SCADA free?
Inductive Automation’s Ignition is free to test and can be set up in under three minutes.
Perfect for experimentation, education, or beginning a SCADA/Digital Transformation project before licensing commitment, the trial version may be used forever.
Can a PLC run without SCADA?
Yes, A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) can run without SCADA.
But SCADA systems improve the general efficiency and control of industrial operations by means of centralized monitoring, visualization, and data collecting.
While SCADA oversees supervisory tasks including alarms, trends, and remote access, a PLC manages real-time control.
Is open source SCADA reliable for industry?
Yes, many industries use open-source SCADA for monitoring and control applications.
Which SCADA supports Modbus and OPC UA?
Rapid SCADA, Ignition, and OpenSCADA support these protocols.
Can I use free SCADA for PLC projects?
Yes, free SCADA tools are widely used with PLC systems.
What are the limitations of free SCADA software?
Limited support, scalability, and advanced features.
Which SCADA is best for beginners?
ScadaBR and Rapid SCADA are beginner-friendly.
Can I learn SCADA online?
Of course. Inductive University, a free online training tool developed by Inductive Automation,
Its thorough courses in SCADA software, industrial automation ideas, and practical Ignition SCADA training cover all aspects. Anyone wishing to acquire SCADA knowledge online would find this to be a great beginning place.
Free SCADA software has evolved significantly, offering powerful capabilities for industrial automation, monitoring, and control. Tools like Rapid SCADA, ScadaBR, and Ignition provide flexible and cost-effective solutions for engineers, students, and industries.
Choosing the right SCADA depends on your application, scalability needs, and protocol requirements. By using the comparison and guidelines in this article, you can confidently select the best free SCADA software for your project.
