Automation Studio vs RSLogix 500/5000
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
Automation Studio
B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group)
Excellent for high-speed packaging machinery
RSLogix 500/5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
Massive installed base - many jobs still require it
Overall Winner
RSLogix 500/5000 leads with an overall score of 76/100
RSLogix 500/5000 is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, Automation Studio may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group) ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | Automation Studio | RSLogix 500/5000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 70 | 76✓ |
| Pricing | 75✓ | 70 |
| Ease of Use | 50 | 60✓ |
| Features | 84✓ | 74 |
| Industry Adoption | 55 | 85✓ |
| Community Support | 91 | 100✓ |
| Career Value | 68 | 74✓ |
💰Pricing Comparison
Both Automation Studio and RSLogix 500/5000 are in the same price range ($$). Automation Studio pricing ranges from $1,000 to $8,000, while RSLogix 500/5000 ranges from $1,000 to $10,000.
📚Learning Curve
RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than Automation Studio (rated 6/10). RSLogix 500/5000 typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while Automation Studio requires 4-6 months. This makes RSLogix 500/5000 better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
Automation Studio offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. RSLogix 500/5000 provides 10 key features with safety programming, motion control. Automation Studio offers a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
RSLogix 500/5000 has 75% market adoption compared to Automation Studio's 45%. RSLogix 500/5000 dominates in North America, Latin America, while Automation Studio is strongest in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific. RSLogix 500/5000's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
Automation Studio is designed specifically for B&R Automation (ABB) hardware, while RSLogix 500/5000 works with Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both Automation Studio and RSLogix 500/5000 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.
Automation Studio Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Excellent for high-speed packaging machinery
- ✓Strong motion control capabilities
- ✓Modern development environment
- ✓C/C++ programming option for complex logic
Limitations
- ✗Less common than Siemens/Rockwell (fewer jobs)
- ✗Smaller user community
- ✗Limited third-party resources
Best For
RSLogix 500/5000 Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Massive installed base - many jobs still require it
- ✓Well-understood and documented
- ✓Stable, mature platform
- ✓Simpler interface than Studio 5000 for basic tasks
Limitations
- ✗No longer actively developed (legacy software)
- ✗Being phased out in favor of Studio 5000
- ✗Won't work with newer PLC hardware
Best For
Recommendations
For Beginners
Both are suitable
For Professionals
Both are suitable
Budget-Constrained
Both are suitable
Enterprise Use
RSLogix 500/5000
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Automation Studio or RSLogix 500/5000?
RSLogix 500/5000 is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, Automation Studio may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the B&R Industrial Automation (ABB Group) ecosystem.
What is the price difference between Automation Studio and RSLogix 500/5000?
Both Automation Studio and RSLogix 500/5000 are in the same price range ($$). Automation Studio pricing ranges from $1,000 to $8,000, while RSLogix 500/5000 ranges from $1,000 to $10,000.
Which is easier to learn: Automation Studio or RSLogix 500/5000?
RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than Automation Studio (rated 6/10). RSLogix 500/5000 typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while Automation Studio requires 4-6 months. This makes RSLogix 500/5000 better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both Automation Studio and RSLogix 500/5000 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.