CODESYS vs RSLogix 500/5000
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
CODESYS
CODESYS GmbH (3S-Smart Software Solutions)
FREE basic version - perfect for learning
RSLogix 500/5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
Massive installed base - many jobs still require it
Overall Winner
CODESYS leads with an overall score of 85/100
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, RSLogix 500/5000 may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy) ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | CODESYS | RSLogix 500/5000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 85✓ | 76 |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 70 |
| Ease of Use | 70✓ | 60 |
| Features | 86✓ | 74 |
| Industry Adoption | 83 | 85✓ |
| Community Support | 100 | 100 |
| Career Value | 77✓ | 74 |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how CODESYS and RSLogix 500/5000 perform in specific industry scenarios to help guide your decision.
Small Machine Builder
OEM building compact machines with 50-200 I/O points, typically for niche markets or specialized applications
CODESYS
Perhaps the best strategic choice for small OEMs with growth ambitions. CODESYS basic version is FREE, and professional features are affordable ($0-$2,000). The killer advantage: hardware flexibility. Your first machines might use WAGO controllers (cost-effective), but as you grow, you can switch to other brands using the SAME programming environment. This prevents vendor lock-in and gives you neg...
RSLogix 500/5000
Legacy platform, but potentially viable for budget-conscious small OEMs targeting North American markets with older infrastructure. RSLogix 500 with MicroLogix hardware can cost significantly less than Studio 5000 with ControlLogix ($1,000-$5,000 vs $10,000-$30,000). If your machines have modest I/O counts (under 256 points) and don't require advanced features, MicroLogix may suffice. The installe...
Key Considerations:
- •Per-machine software licensing cost vs expected production volume
- •Time-to-market pressure - can you afford 6+ month learning curves?
- •Target customer geography and brand preferences
- •Hardware cost optimization - some platforms offer cheaper controllers
Automotive Tier 1 Supplier
Tier 1 automotive supplier providing systems and components directly to OEM vehicle manufacturers (VW, BMW, GM, Ford, Toyota, etc.)
CODESYS
Limited direct application for automotive Tier 1 suppliers due to OEM brand preferences, but valuable strategic knowledge. CODESYS underlies many automation platforms (including Schneider's EcoStruxure), so understanding it helps with multiple systems. Some automotive OEMs in China and emerging markets are more open to CODESYS-based controllers, offering cost advantages. The free engineering softw...
RSLogix 500/5000
Obsolete for new automotive production lines. While MicroLogix PLCs are still produced, Rockwell is clearly phasing this out. Automotive production lines have 15-20 year lifecycles - starting new designs on sunset platforms is risky. The only justification: Cheap expansions of existing RSLogix 500-based lines where full system replacement isn't economically viable. For greenfield automotive projec...
Key Considerations:
- •Customer-specified platforms are non-negotiable - verify before any engineering investment
- •Long-term parts availability (15-20 years) is critical for automotive
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) must be well-established and accepted
- •Customer's plant maintenance teams must be trained on your platform
Process Industry (Chemical, Oil & Gas, Pharma)
Continuous process control in chemical plants, refineries, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other process industries requiring high reliability and regulatory compliance
CODESYS
Underlying platform for several process automation systems (including Schneider's EcoStruxure), but rarely deployed directly in process industries. The hardware flexibility could theoretically reduce vendor lock-in, but process plants prioritize long-term single-vendor support over flexibility. The free engineering software is attractive for development, but process plants need vendor guarantees f...
RSLogix 500/5000
Obsolete for new process plants. Some older chemical or water treatment plants have legacy RSLogix 500/PLC-5 systems requiring maintenance, but starting new process designs on sunset platforms is unacceptable. Process plants have 20-30+ year lifecycles - legacy platforms won't have adequate support. For greenfield process projects, use Studio 5000/PlantPAx. For retrofits of existing RSLogix 500 sy...
Key Considerations:
- •Redundancy and high availability are mandatory for critical processes
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) for emergency shutdown systems
- •Long-term vendor support (20-30 year plant lifecycles)
- •Integration with process instrumentation and field devices
💰Pricing Comparison
CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than RSLogix 500/5000 ($$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2 000, while RSLogix 500/5000 ranges from $1 000 to $10 000.
📚Learning Curve
Both CODESYS and RSLogix 500/5000 have similar learning curves (rated 5/10). Expect 2-4 months to become proficient with either platform.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
CODESYS offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. RSLogix 500/5000 provides 10 key features with safety programming, motion control. CODESYS offers a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
RSLogix 500/5000 has 75% market adoption compared to CODESYS's 70%. RSLogix 500/5000 dominates in North America, Latin America, while CODESYS is strongest in Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America. RSLogix 500/5000's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
CODESYS is designed specifically for Over 500 manufacturers including Schneider Electric, Wago, Eaton, ifm, Festo, Bosch Rexroth 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 CODESYS and RSLogix 500/5000 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.
CODESYS Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓FREE basic version - perfect for learning
- ✓Supports wide range of hardware (500+ manufacturers)
- ✓Pure IEC 61131-3 standard compliance
- ✓Excellent for education and training
Limitations
- ✗Less recognized brand than Siemens/Rockwell
- ✗Professional features require paid add-ons
- ✗Fewer job postings specifically for CODESYS
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
CODESYS
Budget-Constrained
CODESYS
Enterprise Use
Both are suitable
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: CODESYS or RSLogix 500/5000?
CODESYS is the stronger overall choice with better pricing. However, RSLogix 500/5000 may be preferable if you prioritize community support or if you're already committed to the Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy) ecosystem.
What is the price difference between CODESYS and RSLogix 500/5000?
CODESYS ($) is significantly more affordable than RSLogix 500/5000 ($$). CODESYS costs between $0 and $2 000, while RSLogix 500/5000 ranges from $1 000 to $10 000.
Which is easier to learn: CODESYS or RSLogix 500/5000?
Both CODESYS and RSLogix 500/5000 have similar learning curves (rated 5/10). Expect 2-4 months to become proficient with either platform.
Which has better career prospects?
Both CODESYS and RSLogix 500/5000 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.