GX Works3 vs RSLogix 500/5000
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
GX Works3
Mitsubishi Electric
User-friendly interface, easier learning curve
RSLogix 500/5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
Massive installed base - many jobs still require it
Head-to-Head Match
Both GX Works3 and RSLogix 500/5000 are excellent choices with different strengths. GX Works3 excels in community support, while RSLogix 500/5000 leads in community support. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.
Score Breakdown
| Category | GX Works3 | RSLogix 500/5000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 81✓ | 76 |
| Pricing | 75✓ | 70 |
| Ease of Use | 80✓ | 60 |
| Features | 86✓ | 74 |
| Industry Adoption | 80 | 85✓ |
| Community Support | 91 | 100✓ |
| Career Value | 74 | 74 |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how GX Works3 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
GX Works3
Sweet spot for small Asian and European OEMs. GX Works3 licensing ($1,000-$5,000) is affordable enough that you can license 2-3 seats without breaking the bank. Mitsubishi's iQ-R and FX5 series offer excellent performance at competitive prices. The learning curve is gentle (1-3 months) - your programmer can be productive quickly, accelerating time-to-market. The software runs smoothly on modest ha...
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.)
GX Works3
Increasingly common for Asian automotive Tier 1 suppliers, particularly those serving Japanese, Korean, and Chinese OEMs (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Geely, BYD). Mitsubishi Electric has strong presence in Asian automotive manufacturing, and many OEMs specify or prefer GX Works3. The licensing cost ($1,000-$5,000) is significantly lower than Siemens/Rockwell - attractive for cost-sensitive mar...
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
GX Works3
Limited adoption in Western process industries, but more common in Asian process plants. Mitsubishi has process automation solutions, but market penetration is lower than Siemens or Rockwell in critical process applications. The reliability and features are adequate, but the ecosystem of process field instruments, safety systems, and SCADA integrations is less developed. For non-critical process a...
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
Both GX Works3 and RSLogix 500/5000 are in the same price range ($$). GX Works3 pricing ranges from $1 000 to $5 000, while RSLogix 500/5000 ranges from $1 000 to $10 000.
📚Learning Curve
GX Works3 (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10). GX Works3 typically takes 1-3 months to learn, while RSLogix 500/5000 requires 2-4 months. This makes GX Works3 better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
GX Works3 offers 11 key features including safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. RSLogix 500/5000 provides 10 key features with safety programming, motion control. GX Works3 offers a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
RSLogix 500/5000 has 75% market adoption compared to GX Works3's 65%. RSLogix 500/5000 dominates in North America, Latin America, while GX Works3 is strongest in Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe. RSLogix 500/5000's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
GX Works3 is designed specifically for Mitsubishi Electric 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 GX Works3 and RSLogix 500/5000 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.
GX Works3 Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓User-friendly interface, easier learning curve
- ✓More affordable than competitors
- ✓Strong in Asia-Pacific market
- ✓Good simulation capabilities
Limitations
- ✗Less common in North America
- ✗Smaller community compared to Siemens/Rockwell
- ✗Limited third-party integration
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
GX Works3
For Professionals
GX Works3
Budget-Constrained
Both are suitable
Enterprise Use
Both are suitable
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: GX Works3 or RSLogix 500/5000?
Both GX Works3 and RSLogix 500/5000 are excellent choices with different strengths. GX Works3 excels in community support, while RSLogix 500/5000 leads in community support. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.
What is the price difference between GX Works3 and RSLogix 500/5000?
Both GX Works3 and RSLogix 500/5000 are in the same price range ($$). GX Works3 pricing ranges from $1 000 to $5 000, while RSLogix 500/5000 ranges from $1 000 to $10 000.
Which is easier to learn: GX Works3 or RSLogix 500/5000?
GX Works3 (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10). GX Works3 typically takes 1-3 months to learn, while RSLogix 500/5000 requires 2-4 months. This makes GX Works3 better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both GX Works3 and RSLogix 500/5000 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.