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 |
💰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.