LogixPro vs GX Works3
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
LogixPro
The Learning Pit
Extremely affordable (~$50 for students)
GX Works3
Mitsubishi Electric
User-friendly interface, easier learning curve
Overall Winner
GX Works3 leads with an overall score of 81/100
GX Works3 is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, LogixPro may be preferable if you prioritize ease of use or if you're already committed to the The Learning Pit ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | LogixPro | GX Works3 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 51 | 81✓ |
| Pricing | 95✓ | 75 |
| Ease of Use | 100✓ | 80 |
| Features | 40 | 86✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 15 | 80✓ |
| Community Support | 60 | 91✓ |
| Career Value | 16 | 74✓ |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how LogixPro and GX Works3 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
LogixPro
Not applicable for actual machine building - this is a learning simulator only. However, if you're training a junior programmer or familiarizing yourself with Allen-Bradley ladder logic before investing in Studio 5000, the $50-$100 cost is trivial. You can practice logic development offline without hardware. Some small OEMs use LogixPro to train new hires on fundamentals before putting them on rea...
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...
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.)
LogixPro
Purely educational - not for production equipment. However, useful for training new engineers on Allen-Bradley ladder logic fundamentals before Studio 5000 licenses. At $50-$100, it's a cost-effective onboarding tool for junior engineers joining your team. Some Tier 1 suppliers use LogixPro in training programs before giving new hires access to actual production systems.
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...
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
LogixPro
Educational tool only. Useful for training process operators or junior engineers on ladder logic fundamentals before working with actual DCS/PLC systems. At $50-$100, a cost-effective training tool but not for production processes.
GX Works3
Limited adoption in Western process industries, but more common in Asian process plants. Mitsubishi has process automation solutions, but market penetration is lower than Siemens or Rockwell in critical process applications. The reliability and features are adequate, but the ecosystem of process field instruments, safety systems, and SCADA integrations is less developed. For non-critical process a...
Key Considerations:
- •Redundancy and high availability are mandatory for critical processes
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) for emergency shutdown systems
- •Long-term vendor support (20-30 year plant lifecycles)
- •Integration with process instrumentation and field devices
💰Pricing Comparison
LogixPro ($) is significantly more affordable than GX Works3 ($$). LogixPro costs between $50 and $100, while GX Works3 ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.
📚Learning Curve
LogixPro (rated 2/10) is easier to learn than GX Works3 (rated 4/10). LogixPro typically takes 2-4 weeks to learn, while GX Works3 requires 1-3 months. This makes LogixPro better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
LogixPro offers 10 key features. GX Works3 provides 11 key features with safety programming, motion control, robotics integration. GX Works3 offers a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
GX Works3 has 65% market adoption compared to LogixPro's 5%. GX Works3 dominates in Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, while LogixPro is strongest in Global (education only). GX Works3's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
LogixPro is designed specifically for Simulation only (Allen-Bradley emulation) hardware, while GX Works3 works with Mitsubishi Electric PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
GX Works3 offers stronger career prospects with 65% market adoption and official certification programs. LogixPro has 5% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, GX Works3 expertise is more in-demand.
LogixPro Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Extremely affordable (~$50 for students)
- ✓Perfect for absolute beginners
- ✓No hardware needed to learn
- ✓Realistic simulation environment
Limitations
- ✗Simulation only - not for real PLCs
- ✗Limited to Allen-Bradley/RSLogix style ladder logic
- ✗No advanced features (motion, safety, networking)
Best For
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
Recommendations
For Beginners
LogixPro
For Professionals
GX Works3
Budget-Constrained
LogixPro
Enterprise Use
GX Works3
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: LogixPro or GX Works3?
GX Works3 is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, LogixPro may be preferable if you prioritize ease of use or if you're already committed to the The Learning Pit ecosystem.
What is the price difference between LogixPro and GX Works3?
LogixPro ($) is significantly more affordable than GX Works3 ($$). LogixPro costs between $50 and $100, while GX Works3 ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.
Which is easier to learn: LogixPro or GX Works3?
LogixPro (rated 2/10) is easier to learn than GX Works3 (rated 4/10). LogixPro typically takes 2-4 weeks to learn, while GX Works3 requires 1-3 months. This makes LogixPro better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
GX Works3 offers stronger career prospects with 65% market adoption and official certification programs. LogixPro has 5% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, GX Works3 expertise is more in-demand.