LogixPro vs RSLogix 500/5000
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
LogixPro
The Learning Pit
Extremely affordable (~$50 for students)
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, 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 | RSLogix 500/5000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 51 | 76✓ |
| Pricing | 95✓ | 70 |
| Ease of Use | 100✓ | 60 |
| Features | 40 | 74✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 15 | 85✓ |
| Community Support | 60 | 100✓ |
| Career Value | 16 | 74✓ |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how LogixPro 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
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...
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.)
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.
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
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-$100, a cost-effective training tool but not for production processes.
RSLogix 500/5000
Obsolete for new process plants. Some older chemical or water treatment plants have legacy RSLogix 500/PLC-5 systems requiring maintenance, but starting new process designs on sunset platforms is unacceptable. Process plants have 20-30+ year lifecycles - legacy platforms won't have adequate support. For greenfield process projects, use Studio 5000/PlantPAx. For retrofits of existing RSLogix 500 sy...
Key Considerations:
- •Redundancy and high availability are mandatory for critical processes
- •Safety certifications (SIL 2/SIL 3) for emergency shutdown systems
- •Long-term vendor support (20-30 year plant lifecycles)
- •Integration with process instrumentation and field devices
💰Pricing Comparison
LogixPro ($) is significantly more affordable than RSLogix 500/5000 ($$). LogixPro costs between $50 and $100, while RSLogix 500/5000 ranges from $1 000 to $10 000.
📚Learning Curve
LogixPro (rated 2/10) is easier to learn than RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10). LogixPro typically takes 2-4 weeks to learn, while RSLogix 500/5000 requires 2-4 months. This makes LogixPro better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
LogixPro offers 10 key features. RSLogix 500/5000 provides 10 key features with safety programming, motion control. Both platforms offer a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
RSLogix 500/5000 has 75% market adoption compared to LogixPro's 5%. RSLogix 500/5000 dominates in North America, Latin America, while LogixPro is strongest in Global (education only). RSLogix 500/5000's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
LogixPro is designed specifically for Simulation only (Allen-Bradley emulation) 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
RSLogix 500/5000 offers stronger career prospects with 75% market adoption and official certification programs. LogixPro has 5% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, RSLogix 500/5000 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
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
LogixPro
For Professionals
RSLogix 500/5000
Budget-Constrained
LogixPro
Enterprise Use
RSLogix 500/5000
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: LogixPro or RSLogix 500/5000?
RSLogix 500/5000 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 RSLogix 500/5000?
LogixPro ($) is significantly more affordable than RSLogix 500/5000 ($$). LogixPro costs between $50 and $100, while RSLogix 500/5000 ranges from $1 000 to $10 000.
Which is easier to learn: LogixPro or RSLogix 500/5000?
LogixPro (rated 2/10) is easier to learn than RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10). LogixPro typically takes 2-4 weeks to learn, while RSLogix 500/5000 requires 2-4 months. This makes LogixPro better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
RSLogix 500/5000 offers stronger career prospects with 75% market adoption and official certification programs. LogixPro has 5% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, RSLogix 500/5000 expertise is more in-demand.