OpenPLC vs RSLogix 500/5000
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
OpenPLC
OpenPLC Project (Open Source)
Completely FREE - no costs ever
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, OpenPLC may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the OpenPLC Project (Open Source) ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | OpenPLC | RSLogix 500/5000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 55 | 76✓ |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 70 |
| Ease of Use | 50 | 60✓ |
| Features | 63 | 74✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 18 | 85✓ |
| Community Support | 94 | 100✓ |
| Career Value | 23 | 74✓ |
💰Pricing Comparison
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than RSLogix 500/5000 ($$). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while RSLogix 500/5000 ranges from $1,000 to $10,000.
📚Learning Curve
RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than OpenPLC (rated 6/10). RSLogix 500/5000 typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while OpenPLC requires 3-6 months. This makes RSLogix 500/5000 better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
OpenPLC offers 11 key features. RSLogix 500/5000 provides 10 key features with safety programming, motion control. OpenPLC offers a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
RSLogix 500/5000 has 75% market adoption compared to OpenPLC's 10%. RSLogix 500/5000 dominates in North America, Latin America, while OpenPLC is strongest in Global (primarily education and research). RSLogix 500/5000's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
OpenPLC is designed specifically for Generic/Open Hardware 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. OpenPLC has 10% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, RSLogix 500/5000 expertise is more in-demand.
OpenPLC Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓Completely FREE - no costs ever
- ✓Open source - fully customizable
- ✓Runs on inexpensive hardware (Raspberry Pi)
- ✓Perfect for learning without financial investment
Limitations
- ✗Not suitable for commercial/industrial use
- ✗No official support (community only)
- ✗Limited features compared to commercial PLCs
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
RSLogix 500/5000
Budget-Constrained
OpenPLC
Enterprise Use
RSLogix 500/5000
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: OpenPLC or RSLogix 500/5000?
RSLogix 500/5000 is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, OpenPLC may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the OpenPLC Project (Open Source) ecosystem.
What is the price difference between OpenPLC and RSLogix 500/5000?
OpenPLC (free) is significantly more affordable than RSLogix 500/5000 ($$). OpenPLC costs between $0 and $0, while RSLogix 500/5000 ranges from $1,000 to $10,000.
Which is easier to learn: OpenPLC or RSLogix 500/5000?
RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than OpenPLC (rated 6/10). RSLogix 500/5000 typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while OpenPLC requires 3-6 months. This makes RSLogix 500/5000 better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
RSLogix 500/5000 offers stronger career prospects with 75% market adoption and official certification programs. OpenPLC has 10% adoption and is growing in market presence. For maximum employability, RSLogix 500/5000 expertise is more in-demand.