PLCnext vs RSLogix 500/5000
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
PLCnext
Phoenix Contact
FREE programming software
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, PLCnext may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the Phoenix Contact ecosystem.
Score Breakdown
| Category | PLCnext | RSLogix 500/5000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 64 | 76✓ |
| Pricing | 100✓ | 70 |
| Ease of Use | 40 | 60✓ |
| Features | 69 | 74✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 38 | 85✓ |
| Community Support | 94 | 100✓ |
| Career Value | 58 | 74✓ |
💰Pricing Comparison
PLCnext ($) is significantly more affordable than RSLogix 500/5000 ($$). PLCnext costs between $0 and $2,000, while RSLogix 500/5000 ranges from $1,000 to $10,000.
📚Learning Curve
RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than PLCnext (rated 7/10). RSLogix 500/5000 typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while PLCnext requires 4-8 months. This makes RSLogix 500/5000 better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
PLCnext offers 11 key features including motion control. RSLogix 500/5000 provides 10 key features with safety programming, motion control. PLCnext offers a comprehensive feature set for industrial automation.
🏭Industry Adoption
RSLogix 500/5000 has 75% market adoption compared to PLCnext's 25%. RSLogix 500/5000 dominates in North America, Latin America, while PLCnext is strongest in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific. RSLogix 500/5000's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
PLCnext is designed specifically for Phoenix Contact 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. PLCnext has 25% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, RSLogix 500/5000 expertise is more in-demand.
PLCnext Overview
Key Strengths
- ✓FREE programming software
- ✓Open, modern architecture
- ✓Multiple programming language support
- ✓IoT and Industry 4.0 ready
Limitations
- ✗Relatively new platform (limited adoption)
- ✗Small user community
- ✗Fewer job postings
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
RSLogix 500/5000
For Professionals
Both are suitable
Budget-Constrained
PLCnext
Enterprise Use
RSLogix 500/5000
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: PLCnext or RSLogix 500/5000?
RSLogix 500/5000 is the stronger overall choice with better community support. However, PLCnext may be preferable if you prioritize pricing or if you're already committed to the Phoenix Contact ecosystem.
What is the price difference between PLCnext and RSLogix 500/5000?
PLCnext ($) is significantly more affordable than RSLogix 500/5000 ($$). PLCnext costs between $0 and $2,000, while RSLogix 500/5000 ranges from $1,000 to $10,000.
Which is easier to learn: PLCnext or RSLogix 500/5000?
RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10) is easier to learn than PLCnext (rated 7/10). RSLogix 500/5000 typically takes 2-4 months to learn, while PLCnext requires 4-8 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. PLCnext has 25% adoption and is also backed by certifications. For maximum employability, RSLogix 500/5000 expertise is more in-demand.