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✓ |
Real-World Scenario Recommendations
See how PLCnext 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
PLCnext
Forward-thinking choice for innovative small OEMs, especially those targeting Industry 4.0-focused customers. The software is FREE - you only pay for controller hardware. Phoenix Contact's open architecture philosophy means you can program in IEC 61131-3, C++, C#, or Python on the same controller. This flexibility is unprecedented. The Docker container support lets you run custom applications (dat...
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.)
PLCnext
Interesting but risky for automotive Tier 1 suppliers. Phoenix Contact's open architecture and free engineering software are attractive, especially for cost-conscious EV startups. The IoT and Industry 4.0 capabilities align with automotive digital transformation initiatives. The Docker container support enables innovative edge computing applications (predictive maintenance, quality analytics). How...
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
PLCnext
Too immature for critical process industries. Phoenix Contact's open architecture and IoT capabilities are interesting, but process industries require proven platforms with decades of regulatory acceptance. The limited process industry track record, lack of redundancy configurations, and minimal safety certifications eliminate PLCnext from consideration for refineries, chemical plants, or pharmace...
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
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.