RSLogix 500/5000 vs GX Works3
Comprehensive comparison of two leading PLC programming platforms
RSLogix 500/5000
Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley (Legacy)
Massive installed base - many jobs still require it
GX Works3
Mitsubishi Electric
User-friendly interface, easier learning curve
Head-to-Head Match
Both RSLogix 500/5000 and GX Works3 are excellent choices with different strengths. RSLogix 500/5000 excels in community support, while GX Works3 leads in community support. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.
Score Breakdown
| Category | RSLogix 500/5000 | GX Works3 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 76 | 81✓ |
| Pricing | 70 | 75✓ |
| Ease of Use | 60 | 80✓ |
| Features | 74 | 86✓ |
| Industry Adoption | 85✓ | 80 |
| Community Support | 100✓ | 91 |
| Career Value | 74 | 74 |
💰Pricing Comparison
Both RSLogix 500/5000 and GX Works3 are in the same price range ($$). RSLogix 500/5000 pricing ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, while GX Works3 ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.
📚Learning Curve
GX Works3 (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10). GX Works3 typically takes 1-3 months to learn, while RSLogix 500/5000 requires 2-4 months. This makes GX Works3 better for beginners.
⚙️Features & Capabilities
RSLogix 500/5000 offers 10 key features including safety programming, motion control. 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
RSLogix 500/5000 has 75% market adoption compared to GX Works3's 65%. RSLogix 500/5000 dominates in North America, Latin America, while GX Works3 is strongest in Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe. RSLogix 500/5000's higher adoption means more job opportunities and community resources.
🔌Hardware Compatibility
RSLogix 500/5000 is designed specifically for Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation hardware, while GX Works3 works with Mitsubishi Electric PLCs. Both are vendor-specific solutions optimized for their respective hardware ecosystems.
💼Career Prospects
Both RSLogix 500/5000 and GX Works3 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.
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
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
GX Works3
For Professionals
GX Works3
Budget-Constrained
Both are suitable
Enterprise Use
Both are suitable
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: RSLogix 500/5000 or GX Works3?
Both RSLogix 500/5000 and GX Works3 are excellent choices with different strengths. RSLogix 500/5000 excels in community support, while GX Works3 leads in community support. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements, budget, and target hardware platform.
What is the price difference between RSLogix 500/5000 and GX Works3?
Both RSLogix 500/5000 and GX Works3 are in the same price range ($$). RSLogix 500/5000 pricing ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, while GX Works3 ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.
Which is easier to learn: RSLogix 500/5000 or GX Works3?
GX Works3 (rated 4/10) is easier to learn than RSLogix 500/5000 (rated 5/10). GX Works3 typically takes 1-3 months to learn, while RSLogix 500/5000 requires 2-4 months. This makes GX Works3 better for beginners.
Which has better career prospects?
Both RSLogix 500/5000 and GX Works3 offer similar career value with certification programs. Knowledge of either platform will open automation career opportunities.