When you're comparing PLCs and HMIs, the first fork in the road is whether to buy a single all-in-one PLC with a built-in HMI, or pair a separate controller with a display. Your decision affects cost, wiring, and the programming tools you'll use. Two very different options illustrate this: a 5-inch HMI touch screen PLC and an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 controller with 32 total I/O points.
Quick verdict
If you need a compact controller with an integrated operator screen and your I/O needs are modest, the 5-inch HMI PLC is the more pragmatic buy. If your application demands more I/O and you want a controller with RS-232, the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 earns its higher price.
Price and specifications at a glance
| Feature | 5" HMI PLC | Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 95.99 | USD 299.00 |
| Condition | New | New - Open box |
| Type | PLC Processor Module | PLC Processor Module |
| Total I/O | 17 | 32 |
| Inputs | 9 | 20 |
| Outputs | 8 relay | 12 relay |
| Country of Origin | China | United States |
| MPN | 17MR-F500-FX-A | 1761-L32BWB |
Where each product wins
- Best all-in-one setup: The 5-inch HMI PLC combines the controller and a touch screen, so there's no separate display to mount, wire, or configure.
- Best for communication and power: The Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 operates on 24V DC and includes an RS-232 communication port.
Product notes
PLC Controller Programmable Logic Controller 5" HMI Touch Screen For Industrial
Designed for small automation tasks, this controller pairs a 5-inch HMI touch screen with PLC processing in a single unit. The integrated display is the headline feature: you get a touch screen and controller in one package, which keeps wiring and panel space down. Its I/O complement, while modest, is enough for small packaging, labeling, and positioning machines. The bundled HMI software is free and supports multiple languages, so you can build an operator screen without an extra software license. However, compared with the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000, this unit has fewer I/O points; if your application grows, you'll likely need to upgrade. You'll also program it with GX Works2/Developer, so teams standardized on that environment will adapt quickly, while others need to learn it.
Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 1761-L32BWB
The Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 offers a traditional PLC processor approach. It provides 20 digital inputs and 12 relay outputs for a total of 32 I/O points, which is useful for machines with more field wiring. The controller operates on 24V DC and has an RS-232 communication port, giving you a serial connection for programming or linking to other equipment. It is new open-box, so the physical unit is ready to install. Because this is a processor module, it does not include the integrated touch screen of the 5-inch HMI PLC; plan to add a separate HMI or panel if your application needs status screens, setpoint entry, or diagnostics. In return, you get a dedicated control core with 32 I/O and an RS-232 port.
Final choice by use case
Choose the 5-inch HMI PLC when you want an all-in-one operator screen and controller, your I/O requirement is modest, and you prefer to keep upfront costs low. Choose the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 when you need a higher I/O count, a 24V DC base controller with RS-232, and you already have a separate HMI or plan to add one. The right pick depends on how much I/O and display integration your machine really needs.
