Automation projects often stall at the controller choice. Two PLCs are on the table: the Mitsubishi FX3U and the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000. One is new and costs $116.96. The other is open-box, priced at $299.00, and comes with a detailed breakdown of its I/O and communication specs. The right pick depends on whether you value a low buy-in or a documented, feature-rich controller from a well-known automation family.
Quick Verdict
The Mitsubishi FX3U is the value pick. It arrives new and carries the lowest price in this comparison, making it a low-risk way to get a Mitsubishi PLC into your cabinet. The Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 is the specification leader. For $299.00, you get a controller with 32 I/O points, 24V DC power, RS-232 communications, and an EEPROM memory, all in a compact package. If you need those details confirmed before you commit, the Allen-Bradley justifies its higher price.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Mitsubishi FX3U | Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $116.96 | $299.00 |
| Condition | New | New - Open box |
| Controller Platform | Programmable Logic Controller | MicroLogix1000 |
| Type | PLC Processor Module | PLC Processor Module |
Where Each Product Wins
- Mitsubishi FX3U wins on price and condition. $116.96 is the lower outlay, and the unit is new rather than open-box.
- Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 wins on specification detail. You get explicit I/O counts, power requirements, and a communication port, which takes the guesswork out of your build.
Product Notes
#### Mitsubishi FX3U PLC
At $116.96, the Mitsubishi FX3U is the more affordable PLC in this head-to-head, and it arrives as a brand-new unit. The controller platform is a straightforward programmable logic controller, so it's a sensible option for a conventional control task where you need a fresh processor without the open-box variable. If you're already familiar with the FX3U series, this gives you a new unit from Mitsubishi without the premium. The key trade-off is the level of detail: this unit's available specifications focus on the controller platform and module type, so buyers who want explicit I/O counts or communication port information on hand will have to rely on their own knowledge of the FX3U architecture. For the price, it's the most direct way to get a new Mitsubishi PLC into a project.
#### Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 PLC
The Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 costs $299.00, making it the higher-priced option, but it also gives you a clear picture of what's inside. The controller is specified with 32 total I/O points (20 digital inputs and 12 relay outputs), operates on 24V DC power, and includes an RS-232 communication port. It also has 1 KB EEPROM memory and a built-in high-speed counter. The condition is new open-box, and the unit is in perfect condition and ready to use. The limitation is the premium over the Mitsubishi: you're paying about $182 more for the documented specs and the open-box designation. If your project demands a known I/O layout and communication interface, this is the controller that hands you the details before you buy.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you want to spend as little as possible and get a brand-new PLC, choose the Mitsubishi FX3U. If you need verified I/O specs, a built-in RS-232 port, and you're comfortable with an open-box unit, choose the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000. Each controller has a clear job, and your budget plus your need for specification certainty will point you to the right one.
