rungs.dev vs PLC Gym
Both run in the browser and both check your logic with tests. rungs.dev is modelled on Rockwell's Studio 5000, with short exercises, tests you write yourself and an AI helper. PLC Gym puts your code in charge of 3D machines, in Siemens, Rockwell and Beckhoff languages. It's a well-made tool, so here is a fair look at both.
Which should you choose?
Choose rungs.dev if
- You work in Studio 5000 and want to practise Add-On Instructions and Structured Text in that style.
- You want to write your own tests, keep plain-text files in Git and ask an AI helper.
- You like one yearly payment with no auto-renewal.
Choose PLC Gym if
- You want to see your code run a machine, not just change tags.
- You work with Siemens or Beckhoff as well as Rockwell.
- You want missions with a story, daily challenges and leaderboards.
- You want a certificate that shows which makers, languages and machines you proved.
What each can and can’t do
| Question | rungs.dev | PLC Gym |
|---|---|---|
| Where does it run? | YesIn the browser, with nothing to install. | YesAny modern browser on a laptop, desktop, Mac or Chromebook. A phone is fine for trying the machines and reading lessons. |
| Makers and languages | PartlyRockwell style: modelled on Studio 5000 Logix Designer, in Ladder and Structured Text. | YesSiemens SCL, LAD, FBD and GRAPH; Rockwell Structured Text, Ladder, FBD and SFC; Beckhoff TwinCAT Structured Text. |
| What your code controls | PartlyTags and parameters, checked with tests and trend charts. | Yes26 working 3D machines, from a pump to a whole factory, run by your code. |
| Exercises | Yes102 exercises in 11 courses. The first 8 are free, with no account. | Yes74 missions and 20 challenges. The first course module (14 missions) and 9 challenges are free. |
| Tests and stepping | YesWrite your own tests for each Add-On Instruction, and step one scan at a time. | PartlyEvery mission comes with its tests, and you can step one scan or replay a failed test. You can't write your own tests. |
| AI helper | YesYes, Relay, which reads your code as you build. | NoNot yet. Hints are written by hand for each mission. |
| Certificates | YesCertificates of completion with Plus. | YesWith any account: one for each course module you finish, and one for the whole course. Your code is tested again before one is issued. Each lists the missions, makers, languages and machines you proved, with a public check page, a PDF and Add to LinkedIn. |
| Files and sharing | YesPlain-text .rungs files that work with version control, and export to share. | PartlyBring in SCL, Studio 5000 Structured Text or ladder, or TwinCAT code to try on a 3D machine. Export SCL as .scl and Rockwell code as .L5X. No Git-friendly project files or share links. |
| Price | YesPlus is £89 for 12 months: one payment, no auto-renewal. Group prices on request, from 10 learners. | YesA free plan for good. Pro is £15 a month or £144 a year. Everything is free while we test, until 5 December 2026. Team, college and hiring plans have prices on the page. |
PLC Gym’s own limits are in the table too. The language reference lists where its simulator differs from TIA Portal and Studio 5000.
Try the same task here
Common questions
Which is better for Studio 5000 practice?
If you only work in Studio 5000 and want short, focused exercises, rungs.dev is built for that. If you want your Rockwell code to run a machine, or you need Siemens or Beckhoff too, PLC Gym fits better.
Can I use both?
Yes. They do different jobs well: short drills and your own tests on rungs.dev, machines and missions on PLC Gym.
Does PLC Gym have an AI helper like Relay?
Not yet. Each mission has hints written by hand, and a failed test can be replayed scan by scan to see where it went wrong.
Where these facts come from
Checked on 31 October 2026. Prices and features change, so check rungs.dev’s own site before you buy.
rungs.dev is a trademark of its owner. PLC Gym is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by its makers.