Choosing the Best Electronic Lab Notebook Software
Selecting the best electronic lab notebook software is critical for labs aiming to improve research documentation, streamline collaboration, and ensure compliance. With numerous ELN vendors in the market, understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and user feedback helps labs make informed decisions.
This guide presents the top 15 ELN vendors, highlighting their features and challenges so that labs can choose the best lab notebook software for their needs.
What is an ELN and Why Do You Need One?
An electronic lab notebook software (ELN) is a digital system that assists laboratories in managing research data, tracking experiments, automating workflows, and ensuring compliance. The best electronic lab notebook software enhances efficiency, facilitates collaboration, and improves data security—making it an essential tool for biotech, diagnostics, and research labs.
Top 15 ELN Vendors in 2025
1. Scispot
Scispot has rapidly emerged as a leading ELN software provider, offering a platform tailored for biotech, diagnostics, and research laboratories. Its AI-driven automation minimizes manual data entry, enhancing workflow efficiency and reducing errors. The platform's seamless integration with various laboratory instruments ensures standardized data collection, promoting consistency across experiments. Additionally, Scispot's regulatory-ready workflows assist labs in maintaining secure and auditable records, crucial for compliance in research and clinical settings.
While Scispot's comprehensive feature set may initially seem extensive, this depth provides scalability for growing labs. The cloud-based infrastructure, though requiring an adjustment period for some transitioning from legacy systems, offers enhanced accessibility and collaboration. For laboratories seeking the best electronic lab notebook software that combines advanced automation with user-friendly design, Scispot presents a compelling choice.
2. LabArchives
LabArchives is a widely adopted digital lab notebook software, particularly prevalent in academic settings. It offers cloud-based storage and organization for research data, facilitating collaboration among team members. However, users have noted that its interface appears outdated and less intuitive compared to more modern electronic lab notebook software options. The platform's limited customization capabilities can pose challenges for labs with specialized workflows, potentially hindering productivity. Furthermore, the lack of robust third-party integrations restricts automation opportunities, making it difficult to synchronize with various lab instruments and software. While LabArchives serves as a functional solution for small research teams, its constraints may impede scalability and adaptability for expanding laboratories.
3. Benchling
Benchling is a well-known electronic lab notebook software designed primarily for biotech, pharmaceutical, and life sciences companies. It offers a feature-rich platform with tools for molecular biology, data tracking, and real-time collaboration. Many large enterprises value its structured workflow capabilities and integration with analytical tools. However, Benchling’s high price tag, which ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 per user annually, makes it inaccessible for smaller labs and startups.
Another major concern is data lock-in. Users report that once they commit to Benchling, migrating data to another ELN software provider can be challenging. The lack of straightforward data export options can be a dealbreaker for labs looking for flexibility. Additionally, while its advanced tools are great for large teams, smaller labs often find the platform overly complex for their needs, requiring extensive onboarding and training. For labs looking for a more cost-effective and adaptable best electronic lab notebook software, there are better alternatives.
4. Labguru
Labguru markets itself as an all-in-one ELN company, offering lab data management, inventory tracking, and workflow automation. It is designed to support research teams by providing tools for managing SOPs, experiments, and samples. However, many users find its interface difficult to navigate, leading to a steep learning curve. New users often require significant onboarding and training before they can efficiently utilize the system.
Additionally, while Labguru does offer some automation features, it lacks real-time instrument integration capabilities, making it difficult for high-throughput labs to automate data collection. The platform’s workflow customization is also limited, which may restrict labs that require a more tailored digital lab notebook software. While Labguru may work for small labs, scaling research teams often find it lacks the flexibility and automation needed for complex workflows.
5. SciNote
SciNote is an open-source electronic lab notebook software that appeals to academic labs, government research institutions, and smaller research teams due to its low-cost entry point. As an open-source platform, it provides more control over data storage and workflow customization. However, this also means that technical expertise is required to set up and maintain the software effectively.
While SciNote offers basic workflow management features, it lacks advanced automation, AI-driven analytics, and real-time data capture that many best lab notebook software solutions provide. Labs looking for an ELN that supports seamless instrument integration and automated workflows may find SciNote too limited. Additionally, support and software updates depend largely on community contributions, which can lead to inconsistent performance and security concerns for regulated environments.
For labs with simple research needs, SciNote may be a cost-effective choice, but growing labs or those requiring compliance and automation may need a more robust electronic lab notebook software provider.
6. Dotmatics ELN
Dotmatics ELN is recognized for its collaboration and data-sharing capabilities, making it a strong option for research teams working on complex projects. The platform is part of a broader suite of scientific informatics tools, allowing for integration with other Dotmatics products. It supports chemical, biological, and analytical data tracking, making it appealing to pharma and biotech companies.
However, customization is a major challenge. Many users report that significant IT support or developer expertise is required to tailor workflows, leading to higher implementation costs. The learning curve is steep, and some research teams find that setting up automated workflows takes longer than expected. Additionally, while it offers compliance support, Dotmatics’ reporting structure is often considered rigid, making it difficult to extract specific insights without additional customization..
7. PerkinElmer Signals Notebook
PerkinElmer Signals Notebook is a high-end electronic lab notebook software built for large-scale chemistry and biology labs. It provides powerful data visualization and analytics tools, making it suitable for high-throughput research environments. Its cloud-based design supports secure data storage and collaboration, ensuring teams can access research from anywhere.
Despite its strengths, cost remains a major barrier. Signals Notebook is among the most expensive ELN vendors, making it inaccessible for small and mid-sized labs. Implementation time is another downside, as it requires extensive training and IT resources to integrate effectively. Additionally, while the software provides strong regulatory compliance features, some users find the interface outdated and difficult to navigate.
For enterprise labs with a large budget, PerkinElmer Signals Notebook can be a strong choice. However, labs looking for flexibility, lower cost, and faster setup may find better alternatives in the best electronic lab notebook software market.
8. eLabJournal
eLabJournal is a user-friendly ELN software provider that offers basic ELN functionality along with sample tracking and protocol management. Its cloud-based system allows secure data storage and collaboration across research teams. The platform is designed to be intuitive, making it easier for small teams to transition from paper-based documentation.
However, as research teams grow in size and complexity, eLabJournal’s limitations become apparent. It lacks advanced automation and real-time instrument integration, making it difficult for high-throughput labs to manage large datasets efficiently. Users also report that workflow customization options are minimal, forcing labs to adjust their processes to fit the software rather than the other way around.
For small research teams with basic documentation needs, eLabJournal is a solid starting point. However, labs seeking scalability, automation, and robust integrations may find it lacking compared to other best lab notebook software solutions.
9. Labfolder
Labfolder is a budget-friendly digital lab notebook software designed primarily for academic and small research teams. It provides basic data entry, experiment tracking, and collaboration tools, making it a useful alternative to traditional paper notebooks. It also offers a simple, structured interface that allows researchers to organize notes, images, and results within projects.
Despite its affordability, Labfolder has notable limitations. Many users find that its automation capabilities are minimal, making it unsuitable for high-throughput labs that require real-time instrument data collection. Additionally, its search functionality is limited, which can slow down researchers handling large volumes of experimental data. While Labfolder integrates with some external applications, it lacks deep integrations with lab instruments and more advanced ELN software providers.
For small research teams with minimal automation needs, Labfolder provides an easy entry point into ELN systems. However, growing labs looking for scalable and fully automated workflows may quickly outgrow its capabilities.
10. Hivebench
Hivebench is a simple electronic lab notebook software designed for early-stage research labs and academic teams. It offers experiment tracking, basic data management, and cloud storage, allowing researchers to document workflows efficiently. Its minimalist design makes it a good option for labs transitioning from paper-based notebooks.
However, Hivebench is no longer actively developed, and its feature set remains limited compared to modern best electronic lab notebook software options. It does not offer real-time integrations with lab instruments, making it challenging for researchers working with large datasets. Additionally, as research teams scale, the lack of workflow automation and reporting features can hinder productivity.
For students, early-stage researchers, and small academic labs, Hivebench may work as an introductory ELN. However, scientists requiring advanced features, compliance, and scalability will likely need to switch to a more robust ELN company.
11. Agilent SLIMS
Agilent SLIMS is a hybrid LIMS-ELN solution, combining sample management and electronic record-keeping into a single platform. It is widely used in analytical and QC labs, particularly those needing strict compliance with GxP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and ISO 17025 regulations. The platform is highly customizable and integrates with Agilent instruments, making it an attractive option for labs that already rely on Agilent technologies.
However, Agilent SLIMS comes with a steep learning curve. The setup process is lengthy, and users often require extensive training before they can fully utilize its features. Additionally, its high price point and subscription costs make it less accessible to small and mid-sized labs.
For large enterprise labs needing a compliance-driven ELN software provider, Agilent SLIMS is a strong choice. However, smaller research teams and labs needing faster implementation may find it complex and costly compared to other best lab notebook software options.
12. Sapio Sciences
Sapio Sciences is a highly customizable ELN software provider that integrates AI-powered automation into its platform. It is designed for data-heavy research environments such as pharmaceutical, genomics, and clinical labs, offering LIMS, ELN, and data management solutions in a single platform. Its ability to handle large-scale scientific data makes it a strong competitor in the best electronic lab notebook software market.
However, Sapio Sciences is complex and requires significant IT support for setup and maintenance. Users report that the interface is not as intuitive as other best lab notebook software options, leading to a long learning curve. Additionally, its pricing structure is unclear, making it difficult for smaller labs to assess costs upfront.
For enterprise-level labs that need AI-driven automation and extensive data analytics, Sapio Sciences is a solid choice. However, smaller teams looking for an easy-to-use ELN software provider may struggle with its complexity and high cost.
13. STARLIMS
STARLIMS is a compliance-focused digital lab notebook software built for regulated industries, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and environmental testing. It is designed to meet stringent compliance standards such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11, HIPAA, and ISO 17025, making it a preferred ELN software provider for labs that prioritize regulatory requirements.
Despite its compliance strength, STARLIMS lacks flexibility for research-focused labs that need customizable workflows. Many users note that its user interface feels outdated, and configuring workflow automation requires extensive IT support. The system’s reporting capabilities are rigid, making it difficult for labs to extract custom insights without heavy customization.
For labs in heavily regulated industries, STARLIMS is a strong option for compliance. However, biotech and research labs looking for innovation, modern UI, and automation may find more adaptable alternatives in the best electronic lab notebook software market.
14. LabWare ELN
LabWare ELN is a well-integrated LIMS-ELN hybrid that focuses on data tracking and compliance for enterprise labs. It is widely used in QA/QC, analytical chemistry, and environmental labs, offering sample tracking, audit trails, and structured workflows. The system is designed for precision, ensuring that research data is well-documented and regulatory-compliant.
However, LabWare ELN is known for being highly rigid. Users report that workflow customization is difficult, and non-technical teams may struggle with its complex configuration. The system is best suited for large enterprise labs that have dedicated IT teams to manage integrations and workflow automation.
For regulated industries that require compliance-driven ELN software, LabWare ELN is a strong contender. However, fast-moving research teams and innovative biotech labs may find its rigid structure limiting compared to more modern best electronic lab notebook software solutions.
15. Biovia Notebook
Biovia Notebook, developed by Dassault Systèmes, is a highly specialized ELN software provider designed for large enterprise labs in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and materials science. It offers comprehensive data management tools, strong compliance features, and advanced analytics, making it a preferred choice for corporate research environments that require strict regulatory adherence.
Despite its robust capabilities, Biovia Notebook comes with significant drawbacks. The implementation process is lengthy and requires dedicated IT resources, making it time-consuming for labs to get up and running. Additionally, the licensing costs are among the highest in the ELN industry, which can discourage smaller labs from adopting the platform. Some users also report that its user interface feels outdated, making navigation and workflow setup less intuitive than modern best electronic lab notebook software solutions.
For large organizations with extensive compliance needs, Biovia Notebook is a strong choice. However, smaller or fast-growing research labs looking for agility, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness may find it cumbersome compared to more modern ELN vendors.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best ELN Software
Selecting the best electronic lab notebook software depends on factors like integration capabilities, scalability, compliance, automation, and ease of use. Many electronic lab notebook software reviews highlight the importance of choosing an ELN that not only organizes lab data but also enhances productivity and collaboration.
Scispot stands out as a next-generation ELN company, offering automation, seamless integrations, and compliance-friendly workflows at a competitive price. While some labs transitioning from legacy systems may require an adjustment period, Scispot’s AI-powered platform ultimately reduces manual work, enhances lab efficiency, and ensures long-term scalability.
For biotech, diagnostics, and research labs seeking a flexible, cost-effective, and future-ready ELN, Scispot is a top contender in the best electronic lab notebook software market.
Request a personalized demo today to see how Scispot can streamline your research workflows and enhance productivity.
