As laboratories evolve, many teams find that traditional platforms like Benchling no longer meet their dynamic needs. Initially lauded for its Plasmid Designer, Benchling's expansion into Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) functionalities has introduced challenges. Users often cite difficulties in adapting workflows and concerns over data portability. Additionally, significant annual price increases have prompted labs to explore more flexible and cost-effective benchling alternatives. If you're considering a transition, here are the top 12 benchling competitors for 2025:
1. Scispot
Scispot is rapidly gaining favor among labs seeking to overcome Benchling's constraints. Its modern, user-friendly design emphasizes full configurability, enabling teams to commence work without protracted onboarding. Scispot's adaptability and affordability distinguish it from competitors. Unlike Benchling's often rigid and costly structure, Scispot evolves with lab requirements. Robust integrations with lab instruments and numerous third-party applications simplify automation, streamlining workflows without intricate setups. Former Benchling users appreciate Scispot's budget-friendly approach and growth potential, free from concerns over data lock-in or escalating costs. Personalized support ensures a smooth transition, making Scispot a compelling choice for labs aiming to remain agile. It is one of the most trusted benchling alternatives for labs looking for scalability and ease of use.
2. Dotmatics
Supported by Insight Partners, Dotmatics has emerged as a formidable benchling competitor by acquiring various companies to offer a comprehensive suite of tools. This approach appeals to labs requiring extensive solutions encompassing both chemistry and biology, providing the convenience of a unified platform. However, Dotmatics' rapid expansion has led to integration challenges among its tools, resulting in fragmented workflows for some users. Additionally, its premium pricing may be prohibitive for smaller labs that do not need the full spectrum of features.
3. CDD Vault
CDD Vault is recognized as a strong alternative to Benchling, especially for small molecule research. Its robust chemical registry system excels in managing chemical structures and biological assays. However, many labs find themselves using CDD Vault alongside other systems like Benchling, which can lead to workflow inefficiencies. While it addresses specific needs effectively, CDD Vault's outdated interface and limited ELN features make it less attractive for modern labs seeking an all-in-one platform.
4. Labguru
Labguru integrates ELN and LIMS functionalities into a secure, web-based platform. It is widely used for experiment documentation, inventory management, and research progress tracking. Labs that require structured workflows often turn to Labguru. However, some users find its user interface somewhat outdated. Labguru offers features such as project and data management, secure data hosting, and integrated inventory and sample management. Its customizable LIMS software aims to maximize lab productivity by managing data, automating tasks, and improving compliance.
5. eLabNext
eLabNext provides an integrated ELN, LIMS, and workflow automation platform. Its cloud-based architecture facilitates seamless collaboration, making it a popular alternative to Benchling for teams needing flexibility. However, labs requiring deep customization may find eLabNext's framework limiting. The platform offers features such as experiment documentation, sample management, inventory management, and equipment management. It also provides marketplace add-ons to enhance lab operations.
6. STARLIMS
STARLIMS offers comprehensive LIMS capabilities for industries such as pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and public health. It is an enterprise-grade system known for robust compliance features. However, its complexity can make onboarding challenging for labs seeking a more user-friendly experience. The platform focuses on sample tracking, storage, inventory management, equipment scheduling, and maintenance. It also provides tools for certification analysis and data visualization.
7. SciNote
SciNote is an open-source ELN designed for academic and government research labs. It offers strong compliance and collaboration features. However, it lacks advanced automation tools, making it less suitable for labs focused on biotech and high-throughput research. SciNote emphasizes secure data hosting, regulation compliance, and integrated inventory and sample management. Its open-source nature allows for community-driven development and customization.
8. LabArchives
LabArchives, now owned by Dotmatics, is used in many academic institutions. However, its aging interface and limited customization options make it less appealing for fast-moving biotech companies that require greater flexibility. The platform provides an electronic lab notebook to organize, search, and share data. It focuses on experiment documentation, data management, and collaboration features.
9. LabCollector LIMS
LabCollector is a modular LIMS that caters to academic and commercial labs. It provides customizable tools for sample tracking, inventory management, and protocol automation. Some users find that certain modules lack depth, requiring additional software to cover all needs. The platform offers various add-ons and options to enhance its functionality, including reagents and supplies management, barcoding and labeling tools, and custom modules.
10. LabWare LIMS
LabWare is a widely used enterprise-grade LIMS solution with extensive deployment options. It is best suited for large-scale operations but can be overwhelming for smaller labs due to its complex setup process. LabWare offers a suite of laboratory automation solutions, including LIMS, ELN, and mobile capabilities. It focuses on improving productivity, throughput, efficiency, data integrity, and compliance.
11. LabVantage Solutions
LabVantage is another high-end LIMS platform tailored to pharma and biobanking industries. It offers robust automation and compliance tools, but its steep pricing makes it prohibitive for smaller research teams. LabVantage provides data management, workflow automation, and reporting tools, enabling organizations to comply with regulatory standards while streamlining lab operations. However, its complexity and pricing remain significant barriers for smaller labs.
12. Sapio Sciences
Sapio Sciences provides an AI-powered LIMS and ELN solution designed for automation-heavy labs. Its strength lies in its data analytics and machine learning capabilities, making it a future-proof choice. However, the learning curve can be steep for teams unfamiliar with AI-driven platforms. Sapio's software includes capabilities for inventory management, electronic lab notebooks, compliance tracking, and data standardization. Labs focusing on AI-driven workflows, high-throughput screening, and automated pipelines often find Sapio Sciences a strong choice. However, smaller teams and traditional wet-lab researchers may find the transition challenging.
Conclusion
In 2025, labs are no longer willing to compromise on flexibility, affordability, and ease of use. While platforms like Dotmatics, CDD Vault, Labguru, and LabVantage have their strengths, they often come with trade-offs—whether it’s disjointed tools, outdated interfaces, or steep learning curves.
For labs seeking a modern, future-proof solution that grows with their needs, Scispot is the clear standout. With its sleek interface, seamless integrations with 100+ instruments and 6000+ apps, and focus on adaptability,
Scispot empowers labs to scale effortlessly, without the frustration of data lock-in or skyrocketing costs. It’s more than just an alternative to Benchling—it’s a platform that lets your lab thrive today and in the future. Book a demo with Scispot today!
