Best Electronic Lab Notebook 2025

As the scientific landscape continues its rapid evolution, driven by increasing data complexity, the demand for digital transformation, and the relentless pace of drug discovery, the role of a robust electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) has never been more pivotal.

This means that choosing the right ELN software is a strategic investment in future-proofing your laboratory operations. Your ELN acts as the central nervous system of your lab, streamlining every aspect from experimental design and data capture to analysis, reporting, and intellectual property protection. Without an effective ELN, labs risk being bogged down by manual processes, data silos, compliance complexities, and missed opportunities for scientific discovery.

This comprehensive guide delves into the essential considerations for selecting the ideal ELN software for your needs, explores the key trends shaping the ELN market in 2025, and provides a comparative analysis of leading ELN solutions, including Sapio Sciences’, to help you make an informed decision.

Why your lab needs the best electronic lab notebook

The complexity of modern scientific research demands more than traditional data management methods. Manual paper notebooks, fragmented spreadsheets, and disparate systems inevitably lead to inefficiencies, increased error rates, and significant compliance risks. A state-of-the-art ELN addresses these challenges head-on by:

• Streamlining workflows: ELNs automate the documentation of experiments, protocols, and results, reducing manual effort and accelerating research cycles. This ensures that the flow of information is smooth and efficient from the moment an experiment is conceived until its final analysis and archiving.
• Enhancing data quality and accessibility: Centralizing all research data within a single, secure platform improves data quality, facilitates easy retrieval, and supports advanced analytics, transforming raw data into actionable insights. This also ensures data is interoperable, transferable, and encrypted, mitigating the risk of data loss common with paper notebooks.
• Improving collaboration: By providing a unified platform for data and workflows, an ELN enables seamless collaboration among scientists, departments, and even external partners, fostering a more productive research environment. This real-time collaboration is crucial for distributed teams and complex projects.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance and data security: For labs operating under stringent regulations such as GxP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and ISO, an ELN provides built-in audit trails, electronic signatures, version control, and data integrity features essential for maintaining compliance and passing audits. The best ELN software streamlines the complex maze of regulatory requirements while offering robust security measures, such as data encryption and regular backups.
• Integrating with equipment and systems: Seamless connectivity with laboratory instruments, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and other enterprise tools ensures accurate, real-time data capture, eliminating transcription errors. This interconnectedness is vital for comprehensive data management and analysis.
• Protecting intellectual property: ELNs provide a secure, timestamped record of all experimental data and discoveries, offering irrefutable evidence for patent applications and intellectual property protection.

What to look for in the best ELN software

Selecting the ideal electronic lab notebook isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It requires a thorough evaluation of various factors that align with your lab’s specific operational needs, growth trajectory, and long-term strategic goals.

• Configurability vs. customization: Modern labs need systems that can be adapted to unique workflows without extensive coding or vendor intervention. No-code/low-code configurability empowers lab personnel to modify workflows, add fields, and generate reports on their own, significantly reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) and increasing agility. Learn more about configurable lab platforms in this blog.
• System integration capabilities: An ELN solution should not be an isolated island. Robust APIs, pre-built connectors, and support for modern cloud connectivity are crucial for integrating with laboratory instruments (e.g., mass spectrometers, sequencers), LIMS, scientific data management systems (SDMS), ERP systems (like SAP), and other critical enterprise applications. Seamless ELN integration ensures data flow and prevents silos.
• Regulatory compliance and data security: For regulated environments, including pharma, biotech, and clinical diagnostics, compliance with standards like GxP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 17025, and GDPR is non-negotiable. The ELN should offer built-in features for audit trails, electronic signatures, version control, and access control. Data security is paramount, especially for cloud solutions. Take a look at this blog for an in-depth look at choosing the right ELN for GxP compliance.
• Deployment options (cloud-based vs. on-premise): Cloud-based ELN platforms offer greater accessibility (anytime, anywhere), scalability, reduced IT overhead, and automatic updates. This model is increasingly favored for its flexibility and lower upfront infrastructure costs. On-premise ELN systems provide full control over data and infrastructure, which some organizations prefer for security or specific regulatory reasons. The best ELN software often provides flexible deployment models.
• Scalability: Your ELN should be able to grow with your lab. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise with multi-site operations, the system must handle increasing data volumes, user numbers, and evolving operational complexity without compromising performance.
• User experience (UX) and adoption: An intuitive, modern user interface (UI) is crucial for rapid user adoption and minimized training time. Well-designed ELN software prioritizes ease of use and should facilitate seamless onboarding and training.
• Total cost of ownership (TCO): Beyond initial licensing fees, consider the costs associated with implementation, training, ongoing maintenance, and support. Highly configurable systems with all-inclusive feature sets often offer a lower TCO in the long run.
• AI and automation capabilities: In 2025, AI is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Modern ELN software will incorporate AI and automation to streamline tasks, reduce manual data entry, predict equipment failures, and provide deeper insights from your experimental data. AI-powered tools can optimize workflows by identifying patterns in research data, automate routine data entry and validation, and even assist with experiment design.

ELN trends for 2025: The future of laboratory informatics

The ELN software market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and the evolving needs of scientific discovery and production. Key trends for 2025 include:

• The rise of AI and automation: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are revolutionizing ELNs by enabling predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and intelligent automation. AI-powered tools can optimize workflows by identifying patterns in lab data, automate routine data entry and validation, and even assist with experiment design. Features like natural language processing (NLP) can make documentation smarter, while AI-driven insights can accelerate data analysis and decision making, significantly reducing operational bottlenecks and human error.
• Dominance of cloud-based systems: The shift to the cloud continues unabated. Cloud-native ELN solutions offer unparalleled accessibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. They enable remote work, facilitate global collaboration, and reduce the burden on internal IT infrastructure. Furthermore, cloud vendors often handle updates and security, ensuring that labs always have access to the latest features and robust protection, making the cloud a strong contender for the ideal ELN software deployment model.
• Emphasis on data harmonization and FAIR principles: As labs generate unprecedented volumes of diverse data, the ability to centralize, harmonize, and contextualize this information becomes critical. ELNs in 2025 will increasingly focus on making data FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) and AI-ready. This involves robust data modeling, rich metadata capture, and seamless integration across disparate data sources (lab instruments, LIMS, SDMS) to unlock deeper insights and support advanced analytics.
• Unified platforms (LIMS, ELN, SDMS integration): The industry is shifting away from siloed applications toward unified informatics platforms that seamlessly combine ELN functionalities with LIMS and SDMS. This holistic approach streamlines data management, providing a single source of truth for all laboratory data, enhancing traceability, and simplifying workflows by eliminating the need to transfer data between separate systems.
• Enhanced user experience and mobility: Intuitive, modern user interfaces that resemble consumer-grade applications are becoming standard. Mobile accessibility for tasks like sample tracking or quick data checks is also gaining traction, ensuring that lab personnel can work efficiently from anywhere.

Comparative analysis: The best ELN software in 2025

Here’s an in-depth look at leading ELN platforms, highlighting their unique strengths and insights from customer feedback. This analysis will help you identify the ideal ELN software for your specific requirements. Click on each company name in the table below to jump to the in-depth analysis on that ELN.

1. Sapio ELN

Sapio Sciences delivers a modern, highly configurable, and scalable informatics platform tailored specifically for the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries. Its ELN offering is part of a comprehensive unified platform that integrates LIMS and SDMS, designed to handle complex data harmonization and AI-driven automation. With both cloud-based and on-premise options, Sapio provides solutions that cater to labs of all sizes.

Key strengths:

• Unparalleled configurability: Full no-code/low-code capabilities enable labs to easily adapt lab workflows, data models, and features, leading to a lower total cost of ownership (TCO).
• AI and automation (ELaiN): Advanced AI tools like ELaiN streamline workflows, automate data entry, and reduce operational bottlenecks, offering deeper, AI-powered insights.
• Comprehensive data management: Provides robust data management across departments with a searchable database and tools for aggregation, analysis, and real-time compliance monitoring, ensuring full traceability.
• Robust integrations: Offers strong integrations with laboratory instruments, ERP, and enterprise systems, supporting modern APIs and webhook connectivity.
• Built-in compliance: Includes GxP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and ISO compliance features, continuously updated to meet evolving regulatory standards.
• Specialized capabilities: Out-of-the-box support for advanced functionalities like next-generation sequencing (NGS), a dedicated chemistry ELN, and in vivo/bioanalytical (BioA) capabilities.

Customer feedback: Customers consistently praise Sapio’s platform for its robustness, scalability, and flexibility to adapt to unique needs quickly. Many subject matter experts (SMEs) have indicated that Sapio could be implemented easily within their companies. They appreciate the “out-of-the-box” features, clear user interface, and the useful “create rule” function for workflow dependencies. The no-/low-code functionality is a significant positive, and Sapio is often described as having a good, friendly, and experienced approach, showing a willingness to work with clients.

2. LabWare ELN

LabWare is a long-established industry leader, recognized for its robust features and extensive functionality. Its ELN offering integrates seamlessly with its LIMS and laboratory instruments, providing the tools labs need to ensure regulatory compliance and data accuracy, particularly in validated environments. It boasts a massive installed base and a solid reputation earned over decades in the LIMS space, often recommended for research and quality control labs in regulated industries.

Key strengths:

• Robust and comprehensive offering: Provides a LIMS + ELN offering with comprehensive LES functionality and workflow automation for QA/QC and manufacturing.
• Extensive functionality: Offers a rich catalog of functional modules that can be turned on and configured as needed.
• Wide instrument integration: Provides out-of-the-box instrument integrations with over 100 pre-existing instrument interface scripts.
• Compliance: Fully compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 and GxP, supporting compliance and audit requirements.
• Established presence: Its long market track record makes it a trusted name for many large pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies.

Customer feedback: Customers appreciate LabWare’s comprehensive nature and its role as a solid option for digitizing operations. LabWare’s compliance strength and powerful data management capabilities are frequently cited for its high ratings.

Website: www.labware.com 

3. IDBS (E-WorkBook)

IDBS is a proven platform in R&D data management, recognized for its comprehensive ELN and LIMS capabilities, especially well-suited to biologics workflows, in vivo studies, and plate/instrument operations. Its E-WorkBook is a unified LIMS/ELN platform.

Key strengths:

• Comprehensive ELN workflows: E-WorkBook includes structured ELN functionality for experiment documentation, sample accessioning, tracking, inventory and reagents, instrument integration, and experiment scheduling, making it effective for managing high-volume biologics and in vivo workflows.
• Plate and instrument handling: Supports plate logistics and instrument data capture via wizards, standard configurations, and API integrations.
• Configurable execution modules: Modules like ‘Advance’ and ‘Request’ enable creation of semi-automated ELN workflows, from requests to standardized data capture and job tracking.
• Robust analytics and modeling: Offers strong data mining, visualization, and modeling capabilities using a structured data mart and tools like Quantrix.
• Compliance and integration: Enterprise-ready with GxP, GMP, and SAFE support and extensive public/private API coverage for upstream/downstream system integration.

Customer feedback: Users frequently highlight the benefits of IDBS as a unified LIMS/ELN platform, noting its strength in structured workflows, instrument handling, and data visualization. Customers also appreciate its integration capabilities with tools like Prism and Snapgene, and its ability to migrate data from existing ELNs directly. Users consistently highlight the system’s ability to generate graphs and compare datasets easily. Some sources mention it may require significant IT support for customization.

Website: www.idbs.com 

4. Dotmatics ELN

Dotmatics is a well-established scientific informatics platform with deep capabilities in sample, inventory, assay, and instrument data management, particularly within its proprietary ecosystem. It is prevalent in the Chemistry & Materials (C&M) sector, offering specialized support for assay management and HTS data analysis, and combines structured data workflows with ELN capabilities.

Key strengths:

• Scientific data focus: Strong focus on scientific data management for chemistry and biology, with comprehensive experiment and inventory tracking.
• Integrated ecosystem: Integrates well within Dotmatics’ own ecosystem.
• Chemical structure handling: Features advanced chemical structure handling and searching capabilities.
• Data visualization: Offers strong data visualization tools and reporting features.
• Assay management and HTS: Competitive edge in assay management and high-throughput screening (HTS) data analysis.

Customer feedback: Users highlight Dotmatics’ strong support for small molecules and its claims of biologics support. Its integration with visualization tools like Vortex is a positive, as is its ability to handle barcodes effectively. The D40 plug-in, which adds chemistry capabilities to MS Office, is also appreciated. Challenges include significant IT support for customization and a steep learning curve.

Website: www.dotmatics.com

5. Benchling

Benchling is a widely adopted hybrid LIMS and ELN platform, particularly prevalent in academia and small- to mid-sized biotech and R&D labs. It is known for its modern interface and powerful biological tools.

Key strengths:

• Modern user interface: Features a clean, user-friendly UI, well-appreciated by users.
• Molecular biology tools: Advanced capabilities such as a Plasmid Editor and bulk cloning features, along with CRISPR guide-RNA design tools offering on/off-target scoring and assembly into plasmids. Offers high-throughput sequence design, cloning, alignment, and translation.
• Collaboration: Cloud-based and supports real-time collaboration, seamless sharing, and centralized data tracking.
• Academia presence: Free version of Benchling is often used by students
• Security: Maintains robust data security infrastructure, including encryption, authentication, and multi-region backups.

Customer feedback: Benchling has a good range of capabilities, with users frequently praising its R code integration features and its ability to meet most integration needs using R scripts. Its strong capabilities for DNA maps and the possibility to design primers on the system are also highly valued. Customers also appreciate its batch gRNA capabilities with integrated off-target scoring. Many customers find that the vendor can meet most of their R&D requirements effectively. Drawbacks include a high price point and potential data lock-in. It can also be overwhelming for newcomers.

Website: www.benchling.com 

6. Revvity Signals Notebook (formerly PerkinElmer Informatics)

Revvity Signals delivers a unified ELN-centric informatics ecosystem built on its cloud-native Signals Research Suite and Signals One platforms. This platform connects inventory, experiment data, workflow automation, analytics, and instrument integration into a single, secure, FAIR compliant environment. It is a high-end solution for large-scale chemistry and biology labs with powerful data visualization.

Key strengths:

• Chemistry focus: Native ChemDraw integration supports small molecule registration, chemical structure searches, and formulation workflows tightly linked to ELN sample records.
• Data analytics and visualization: Embedded Spotfire powers analysis of structured ELN data such as assay curves, in vivo/in vitro results, and plate summaries, unlocking insights across modalities.
• Workflow automation and instrument support: Pre-built connectors and APIs enable automatic capture of instrument data, worklists, and assay results directly into the ELN framework.
• Compliance: Designed for GxP-regulated labs, with full audit trails, data integrity controls, SOC2/cloud security, and multi-tenant/private cloud deployment options.
• Integrated ELN workflows: Centralizes sample/inventory management, instrument integration (via Signals DLX/Scitara), and structured experiment/run tracking across the R&D lifecycle.

Customer feedback: Users frequently highlight the platform’s strong alignment between sample/inventory management and analytics, noting how the native ChemDraw-ELN integration streamlines workflows in medicinal chemistry. The unified data capture and powerful analytics are seen as major advantages for R&D teams focused on chemistry and assay-driven research. Main barriers include high cost, lengthy implementation, and a potentially outdated interface.

Website: www.revvitysignals.com

7. LabVantage ELN

LabVantage is valued for its comprehensive feature set, built-in ELN functionality, and ability to handle complex workflows while maintaining regulatory compliance, making it a strong contender for large-scale labs and pharma companies. It provides a complete solution for managing samples, workflows, and compliance needs, all while supporting cloud and on-premise deployments.

Key strengths:

• Comprehensive informatics offering: Provides a full suite of integrated LIMS, ELN, LES, and SDMS functionalities.
• Modern integrated ELN: Can be deployed completely in the cloud, offering flexibility.
• Pre-configured solutions: Offers pre-configured features and functionality to meet specific industry requirements without requiring coding.
• Strong compliance: Fully compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 and GxP, with comprehensive LES functionality for QA/QC.
• Scalable enterprise platform: Designed to be scalable for large enterprise deployments.

Customer feedback: LabVantage is appreciated for its ability to handle complex workflows and its adherence to stringent regulatory standards. Customers highlight its robust reporting and analysis tools for informed decision-making and its industry-specific configurations that cater to diverse laboratory needs.

Website: www.labvantage.com 

8. LabGuru

LabGuru is a web-based ELN and LIMS solution that positions itself as an intuitive, easy-to-use, and budget-friendly option, particularly for small to medium-sized labs and academic settings. Its strength lies in its predefined lab workflows for ease of deployment, offering intuitive data management, inventory and equipment tracking, customizable protocol automation, and secure compliance management, all packaged in a cost-effective, browser-based platform.

Key strengths:

• User-friendly interface: Widely described as having an intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate.
• Pre-built workflows and automation: Offers built-in workflows, Gantt-based project planning, and the Workflow Editor, allowing users to map common lab processes and add light automation.
• Entity linking and tracking: Ability to link entities such as equipment, reagents, samples, and data, supporting better data organization and traceability. Barcode/QR code functionality supports lifecycle tracking and sample location management.
• Cost effective: Can appear less expensive upfront, making it attractive for smaller labs or those with budget constraints.

Customer feedback: Customers appreciate LabGuru’s user interface and its ease of navigation between different modules. The logical workflows are considered easy for daily use by all users. Users report that metadata generation and the aggregation functions support robust reporting and data analysis directly within the system. Some users report a steep learning curve, lack of real-time instrument integration, and limited workflow customization.

Website: www.labguru.com

9. Labii ELN

Labii ELN is highlighted for its unparalleled customization capabilities and integration of ELN and LIMS functionalities for data recording, inventory management, and workflow automation. It offers a flexible pricing model and a next-generation research platform.

Key strengths:

• Unparalleled customization: Highly customizable solution to address the diverse needs of research interests and workflows.
• Integrated ELN and LIMS: Combines ELN and LIMS functionalities in one product with an intuitive interface and app-like widgets.
• Flexible pricing: Offers a flexible pricing model.
• Compliance: Supports compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 and other regulations throughout the pharma value chain.

Customer feedback: Praised for its fully customizable platform and seamless integration of ELN and LIMS functionalities.

Website: www.labii.com

10. SciNote

SciNote is an open-source ELN option that appeals to academic and smaller research teams due to its low cost and control over data storage. It is recommended for its fast implementation, clear interface, and comprehensive platform, making it ideal for academic teams and startups.

Key strengths:

• Open source and cost effective: Appeals to budget-conscious teams and offers control over data storage.
• User-friendly interface: Clear interface with a focus on project management, team collaboration, and data organization.
• Fast implementation: Known for its quick setup and ease of use.

Customer feedback: Praised for its fast implementation, clear interface, and comprehensive platform. However, it lacks advanced automation, AI-driven analytics, and consistent support.

Website: www.scinote.net

11. LabArchives

LabArchives is a widely adopted cloud-based solution, particularly in academia, known for data storage and collaboration. It provides secure data storage and sharing with version control. It is an academic classic known for its ease of installation and integrations.

Key strengths:

• Secure data storage and sharing: Offers secure cloud-based data storage and sharing with version control.
• Collaboration: Facilitates collaboration among researchers.
• Ease of installation: Noted for its ease of installation.

Customer feedback: Widely adopted in academia. Criticized for an outdated interface, limited customization, and lack of robust third-party integrations. Its free storage is limited.

Website: www.labarchives.com

12. Scispot

Scispot is a modern, cloud-native ELN-first platform that combines workflows, inventory, ELN, SDMS, analytics, and AI lab assistant features. It has a modular and scalable design and serves industry verticals from food testing to genomics. 

Key strengths:

• Highly configurable ELN workflows: No-code/low-code templates and automation scripts drive workflow creation for sample prep, plate-based assays, biobanking, and more, enabling rapid deployment without custom coding.
• Modular flexibility and instrument integration: Users can adopt only what they need—LIMS, ELN, SDMS, or LabOS—and connect diverse instruments (HPLC, qPCR, freezers, sequencers, plate readers, robots) via APIs and plug-and-play integrations.
• Advanced analytics and AI support: Embedded analytics dashboards and Scibot (AI lab assistant) enable anomaly detection, trend insights, and predictive quality intelligence.
• Rapid deployment and affordability: With its intuitive UI, fast onboarding, and cost-effective pricing, it is aimed to serve startups through enterprise-scale labs.

Customer feedback: Scispot is well regarded by labs transitioning from older systems, with users highlighting its modular structure, responsive support, and rapid deployment. Customers note that the platform is flexible enough to accommodate scripting and custom workflows without requiring heavy IT involvement. Some users mention a brief learning curve, especially for teams new to digital systems, and emphasize the importance of stable internet connectivity.

Website: www.scispot.com

13. L7 (L7 Notebooks)

L7 Informatics offers L7 Notebooks as a comprehensive electronic lab notebook that captures unstructured and structured data for research, process, and assay development. It is part of the L7|ESP™ Unified Platform, which aims to eliminate data silos and streamline lab and business processes across the life sciences and healthcare value chains.

Key strengths:

• Comprehensive data capture: Captures both unstructured and structured data, crucial for diverse experimental paradigms.
• Unified platform integration: Seamlessly integrates with L7|ESP applications like LIMS, inventory, and scheduling tools, residing in the same database to eliminate data silos and automate task orchestration.
• Streamlined protocol transfer: Enables efficient transfer of protocols from research to production, minimizing tech transfer times.
• Standardized lab processes: Supports the creation of reusable templates to standardize lab processes, enhancing productivity and precision.
• Compliance and security: Ensures controlled and role-based user access, robust data security, and compliance for regulated environments.
• Low-code/No-code: The L7|ESP platform includes a low-code/no-code toolkit for building data models and workflows.

Website: www.l7informatics.com

Table 1. The top electronic laboratory notebooks at a glance.

Making the right choice for your lab’s future

Choosing the best electronic lab notebook (ELN) software in 2025 is a critical decision that will impact your lab’s efficiency, compliance, and ability to innovate for years to come. The landscape is rich with options, each offering unique strengths tailored to different needs. From established powerhouses like LabWare and LabVantage to agile, AI-driven platforms like Sapio Sciences, the ideal choice depends on your lab’s specific requirements, budget, and long-term vision.

Figure 1. Selecting the best ELN on flexibility and ease of use

As you evaluate your options, prioritize systems that offer:

• True configurability: Empowering your team to adapt workflows without coding.
• Seamless integration: Ensuring data flows effortlessly across all your lab instruments and enterprise systems.
• Advanced AI and automation: Leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive efficiency and insights.
• Robust compliance and security: Providing peace of mind in regulated environments.
• Scalability and a low TCO: Ensuring the system can grow with you efficiently.

Sapio Sciences, with its commitment to no-code/low-code configurability, AI-powered innovation (ELaiN), comprehensive unified platform, and clear focus on customer success, stands out as a leading contender for organizations looking to future-proof their lab operations and truly unlock the potential of their data. By embracing a modern, flexible ELN, you can transform your laboratory into a hub of innovation, productivity, and unwavering quality.

Best Electronic Lab Notebook: Frequently Asked Questions