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As a civil engineering student, I loved environmental sciences. We spent a lot of time outdoors, and when we weren’t, we were in the lab conducting interesting tests, mostly on water and soil samples.During one visit to a testing lab, I wondered how every sample was handled so efficiently—how it was sent to the right testing stations, kept safe from contamination, and tracked for accurate results. Curious, I asked my professor, who introduced me to the best laboratory information management system (LIMS) software. A week later, I was using one of these tools to manage soil samples for my entire batch!
That experience showed me how the best LIMS software makes lab work much easier. It helps track samples, keeps data secure, and ensures everything runs smoothly. Over time, I’ve learned what labs need most from these tools, like accuracy, efficiency, and seamless integration with lab equipment.
Now, as a writer who also reviews software on G2, I've combined my own experience and analyzed user reviews on G2 to create this list of the best LIMS software. Read on to find the right one for your lab. Let’s get started!
* These LIMS software are top-rated in their category, according to G2 Grid Reports. Pricing for these products is available upon request, except for those I’ve already included the details.
LIMS software helped me efficiently manage and track laboratory samples, ensuring accurate data collection and analysis.
The best LIMS software went beyond traditional record-keeping, automating workflows, minimizing human error, and integrating seamlessly with lab equipment. It became an indispensable tool in my daily work by streamlining lab processes and making research more manageable.
When I first started working in a lab, managing samples and data felt overwhelming. I spent hours tracking down information, sorting through paper records, and ensuring everything was in the right place. Once I started using LIMS software, sample management became far easier and faster. It helped me stay organized, ensured accuracy and freed up time for more critical tasks like data analysis. These tools not only made my work more efficient but also improved the overall quality of my research.
In this article, I’ll share my personal picks for the best LIMS software in 2025. I’ve tested each tool and will highlight what made them stand out and how they helped me tackle common lab challenges.
I tested the best LIMS software extensively to manage and track laboratory samples, automate lab workflows, and assess its efficiency in ensuring accurate data collection and analysis.
To enhance my understanding, I also spoke with laboratory professionals to learn about their needs and challenges in sample management. I used AI to analyze user feedback and reviews on G2 and G2’s Grid Reports to gain further insights into each tool’s features, ease of use, and overall value.
By combining hands-on testing with expert feedback and user reviews, I’ve compiled a list of the best LIMS software to help you select the right one for your lab’s needs.
When testing various LIMS solutions, I focused on a few key factors to evaluate how well they address the complex needs of modern laboratories. Here's a breakdown of the aspects I paid attention to when selecting the best LIMS software:
The list below contains genuine user reviews from our best LIMS software category page. To qualify for inclusion in the category, a product must:
This data has been pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews have been edited for clarity.
When I explored STARLIMS, I was genuinely impressed by how comprehensive it is as a laboratory information management system.
One of its key features that stood out to me is its ability to seamlessly manage samples throughout their lifecycle. From collection to processing, tracking, and archiving, STARLIMS ensures that every step is efficient and accurate. I found this particularly reassuring because it significantly reduces the chances of errors, especially during critical processes like data collection and transcription.
Another standout feature is its scalability. As someone who understands the challenges of managing growing data, I found it amazing that STARLIMS can grow alongside an organization’s needs. Whether you’re handling hundreds or millions of samples, the system adapts without requiring major overhauls. This makes it an excellent long-term investment for any lab expecting to scale its operations.
It can facilitate the transfer of testing from research to quality control and manufacturing. This feature acts as a bridge, removing traditional bottlenecks and significantly accelerating time to market. For industries like pharmaceuticals or biotech, where speed and efficiency are everything, I imagine this would be a game-changer.
STARLIMS shines in its robust reporting and analytics capabilities. I was able to generate detailed insights from the data, which I think is crucial for labs to make informed decisions. On top of that, it supports regulatory compliance by automating documentation and adhering to standards like FDA and ISO. I can’t overstate how valuable this feature is for labs working in regulated environments, as it saves significant time on audits and documentation.
STARLIMS connects seamlessly with laboratory instruments and external systems, creating a centralized hub for managing data. However, I did find that the scientific data management system (SDMS) component, which handles these integrations, is highly sensitive to minor changes in instrument files. While this ensures precision, it made troubleshooting integration issues more complicated than I had expected. I found myself double-checking every small detail to ensure smooth functionality.
The electronic laboratory notebook (ELN) is another feature designed to simplify workflows by offering a digital way to record and manage experimental data. While I appreciated the concept, troubleshooting issues with ELN, too, felt tedious and time-consuming.
Another area where STARLIMS could improve is the results entry module. While the module allows manual results entry, it felt significantly slow during my testing. For labs handling high volumes of data, this delay could become a productivity bottleneck. Even though the system is packed with features, I believe performance improvements here would make it even more efficient.
However, the platform’s complexity stood out as both a strength and a challenge to me. While its vast array of features is impressive, they can feel overwhelming, especially for new users. Proper training is essential to unlock its full potential, particularly with components like SDMS and ELN.
"STARLIMS offers robust data management capabilities, enabling centralized storage, quick retrieval, and efficient analysis of experimental data. Its comprehensive audit trail function allows users to trace and record the source, processing steps, and results of samples, ensuring the reliability and traceability of the data."
- STARLIMS Review, Xueyan Z.
"The SSL language is quite limited, offering only basic functionality with very few system features. Additionally, there is a lack of detailed and up-to-date documentation for these functions, making it difficult for users to fully utilize the system."
- STARLIMS Review, Soy H.
Maintain efficiency and accuracy in your lab operations. Explore the best lab inventory management solutions today.
When I tested QBench, I immediately noticed how quick and straightforward the setup was. I didn’t need to spend hours figuring things out or waiting for complicated customizations. It felt like the kind of tool that lets you hit the ground running. I appreciated not being bogged down by the kind of lengthy implementations I’ve read about with older systems.
One feature that stood out to me was the workflow automation and tracking. I could easily follow the progress of orders, samples, and tests from start to finish. It was convenient to quickly check the status of any sample or order and see what still needed to be completed. The automation was a real time-saver, too. I liked how I could skip manual steps by setting up no-code rules, which sped everything up significantly.
I also liked the sample tracking tools. It was easy to see how useful this would be for keeping tabs on samples. I could log basic details like metadata and location, but what impressed me was the ability to add custom fields. It felt like I could tailor the system to fit just about any workflow.
The reporting tools were another highlight for me. I set up multiple report templates and tested the automated reporting feature. It worked seamlessly, generating and releasing reports in bulk with minimal effort on my part.
That said, there were a few areas that could use improvement. I felt like the system could be faster when running searches. For example, when I searched for a sample by its number and pressed Enter, I was taken to a separate page instead of directly to the sample. I found it faster to wait for the dropdown results and click the sample number, which seemed counterintuitive.
The filters menu also had some limitations. While I appreciated options like “Today” and “This Week,” I noticed there wasn’t a “Tomorrow” filter. That would have helped plan ahead. I also found it odd that after a certain time in the evening, the “Today” filter started showing results for the next day. I think it would work better if it showed results for the current date until midnight, based on local time.
Another thing I noticed was the learning curve. Even though I was just testing the tool, I felt like having some experience with Excel or similar software would make it easier to use. It also seemed like the system assumed certain workflows, which might not fit everyone’s needs. There were a few times when I had to come up with creative workarounds to get the results I wanted.
"We've been using QBench for about 8 years, and it has proven to be a modern, modular, and highly customizable LIMS. It offers our laboratory the flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing requirements set by regulatory bodies and our customers. Its robust APIs, responsive local customer service team, and reasonable, scalable cost structure make it a great choice for our needs."
- QBench Review, Zachary E.
"There is a learning curve, and prior experience with Excel or VBA is very helpful for developing the mindset needed to fully utilize the software's strengths. If your processes are already well-documented, the software can assist in implementing them, which helps reduce the workload for administrators."
- QBench Review, Aaron R.
Thermo Scientific SampleManager offers great data analytics with pre-configured dashboards that show key details like resource availability, stock information, location status, and lab performance. The dashboards are interactive and easy to understand, so I didn’t need to dig deep into data to get the insights I needed.
I also liked that the software can be deployed both on-premises and in the cloud. This flexibility allowed me to choose between managing my own infrastructure or using Thermo Fisher’s infrastructure, which helped reduce both hardware and IT costs while still ensuring solid data security and disaster recovery features.
One feature that stood out to me was the laboratory execution system (LES), which guided me through each step of a process to ensure SOP compliance. I also appreciated how it handles training records, allowing me to schedule training and control access based on roles, ensuring compliance before tests and instrument use.
The system captures all actions and process history, making it easy to track everything. I also found the contract lab testing and portal helpful, as it made it simple to manage quotes, samples, labels, and invoices all in one secure place.
The software integrates well with the chromeleon chromatography data system (CDS), so managing chromatography and mass spectrometry data was smooth and secure.
First, LIS communication requires programming, which means that only developers can set up the communication between the analyzer and the computer. As someone without advanced programming skills, this made it tough for me to get things up and running without extra help.
Another issue I faced was server downtime. If the LIMS software had a problem with the server, I couldn’t run samples, which caused delays. This was frustrating because when the system wasn’t working, my entire workflow was impacted.
Importing data from different file types, like .xls, .xlms, and .cdx, was also tricky. It wasn’t as simple as I expected, and it took more time and effort to get the data in. I also found that it would have been much more convenient if I could access the data on my mobile phone, but that wasn’t an option during my testing. Being able to check things on the go would have made the tool even more useful.
Finally, customizing workflows for specific needs was a bit challenging. The software didn’t offer as much flexibility as I had hoped, and making changes to workflows required more effort than I expected. It wasn’t a smooth process, and I had to experiment a lot to get it right.
"As the Lab Supervisor, we needed a solution that could grow with us, both now and in the future, and SampleManager has delivered on that promise. We’re a contract lab that tests in-service lubricants, handling numerous clients and various pieces of equipment. When evaluating potential LIMS software, SampleManager stood out and has certainly met our expectations. The biggest benefit so far has been the significant improvement in turnaround time by streamlining the logging and reporting processes. This has been a major win for our team."
- Thermo Scientific SampleManager Review, Craig B.
"The speed is an issue. Despite using AWS within the company, some windows load very slowly. For example, modifying folders takes around 20 to 30 seconds from clicking to opening. Software should open windows within half a second to ensure it feels fast and usable."
- Thermo Scientific SampleManager Review, Raul P.
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I've been testing Labguru ELN LIMS for some time, and what immediately stood out to me was how simple it makes sample and inventory management. I was able to track where samples and supplies would usually be stored with ease, and the system automatically updates inventory levels in real-time. The ability to stay on top of stock and manage resources efficiently was really impressive. I can imagine how invaluable this would be for anyone managing large quantities of samples and supplies in a lab.
The certification analysis tool allows me to digitally sign off on experiments, witness them, or reject them if the standards aren’t met. This ability to ensure proper documentation and accountability is particularly useful. It offers a modern approach to experiment review, which seems like it would be perfect for maintaining control over quality assurance processes without needing to rely on manual signatures or physical documents.
I was also quite impressed by the instrument management and orchestration functionality. The feature of scheduling instrument sessions and tracking calibration and maintenance dates seems incredibly convenient. I can see how this would save valuable time for lab managers and operators, as keeping track of equipment maintenance is essential for ensuring everything runs smoothly and stays in proper working order.
When it comes to handling big data, Labguru excels. The system makes uploading and exporting large research datasets easy, and it can manage this without slowing down. This aspect of the tool is essential for those working with significant volumes of research data. I can see how Labguru would make it easy to organize and retrieve large datasets, which is crucial in research environments where data integrity and accessibility are key.
However, there are a few areas where the tool could be improved. For instance, the mobile app is a bit basic for my liking. While it works for basic tasks, it could definitely use more advanced features like the ability to view detailed reports or interact with the system more robustly. This would be particularly useful for anyone needing to manage things remotely or on the go.
The storage location management also leaves some room for improvement. While I could move items between locations, it lacked the precision I expected. It would be helpful if the system allowed for more detailed tracking when items are relocated. More specific storage information would help keep everything better organized, especially for anyone managing large quantities of materials across multiple locations.
Another minor issue I encountered was with the document upload feature. Documents can be uploaded for specific equipment, but they are stored only on the main equipment page. Ideally, these should be linked to service dates or maintenance logs. This could help with quickly accessing specific documents when they're needed for equipment checks or scheduled services rather than searching through a general inventory page.
I also noticed that it would be beneficial to have a reagent expiration notification system in place. I believe it would be helpful to get reminders when reagents or chemicals are close to expiring. This would not only help in reducing waste but would also ensure that materials are used before they go bad, which would ultimately save time and costs.
"LabGuru makes it very easy to prepare protocols for experiments and track progress during a procedure. It allows different people to swap in and out, and it’s clear who has performed each step, ensuring accountability and smooth workflow."
- Labguru ELN LIMS Review, Linda S.
"LabGuru offers so many features that it can be overwhelming to navigate. I know I’m not using all of its capabilities simply because there’s too much information to absorb at once."
- Labguru ELN LIMS Review, Erica W.
Genemod is a cloud-based LIMS tool designed for biotech R&D. I tested it to understand how it simplifies lab management and supports scientific research. Since it’s cloud-based, I loved how easy it was to access the platform from anywhere. This level of flexibility felt perfect for remote collaboration or working across different locations.
One feature I really appreciated was the ELN. It made organizing projects, experiments, and folders incredibly easy. I could quickly create a structure for managing experiments, and real-time collaboration was seamless. Anytime I made a change, it instantly updated for others, which made teamwork feel much smoother. I also liked how protocols could be stored and shared in one secure location. It was so convenient to have everything centralized, and I didn’t have to search through scattered files to find what I needed.
I found Genemod’s approach to data integrity quite impressive. The built-in audit trails and version control tools gave me confidence that any changes were accurately tracked. I could see exactly who made updates and when which is crucial for maintaining compliance and accuracy in scientific workflows. The customization options were another standout for me. I could tweak the software to fit different needs, making it feel adaptable.
Another thing that stood out was the security features. Genemod ensures data is well-protected, with strict access controls in place. Knowing that sensitive data remains secure gave me peace of mind, and it’s reassuring to see how seriously they take confidentiality and compliance.
What impressed me further was the lab inventory management system. It’s very intuitive and makes tracking lab supplies a breeze. I liked how I could quickly check stock levels and expiration dates, which could be a real game-changer for labs needing to stay organized and avoid wastage.
However, there were a few things I found limiting. For instance, the barcode printing feature felt restrictive. Right now, you can only print barcodes for existing items, which means I couldn’t prepare barcodes in advance without assigning them to specific samples.
The dashboard, while functional, felt like it could do more. I wished I had more control over what information was displayed. Being able to customize the dashboard would make it much more useful for quickly tracking projects or lab needs. Another issue is that Genemod only offers a regular cryo box format for sample storage. It would be great if they could add an LN2 (liquid nitrogen) freezer type to better serve labs that use different storage methods.
Another thing I struggled with was the learning curve. While the interface was mostly intuitive, some features took a while to figure out. I think more detailed tutorials or onboarding resources would help new users feel comfortable faster.
Lastly, I noticed that the reporting feature could be more robust. While it’s helpful for generating basic reports, it felt limited when it came to customizing them for specific needs. Adding more detailed reporting options would make it easier to analyze data and share insights.
"In our busy lab, we often struggled to keep samples and reagents organized, but using Genemod has completely transformed our workflow. The user-friendly freezer inventory feature makes it easy to track exactly what’s stored and where, while the repository provides a clear, at-a-glance overview of our entire inventory. This helps us stay on top of what we have and what needs restocking, making lab management much easier and more efficient."
- Genemod Review, Robert D.
"Some features, like the sequence workspace, are still being developed. Additionally, there are small issues, such as when exporting freezers from Genemod to CSV files, the box names are replaced with internal box IDs, which requires manual changes. It can also be challenging to quickly view box information because, at the moment, only compound names are displayed in each box cell. As a result, details like concentration, mass, and other important information can only be seen by clicking on individual items or adding them to the compound name."
- Genemod Review, Christopher O.
By integrating medical lab software with your LIMS system, you can fine-tune your operations and set up seamless workflows.
I’ve been testing LabWare LIMS, and one of the first things that stood out to me is how much customization it offers. The system is strong and flexible, making it a great choice for labs that need something that can be adjusted to fit their specific needs. The platform is highly modular, which means I can add or remove features as needed to match the lab’s workflow.
The cloud-based platform has made the setup process much easier than I expected. I found the visual workflow builder especially helpful because it makes setting up the system clear and simple. Another big plus is the speed of deployment. With LabWare’s pre-configured SaaS solution, the system can be up and running in under 30 days once the right data is provided. This quick setup is great for labs that want to avoid long waiting periods and get everything working fast.
A standout feature for me is the internal change management system. Whether it’s a small update or a bigger change, this feature keeps everything auditable and traceable, which is crucial for meeting compliance standards. It’s also customizable, so it can be adapted to fit the specific needs of the lab, making sure all changes are properly recorded and can be reviewed later.
I also really liked how the system works with scanners and tablets. Being able to collect and process data in real time helped make everything go smoothly and saved time. These integrations make it easy to gather data without interrupting daily tasks.
Another impressive feature is the stability study management capabilities. It handles everything from inventory and storage location management to stability pulls, work assignments, and tracking the sample chain of custody. I found that it also includes functions for results entry, review, and reporting, which makes managing stability studies much more streamlined and efficient.
However, I did run into a few issues during my testing. For instance, I had to configure certain settings, such as facility and plant configurations, which I didn’t need for my test but still had to set up. This extra step added some complexity and made the system feel a bit overwhelming when I just wanted to focus on the main functions.
When I imported process templates, I also noticed that they came with a lot of extra settings, like analysis and subroutines, that weren’t relevant to what I was working on. This made it harder to navigate, as I had to sort through unnecessary options to find what I actually needed.
Another thing I’d change is the user interface (UI). The look and feel of the interfaces vary a lot between different modules, and many of them felt outdated and not very consistent. This inconsistency made it harder to use the system quickly and easily.
Lastly, the learning curve with LabWare is a bit steep. The system has a lot of customization options, but without proper training or understanding of how everything works, it can be hard to use effectively. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how things functioned, and it can be overwhelming if you don’t know the system well.
"Labware LIMS offers predefined templates that provide a structured framework for your database and LIMS system. It also allows you to customize the interface and processing templates to meet your specific needs."
- LabWare LIMS Review, Keegan W.
"The user interface is not intuitive, and the visual workflow solution only offers a basic enhancement, ultimately leading users back to outdated data entry and admin screens that haven’t been updated in 20 years. Additionally, with minimal out-of-the-box functionality, the setup process requires more time and effort for tedious configurations compared to other LIMS products."
- LabWare LIMS Review, Gerry Y.
Testing out CloudLIMS, one of the most notable features I noticed was how easily it integrates with laboratory instruments, regardless of their complexity. The system uses CSV/XLS files to transfer data seamlessly from instruments into the LIMS. These files are automatically read by CloudLIMS, which then maps the data to the correct fields, ensuring that everything transfers smoothly without the need for manual input.
Another standout feature for me was the ability to configure certificates of analysis (CoA) and report templates with no additional costs. The flexibility in creating multiple templates in custom layouts to meet both client and regulatory requirements was a big advantage. The customization options in terms of reporting are comprehensive, and it’s clear that the tool is designed to cater to diverse reporting needs, which would be valuable for labs dealing with various clients and statutory demands.
One feature I was particularly impressed with was the migration of legacy data. CloudLIMS ensures that your existing data from other systems can be migrated without compromising its integrity. Since I’m testing the tool, I could see how valuable this would be to a lab expert looking to transition to a new system without worrying about data loss. The process was smooth, and I didn’t notice any data quality issues.
Data security is another area where CloudLIMS excels. I found that the system automatically takes regular backups and stores them across multiple servers in different geographical locations. This level of redundancy ensures that data is safe, even in the case of system failure or a natural disaster.
Creating dashboards was not as simple as I would have hoped. In past versions, I understand that setting up dashboards required a lot of effort, and I would like to see this made simpler in future versions.
Additionally, I noticed that some parts of the user interface could benefit from refinement. For example, the arrangement of columns in certain windows felt slightly cumbersome, and I also think it would be helpful to add more sample tracking statuses (like “sample collected,” “sample picked up,” or “sample received”) to help manage the sample’s workflow more effectively.
On occasion, I also experienced some delays in the system’s loading speed. While these moments of lag were not constant, they did prove to be a bit frustrating, particularly when working under tight time constraints. I can imagine that for lab experts who rely on quick access to data, these delays could affect overall productivity.
I found the system customization process to be quite challenging. While the tool offers great flexibility, it isn’t the easiest to navigate for someone who isn't a tech expert. I can imagine that lab experts who don’t have extensive programming knowledge might find it time-consuming and tricky to customize the tool to their specific needs.
"The CoA template was customized to meet our needs, including all essential client and sample details, along with a table displaying analytes and their observed values. Each table cell was designed to capture values based on specific test types. The CloudLIMS team collaborated closely with us to ensure the template matched our expectations. They automated calculations and applied built-in logic and complex algorithms to make this happen."
- CloudLIMS Review, Ronel C.
"The system’s session timeout is quite restrictive, as the platform prompts session expiration after a short period. It would be helpful if there were an option to extend the session duration, giving users more flexibility to complete tasks without the concern of losing their progress."
- CloudLIMS Review, Aryan K.
LIMS software streamlines laboratory operations by managing sample data and tracking its lifecycle from collection to analysis. It automates tasks like sample entry, test processing, and results reporting, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. LIMS also helps maintain compliance with industry standards by storing records securely, generating audit trails, and facilitating regulatory reporting.
Laboratories across industries use LIMS to streamline data management, sample tracking, and regulatory compliance. Users include pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, research institutions, clinical labs, food testing labs, and environmental testing facilities. LIMS helps improve efficiency, accuracy, and traceability in lab operations.
LIMS software costs typically range from $500 to $1000 per month, depending on the features, number of users, and complexity of the system. For extensive, enterprise-level implementations, larger, more customized solutions can go beyond this range.
No, LIMS focuses specifically on laboratory data and processes, while ERP systems manage broader business operations like finance, supply chain, and HR.
To implement LIMS software successfully, start by clearly defining your laboratory’s needs and system requirements. Choose a vendor that aligns with these needs and offers scalability. Integrate the LIMS with existing systems (like ERP or instruments) to ensure smooth data flow. Train users thoroughly to ensure adoption and set up a plan for ongoing support, regular updates, and system maintenance to keep the LIMS running efficiently.
After thoroughly reviewing the top LIMS software available, I can confidently say that the right solution for you really depends on your lab's unique needs. Throughout this journey, I’ve explored the features, benefits, and potential limitations of each option, and I’ve come to realize that no one-size-fits-all approach works here.
Some software excels in user-friendliness, making it easy for teams to adopt with minimal training, while others shine in complex reporting capabilities or integration with other systems.
For me, the key takeaway is this: the best LIMS software simplifies your workflows, saves you time, and gives you confidence in the data you’re managing. It’s like picking the right lab partner—you need someone who knows their stuff, doesn’t create chaos, and can help you tackle any challenge that comes your way.
Ready to elevate your lab's performance? Start exploring the power of quality management systems (QMS) today.
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