Quick Overview
- 1#1: Quartzy - Comprehensive cloud platform for managing lab inventory, equipment reservations, and maintenance tracking.
- 2#2: Qualer - Specialized calibration and asset management software for tracking and maintaining laboratory instruments.
- 3#3: Clustermarket - Real-time scheduling and booking platform for lab equipment and shared resources.
- 4#4: LabCollector - LIMS system with integrated modules for equipment inventory, tracking, and maintenance scheduling.
- 5#5: eLabNext - Digital lab platform offering equipment scheduling, usage tracking, and resource management.
- 6#6: Labguru - Cloud-based ELN and LIMS with tools for equipment lifecycle management and reservations.
- 7#7: Benchling - R&D collaboration platform featuring lab inventory and equipment tracking capabilities.
- 8#8: SciNote - Electronic lab notebook with inventory management and equipment usage logging.
- 9#9: LabArchives - ELN solution with scheduling and resource management for lab equipment.
- 10#10: BookitLab - Online booking system for lab equipment, rooms, and shared scientific resources.
We prioritized tools based on comprehensive features (inventory, scheduling, maintenance), user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring recommendations balance performance and practicality.
Comparison Table
Effective lab equipment management is vital for operational efficiency, and choosing the right software can significantly optimize tracking, maintenance, and utility. This comparison table examines features, workflows, and user experiences of leading platforms including Quartzy, Qualer, Clustermarket, LabCollector, eLabNext, and others, highlighting how each meets distinct lab needs. Readers will gain clarity to identify tools that align with their goals for inventory accuracy, downtime reduction, and scalability.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quartzy Comprehensive cloud platform for managing lab inventory, equipment reservations, and maintenance tracking. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Qualer Specialized calibration and asset management software for tracking and maintaining laboratory instruments. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Clustermarket Real-time scheduling and booking platform for lab equipment and shared resources. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | LabCollector LIMS system with integrated modules for equipment inventory, tracking, and maintenance scheduling. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 5 | eLabNext Digital lab platform offering equipment scheduling, usage tracking, and resource management. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Labguru Cloud-based ELN and LIMS with tools for equipment lifecycle management and reservations. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 7 | Benchling R&D collaboration platform featuring lab inventory and equipment tracking capabilities. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 8 | SciNote Electronic lab notebook with inventory management and equipment usage logging. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | LabArchives ELN solution with scheduling and resource management for lab equipment. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 10 | BookitLab Online booking system for lab equipment, rooms, and shared scientific resources. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
Comprehensive cloud platform for managing lab inventory, equipment reservations, and maintenance tracking.
Specialized calibration and asset management software for tracking and maintaining laboratory instruments.
Real-time scheduling and booking platform for lab equipment and shared resources.
LIMS system with integrated modules for equipment inventory, tracking, and maintenance scheduling.
Digital lab platform offering equipment scheduling, usage tracking, and resource management.
Cloud-based ELN and LIMS with tools for equipment lifecycle management and reservations.
R&D collaboration platform featuring lab inventory and equipment tracking capabilities.
Electronic lab notebook with inventory management and equipment usage logging.
ELN solution with scheduling and resource management for lab equipment.
Online booking system for lab equipment, rooms, and shared scientific resources.
Quartzy
specializedComprehensive cloud platform for managing lab inventory, equipment reservations, and maintenance tracking.
Dynamic equipment calendars that track reservations, maintenance, and utilization metrics in real-time across multiple lab locations.
Quartzy is a leading lab management platform that excels in inventory tracking, equipment reservations, and procurement for research and biotech labs. It provides real-time visibility into lab assets, including equipment utilization via shared calendars, maintenance logs, and barcode-enabled check-ins. The software integrates seamlessly with vendor catalogs for streamlined ordering, ensuring compliance, reducing waste, and optimizing resource allocation across teams.
Pros
- Comprehensive equipment reservation calendars with real-time availability and analytics
- Robust inventory and asset tracking with mobile barcode scanning
- Integrated procurement from 10,000+ vendors with automated reordering
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger labs with custom enterprise needs
- Initial setup and data migration can require IT support
- Advanced reporting customization is somewhat limited without add-ons
Best For
Mid-to-large research labs and biotech teams needing an all-in-one solution for equipment scheduling, inventory, and procurement.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on lab size; starts at ~$100/user/month for Professional plan, with free tier for small teams and Enterprise options.
Qualer
specializedSpecialized calibration and asset management software for tracking and maintaining laboratory instruments.
The world's largest library of over 10,000 free, validated calibration procedures accessible instantly.
Qualer is a cloud-based lab equipment management software specializing in calibration, asset tracking, and compliance for regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, biotech, and testing labs. It streamlines workflows by automating calibration scheduling, generating audit-ready reports, and providing mobile access for on-site technicians. With a vast library of pre-built procedures and ISO 17025 compliance tools, it ensures equipment reliability and regulatory adherence.
Pros
- Extensive library of over 10,000 free calibration procedures
- Robust compliance and audit trail features for ISO 17025 and other standards
- Mobile app for real-time field calibrations and inventory management
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small labs
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization options
- Limited out-of-the-box integrations with some niche lab systems
Best For
Mid-to-large laboratories in regulated sectors like pharma and biotech that require comprehensive calibration management and compliance automation.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $500/month for basic plans, scaling with assets and features; free trial available.
Clustermarket
specializedReal-time scheduling and booking platform for lab equipment and shared resources.
Collaborative real-time calendar that supports multi-user simultaneous booking with automatic conflict resolution and waitlist management
Clustermarket is a cloud-based lab equipment management platform that streamlines booking, scheduling, and sharing of scientific instruments across research facilities. It provides real-time availability views, automated notifications, and usage analytics to minimize downtime and optimize resource utilization. The software supports multi-site deployments, user access controls, and maintenance tracking, making it ideal for collaborative lab environments.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop booking calendar with real-time updates
- Robust analytics and reporting for equipment utilization insights
- Mobile app for on-the-go reservations and notifications
Cons
- Pricing requires custom quotes and can be high for small labs
- Limited native integrations with some lab-specific hardware/software
- Admin setup may involve a moderate learning curve for advanced customizations
Best For
Mid-to-large research organizations or multi-lab clusters needing efficient equipment sharing and scheduling to reduce conflicts and idle time.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $500/month for basic plans, scaling with users, equipment count, and features; free trial available.
LabCollector
enterpriseLIMS system with integrated modules for equipment inventory, tracking, and maintenance scheduling.
Automated equipment maintenance and calibration scheduling with usage logs and compliance reminders
LabCollector is a modular Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that centralizes lab operations, with a dedicated Equipment module for tracking instruments, scheduling maintenance, calibrations, and reservations. It enables inventory logging, usage monitoring, compliance reporting, and integration with other modules like samples and chemicals. The web-based platform supports multi-user access, customization, and audit trails for regulated environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive equipment lifecycle management including calibration and maintenance scheduling
- Strong integration with inventory, samples, and ELN modules
- Customizable reports and audit trails for compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to modular complexity
- Outdated user interface in some areas
- Higher upfront costs for full feature set
Best For
Mid-sized research, biotech, or clinical labs needing integrated LIMS with robust equipment tracking.
Pricing
Quote-based; perpetual licenses start at ~$3,000-$5,000 for base + equipment module (5 users), with add-ons and annual support ~20% of license.
eLabNext
specializedDigital lab platform offering equipment scheduling, usage tracking, and resource management.
Real-time collaborative equipment booking system with automated conflict resolution and maintenance reminders
eLabNext is a cloud-based laboratory information management system (LIMS) that provides robust tools for lab equipment management, including scheduling, reservations, calibration tracking, and maintenance logging. It integrates seamlessly with electronic lab notebooks (ELN), sample tracking, and inventory management to create a unified workflow for research and biotech labs. The platform emphasizes compliance with standards like ISO and GLP, while offering real-time analytics on equipment utilization to optimize lab efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive equipment scheduling with real-time availability and booking calendars
- Strong integration with ELN, inventory, and sample management for holistic lab oversight
- Customizable dashboards and reporting for utilization analytics and compliance
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small labs or startups
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization and workflows
- Limited native mobile app functionality compared to desktop experience
Best For
Mid-sized research, biotech, or academic labs needing integrated equipment management within a broader LIMS ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; basic plans start around $99/user/month, with enterprise tiers scaling based on features and users.
Labguru
specializedCloud-based ELN and LIMS with tools for equipment lifecycle management and reservations.
Real-time collaborative equipment calendar that syncs reservations directly with experiment timelines and user protocols
Labguru is a cloud-based laboratory information management system (LIMS) and electronic lab notebook (ELN) platform that includes dedicated equipment management tools for scheduling, reservations, maintenance tracking, and utilization analytics. It enables labs to optimize equipment usage by integrating real-time availability calendars with experiment protocols and inventory systems. While versatile for overall lab operations, its equipment features help reduce downtime and ensure compliance through automated reminders and audit trails.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop scheduling for equipment reservations
- Seamless integration with ELN and inventory for holistic lab workflows
- Robust analytics for equipment utilization and maintenance forecasting
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers limit accessibility for small labs
- Occasional complexity in customizing reports and dashboards
- Mobile app lacks full parity with desktop equipment management features
Best For
Mid-sized biotech and research labs seeking integrated equipment management within a broader ELN and LIMS ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; starts around $150/user/month for basic plans, scales with users and modules.
Benchling
enterpriseR&D collaboration platform featuring lab inventory and equipment tracking capabilities.
Equipment reservation system with automated notifications, conflict detection, and direct ties to experimental protocols
Benchling is a cloud-based life sciences R&D platform with an Inventory module that supports lab equipment management, including tracking, reservations, check-in/out, maintenance scheduling, and storage organization. It integrates equipment data with sample and reagent inventory for streamlined lab operations. While versatile for biotech workflows, its equipment features are embedded within a broader ELN and LIMS ecosystem rather than being standalone.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface with real-time collaboration
- Seamless integration of equipment tracking with samples and experiments
- Robust cloud-based access and mobile support for reservations
Cons
- Limited depth in advanced calibration and compliance reporting compared to specialized tools
- Enterprise pricing can be prohibitive for small labs focused only on equipment
- Biotech-centric design may feel overkill for general lab equipment needs
Best For
Biotech and pharma labs needing integrated equipment management within comprehensive R&D workflows.
Pricing
Free for academics; commercial Starter plan ~$10/user/month (limited), Professional/Enterprise custom pricing starting at $100+/user/month.
SciNote
specializedElectronic lab notebook with inventory management and equipment usage logging.
Interactive equipment calendar with real-time availability and direct integration into experiment protocols for effortless data association
SciNote is a cloud-based electronic lab notebook (ELN) platform with integrated lab equipment management features, enabling users to catalog equipment, track maintenance, and schedule usage via an intuitive calendar. It supports inventory tracking for devices alongside reagents and samples, ensuring real-time availability and conflict-free bookings. This makes it suitable for labs needing streamlined resource allocation tied to experimental workflows, though equipment tools are part of a broader ELN suite.
Pros
- Real-time equipment booking calendar prevents scheduling conflicts
- Integrated maintenance and calibration logs with reminders
- Seamless linkage to ELN for associating equipment use with experiments
Cons
- Equipment management is secondary to core ELN functions, lacking standalone depth
- Advanced customization and reporting require higher-tier plans
- Limited built-in analytics for equipment utilization metrics
Best For
Small to mid-sized research labs in academia or biotech that want integrated ELN and basic equipment scheduling without needing specialized standalone software.
Pricing
Free for individuals; Team plan at €9/user/month, Business at €19/user/month, Enterprise custom (billed annually).
LabArchives
specializedELN solution with scheduling and resource management for lab equipment.
Integrated ELN and equipment scheduler that links experimental data directly to usage logs
LabArchives is a cloud-based electronic lab notebook (ELN) platform with integrated inventory management features for tracking lab equipment, reagents, and samples. It enables equipment scheduling, maintenance logging, usage tracking, and location monitoring to streamline lab operations. The software supports regulatory compliance like 21 CFR Part 11 and promotes collaboration through shared access and real-time updates.
Pros
- Seamless integration of ELN with equipment and inventory tracking
- User-friendly interface with mobile accessibility
- Strong compliance and audit trail features
Cons
- Less specialized for advanced equipment calibration or IoT integration compared to dedicated tools
- Higher pricing for enterprise-scale deployments
- Limited customizable reporting for equipment analytics
Best For
Academic and research labs seeking an all-in-one ELN solution with basic to moderate equipment management needs.
Pricing
Free limited plan for academics; Professional starts at ~$175/user/year; Enterprise custom pricing.
BookitLab
specializedOnline booking system for lab equipment, rooms, and shared scientific resources.
Self-service booking portal with real-time calendar views accessible via web and mobile
BookitLab is a cloud-based scheduling platform tailored for laboratories to manage equipment bookings, reservations, and resource availability in real-time. It enables users to create calendars for equipment, set access permissions, and track usage through simple interfaces suitable for research, academic, and testing labs. The software emphasizes ease of booking with features like notifications, recurring schedules, and basic reporting, making it a straightforward tool for avoiding equipment conflicts.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop calendar for quick bookings
- Real-time availability updates and email/SMS notifications
- Scalable for multiple labs and user roles with customizable permissions
Cons
- Lacks advanced inventory tracking or maintenance scheduling
- Limited integrations with lab instruments or enterprise systems
- Reporting is basic without deep analytics or custom dashboards
Best For
Small to mid-sized labs or academic facilities seeking a simple, affordable booking system without needing full asset management.
Pricing
Starts at $29/month for basic plan (1 lab, up to 10 users); scales to $99+/month for multi-lab and advanced features; free trial available.
Conclusion
The review of top lab equipment management software highlights strong performers, with Quartzy leading as the top choice—boasting a comprehensive cloud platform for inventory, reservations, and maintenance. Qualer and Clustermarket follow closely, offering specialized calibration/asset management and real-time scheduling respectively, each catering to distinct operational needs. Together, these tools provide labs with robust solutions to enhance efficiency and streamline workflows.
Start with Quartzy to unlock its integrated capabilities, and don't overlook Qualer or Clustermarket if your needs lean toward calibration or real-time booking—each is a valuable asset for modern lab operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison