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Science Research

Top 10 Best Laboratory Sample Management Software of 2026

Discover top 10 lab sample management software solutions to streamline workflows. Read now to find the best fit.

Min-ji Park

Min-ji Park

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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Efficient lab sample management is pivotal for maintaining accuracy, streamlining workflows, and ensuring regulatory adherence—critical pillars of modern research and quality control. The tools featured here, spanning enterprise systems to cloud-native platforms, offer diverse solutions, making them essential for labs across industries seeking to optimize operations.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: LabWare LIMS - Comprehensive enterprise LIMS for tracking samples, automating workflows, integrating instruments, and ensuring regulatory compliance across industries.
  2. 2#2: STARLIMS - Cloud-based LIMS solution accelerating lab productivity in pharma, biotech, diagnostics, and public health with robust sample management.
  3. 3#3: LabVantage - Flexible, configurable LIMS platform supporting end-to-end sample lifecycle from accessioning to analysis and reporting in R&D and QC labs.
  4. 4#4: Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS - Integrated LIMS with ELN and advanced analytics for efficient sample tracking, data integrity, and collaboration in life sciences labs.
  5. 5#5: Agilent OpenLAB - Modular informatics suite providing sample scheduling, management, and electronic lab notebook capabilities for analytical laboratories.
  6. 6#6: Waters NuGenesis SDMS - Laboratory data management system with LIMS features for capturing, archiving, and retrieving sample-related data in regulated environments.
  7. 7#7: Benchling - Cloud-native platform for biotech labs offering sample tracking, inventory management, and real-time collaboration tools.
  8. 8#8: Labguru - All-in-one web-based LIMS and ELN for research labs to manage samples, experiments, protocols, and inventory seamlessly.
  9. 9#9: CloudLIMS - Secure SaaS LIMS for testing labs in food, cannabis, water, and clinical sectors with sample workflow automation and compliance tools.
  10. 10#10: QBench - Next-generation cloud LIMS for high-volume labs featuring customizable workflows, dashboards, and instrument integrations for sample management.

We selected and ranked these tools by assessing key factors including workflow automation, compliance capabilities, integration flexibility, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring a balanced list that caters to varied lab needs and technical profiles.

Comparison Table

Selecting the right laboratory sample management software (LIMS) is critical for streamlining workflows, ensuring data integrity, and enhancing operational efficiency in modern labs. This comparison table explores key tools like LabWare LIMS, STARLIMS, LabVantage, Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS, Agilent OpenLAB, and more, examining their core features and suitability for diverse laboratory needs. Readers will gain actionable insights to identify the software that best aligns with their specific requirements.

Comprehensive enterprise LIMS for tracking samples, automating workflows, integrating instruments, and ensuring regulatory compliance across industries.

Features
9.6/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.7/10
2STARLIMS logo9.2/10

Cloud-based LIMS solution accelerating lab productivity in pharma, biotech, diagnostics, and public health with robust sample management.

Features
9.6/10
Ease
8.1/10
Value
8.7/10
3LabVantage logo9.2/10

Flexible, configurable LIMS platform supporting end-to-end sample lifecycle from accessioning to analysis and reporting in R&D and QC labs.

Features
9.7/10
Ease
8.0/10
Value
8.5/10

Integrated LIMS with ELN and advanced analytics for efficient sample tracking, data integrity, and collaboration in life sciences labs.

Features
9.3/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
8.1/10

Modular informatics suite providing sample scheduling, management, and electronic lab notebook capabilities for analytical laboratories.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
7.9/10

Laboratory data management system with LIMS features for capturing, archiving, and retrieving sample-related data in regulated environments.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.2/10
Value
7.5/10
7Benchling logo8.7/10

Cloud-native platform for biotech labs offering sample tracking, inventory management, and real-time collaboration tools.

Features
9.3/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
8.1/10
8Labguru logo8.1/10

All-in-one web-based LIMS and ELN for research labs to manage samples, experiments, protocols, and inventory seamlessly.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
7.9/10
9CloudLIMS logo8.2/10

Secure SaaS LIMS for testing labs in food, cannabis, water, and clinical sectors with sample workflow automation and compliance tools.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.0/10
10QBench logo8.1/10

Next-generation cloud LIMS for high-volume labs featuring customizable workflows, dashboards, and instrument integrations for sample management.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
7.8/10
1
LabWare LIMS logo

LabWare LIMS

enterprise

Comprehensive enterprise LIMS for tracking samples, automating workflows, integrating instruments, and ensuring regulatory compliance across industries.

Overall Rating9.3/10
Features
9.6/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.7/10
Standout Feature

The patented Design Studio for no-code configuration of workflows, reports, and interfaces tailored to any lab's unique needs

LabWare LIMS is a leading laboratory information management system (LIMS) that provides end-to-end sample management, from accessioning and tracking to storage, testing, and disposal. It excels in automating workflows, integrating with instruments, and ensuring compliance with standards like FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 17025, and GLP. Designed for high-volume labs, it supports unlimited customization to fit complex processes in pharmaceuticals, biotech, food testing, and environmental analysis without requiring custom coding.

Pros

  • Exceptional configurability via the intuitive Design Studio, allowing workflow customization without programming
  • Seamless instrument integration and real-time data capture for hundreds of devices
  • Robust compliance tools and audit trails for regulated environments

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex initial implementation requiring expert support
  • High upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees
  • Interface can feel dated compared to modern cloud-native alternatives

Best For

Enterprise-level laboratories in highly regulated industries like pharma and biotech needing scalable, customizable sample management.

Pricing

Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000-$100,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and deployment scale; perpetual licenses with maintenance also available.

2
STARLIMS logo

STARLIMS

enterprise

Cloud-based LIMS solution accelerating lab productivity in pharma, biotech, diagnostics, and public health with robust sample management.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.6/10
Ease of Use
8.1/10
Value
8.7/10
Standout Feature

Silver+ configuration platform enabling code-free workflow customization and deployment acceleration

STARLIMS is a comprehensive Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) from Abbott Informatics, designed to manage the entire laboratory lifecycle including sample accessioning, tracking, testing, and reporting. It excels in automating workflows, ensuring data integrity, and integrating with lab instruments and enterprise systems for industries like pharmaceuticals, biotech, clinical, and environmental testing. With configurable modules and strong regulatory compliance features, it supports scalable operations from small labs to global enterprises.

Pros

  • Highly configurable workflows with Silver+ tool for rapid customization
  • Robust compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO, and GxP standards
  • Seamless instrument integration and real-time analytics

Cons

  • Steep initial learning curve and setup complexity
  • High implementation costs and timeline
  • Customization may require vendor support for advanced needs

Best For

Enterprise-level laboratories in regulated industries needing scalable sample management and compliance automation.

Pricing

Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000-$100,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and deployment (on-premise or cloud).

Visit STARLIMSstarlims.com
3
LabVantage logo

LabVantage

enterprise

Flexible, configurable LIMS platform supporting end-to-end sample lifecycle from accessioning to analysis and reporting in R&D and QC labs.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.7/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Value
8.5/10
Standout Feature

Model-driven architecture enabling rapid, code-free customization of assays, workflows, and data models

LabVantage is a robust Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) designed for comprehensive sample lifecycle management, from accessioning and tracking to storage, analysis, and disposal in regulated environments like pharma, biotech, and clinical labs. It excels in workflow automation, inventory control, and integration with instruments and ELNs, ensuring data integrity and compliance with standards such as 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO 17025. The platform offers scalable cloud, on-premise, or hybrid deployments, with advanced analytics and AI-driven insights for efficient lab operations.

Pros

  • Exceptional configurability with no-code/low-code tools for custom workflows
  • Strong regulatory compliance and audit trail features
  • Seamless integration with lab instruments, ELNs, and ERP systems

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring expertise
  • High implementation costs and timelines for enterprise deployments
  • Interface can feel dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives

Best For

Large-scale laboratories in highly regulated industries needing scalable, compliant sample management with deep customization.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing starting at $100K+ annually for enterprise deployments, depending on users, modules, and hosting.

Visit LabVantagelabvantage.com
4
Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS logo

Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS

enterprise

Integrated LIMS with ELN and advanced analytics for efficient sample tracking, data integrity, and collaboration in life sciences labs.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
9.3/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Unified LIMS-ELN-SDMS platform for end-to-end digital lab transformation without silos

Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS is a robust enterprise-grade Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that automates sample tracking, workflow management, and data integrity across the entire sample lifecycle. It excels in integrating with lab instruments, ensuring regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 17025), and supporting high-throughput operations in pharmaceuticals, biotech, and clinical labs. The platform combines LIMS, Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN), and Scientific Data Management System (SDMS) functionalities for seamless data flow and real-time analytics.

Pros

  • Comprehensive instrument integration with over 1,000 devices
  • Strong regulatory compliance and audit trail capabilities
  • Scalable unified platform combining LIMS, ELN, and SDMS

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
  • High implementation costs and long deployment times
  • Customization requires specialized expertise

Best For

Large-scale pharmaceutical, biotech, and research laboratories needing enterprise-level compliance and high-volume sample management.

Pricing

Quote-based enterprise licensing; typically $100,000+ for initial implementation plus annual subscriptions starting at $20,000-$50,000 depending on scale.

5
Agilent OpenLAB logo

Agilent OpenLAB

enterprise

Modular informatics suite providing sample scheduling, management, and electronic lab notebook capabilities for analytical laboratories.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

Native, bidirectional integration with Agilent chromatography instruments for real-time sample scheduling and automated data capture without manual intervention

Agilent OpenLAB is a modular laboratory informatics platform designed for comprehensive sample management, chromatography data systems (CDS), and enterprise content management (ECM) in analytical labs. It enables sample tracking, scheduling, inventory control, and workflow automation, with seamless integration to Agilent instruments like LC/MS and GC systems. The software centralizes data from multiple sources, ensuring regulatory compliance and efficient lab operations across distributed environments.

Pros

  • Excellent integration with Agilent instruments for automated sample handling and data acquisition
  • Strong regulatory compliance tools (e.g., 21 CFR Part 11, audit trails)
  • Scalable architecture supporting enterprise-wide sample tracking and collaboration

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
  • High licensing costs with potential vendor lock-in
  • Less intuitive for non-chromatography workflows or smaller labs

Best For

Enterprise-level analytical labs in pharma, biotech, or food testing that rely on Agilent hardware and need robust, compliant sample management integrated with CDS.

Pricing

Enterprise quote-based pricing, typically starting at $20,000+ annually per lab site, scaling with modules, users, and instrument integrations.

6
Waters NuGenesis SDMS logo

Waters NuGenesis SDMS

enterprise

Laboratory data management system with LIMS features for capturing, archiving, and retrieving sample-related data in regulated environments.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.2/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Universal raw data archiving that preserves native instrument files with full context linking to samples, experiments, and workflows without conversion

Waters NuGenesis SDMS is a robust scientific data management system (SDMS) designed for laboratories to securely capture, archive, and manage raw instrument data from chromatography, mass spectrometry, and other analytical instruments. It provides centralized storage, contextual linking of data to samples and workflows, and ensures regulatory compliance such as 21 CFR Part 11 with audit trails and electronic signatures. The software integrates seamlessly with LIMS and ELN systems, enabling efficient data review, reporting, and retrieval in regulated environments like pharma and biotech.

Pros

  • Excellent integration with diverse instruments including Waters hardware
  • Strong compliance tools with audit trails and data integrity features
  • Powerful search, visualization, and reporting capabilities

Cons

  • Complex implementation and steep learning curve
  • High cost unsuitable for small labs
  • Less intuitive interface compared to modern cloud-native solutions

Best For

Enterprise-level pharmaceutical and biotech labs heavily reliant on Waters instruments and requiring strict regulatory compliance for sample data management.

Pricing

Quote-based enterprise licensing; typically starts at $50,000+ annually depending on instrument count, users, and deployment scale.

7
Benchling logo

Benchling

specialized

Cloud-native platform for biotech labs offering sample tracking, inventory management, and real-time collaboration tools.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
9.3/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Intelligent Sample Registry with automated lineage visualization and molecular entity linking

Benchling is a cloud-based life sciences R&D platform that excels in laboratory sample management through its flexible Sample Manager module, enabling real-time tracking of sample lineages, inventory, storage locations, and associated metadata. It integrates seamlessly with ELN, protocol design, and collaboration tools, making it ideal for biotech workflows involving biological samples like plasmids, proteins, and cell lines. The platform supports custom schemas, automation, and integrations with lab instruments for end-to-end sample lifecycle management.

Pros

  • Robust sample lineage tracking and inventory management with custom metadata
  • Real-time cloud collaboration and extensive API/instrument integrations
  • Scalable for complex biotech workflows with automation capabilities

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for advanced customization
  • Enterprise pricing can be prohibitive for small labs
  • Primarily optimized for life sciences, less versatile for general chemistry labs

Best For

Mid-to-large biotech and pharmaceutical teams handling complex biological samples in R&D pipelines.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $10,000+ annually based on users, modules, and scale.

Visit Benchlingbenchling.com
8
Labguru logo

Labguru

specialized

All-in-one web-based LIMS and ELN for research labs to manage samples, experiments, protocols, and inventory seamlessly.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
7.9/10
Standout Feature

Visual no-code workflow builder for customizable sample protocols and automations

Labguru is a cloud-based Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that centralizes sample tracking, inventory management, experiment documentation, and workflow automation for research labs. It enables real-time collaboration, barcode/RFID sample labeling, and integration with lab instruments to streamline data capture and compliance. The platform supports customizable protocols and full audit trails, making it suitable for biotech, pharma, and academic environments focused on sample lifecycle management.

Pros

  • Comprehensive sample tracking with barcode and RFID support
  • Seamless integration of ELN, inventory, and LIMS functionalities
  • Strong collaboration tools and real-time data sharing

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for complex customizations
  • Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
  • Limited native reporting compared to dedicated LIMS tools

Best For

Mid-sized biotech and academic labs needing an integrated ELN with robust sample management capabilities.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing; starts at around $75/user/month for basic plans, with enterprise tiers for advanced features.

Visit Labgurulabguru.com
9
CloudLIMS logo

CloudLIMS

specialized

Secure SaaS LIMS for testing labs in food, cannabis, water, and clinical sectors with sample workflow automation and compliance tools.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Integrated Customer Portal for secure client sample submissions, status tracking, and result access without needing lab credentials

CloudLIMS is a cloud-based Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that provides comprehensive sample lifecycle management, from accessioning and tracking to inventory control and disposal. It supports customizable workflows, quality control processes, instrument integration, and compliance with standards like FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO 17025. The platform is designed for labs in biotech, clinical, food testing, and environmental sectors to automate operations and generate detailed reports.

Pros

  • Robust sample tracking and chain-of-custody features
  • Strong regulatory compliance tools including audit trails
  • Scalable cloud deployment with mobile app support

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve for complex configurations
  • Pricing is quote-based and can be costly for small labs
  • Limited out-of-the-box integrations with some niche instruments

Best For

Mid-sized laboratories in regulated industries like biotech, clinical research, and food testing that need scalable sample management and compliance features.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing starting around $500-$1,000 per month depending on users, modules, and storage needs; free demo available.

Visit CloudLIMScloudlims.com
10
QBench logo

QBench

specialized

Next-generation cloud LIMS for high-volume labs featuring customizable workflows, dashboards, and instrument integrations for sample management.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

No-code workflow builder for highly customizable, automated lab processes without developer intervention

QBench is a cloud-based Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that provides comprehensive sample management for labs in biotech, clinical, and research sectors. It enables end-to-end tracking of samples from accessioning through testing, QC, and reporting, with integrated inventory management and electronic lab notebook (ELN) features. The platform supports customizable workflows and automation to streamline lab operations and ensure compliance with standards like ISO 17025.

Pros

  • Robust workflow automation and sample tracking across the full lifecycle
  • Seamless integrations with lab instruments, EHRs, and third-party tools
  • Real-time dashboards and advanced reporting for data-driven decisions

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for complex customizations
  • Pricing can be high for very small labs
  • Limited native mobile functionality compared to desktop experience

Best For

Mid-sized biotech and clinical laboratories needing scalable, automated sample management with ELN and inventory integration.

Pricing

Quote-based subscription pricing, typically starting at $500-$1,000 per month depending on users, modules, and lab size.

Visit QBenchqbench.net

Conclusion

The reviewed tools showcase a spectrum of solutions, from comprehensive enterprise platforms to specialized cloud offerings, each designed to enhance sample management. At the pinnacle is LabWare LIMS, a standout for its broad industry applicability, robust workflow automation, and regulatory adherence. STARLIMS follows closely, excelling in accelerating productivity for pharma and biotech, while LabVantage distinguishes itself with flexible, end-to-end lifecycle management for R&D and QC. These top three prove that the right choice depends on specific needs, but all deliver exceptional value.

LabWare LIMS logo
Our Top Pick
LabWare LIMS

Take the first step toward optimizing your lab operations—explore LabWare LIMS today to unlock its seamless integration, automation, and compliance benefits.