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Top 10 Best Sample Manager Software of 2026

Find the best sample manager software tools to streamline your workflows. Compare features and get started today!

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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In modern research and lab environments, reliable sample management is foundational to maintaining data integrity, accelerating workflows, and ensuring regulatory compliance. With a broad spectrum of tools—from enterprise LIMS platforms to specialized biotech solutions—choosing the right software can transform operations, and our curated list of top 10 options highlights the strongest performers in this space.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: LabWare LIMS - Comprehensive enterprise LIMS for end-to-end sample management, workflow automation, and regulatory compliance across industries.
  2. 2#2: STARLIMS - Flexible LIMS solution tailored for life sciences labs with robust sample tracking and quality management features.
  3. 3#3: Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS - Scalable LIMS platform for precise sample lifecycle management and integration with lab instruments.
  4. 4#4: LabVantage - AI-powered LIMS that unifies sample management, data analytics, and lab workflows in a single platform.
  5. 5#5: Benchling - Cloud-native platform for biotech R&D with advanced sample tracking, inventory, and collaboration tools.
  6. 6#6: Dotmatics - Integrated scientific informatics suite including LIMS for sample handling and research data management.
  7. 7#7: CloudLIMS - Secure cloud-based LIMS for efficient sample accessioning, processing, and reporting in labs.
  8. 8#8: QBench - Modular LIMS and workflow system designed for streamlined sample management and automation.
  9. 9#9: Labguru - Web-based ELN and LIMS hybrid for real-time sample tracking and team collaboration.
  10. 10#10: SciNote - Electronic lab notebook with built-in LIMS for sample inventory and experiment management.

We evaluated tools based on features that enhance sample lifecycle management, overall quality of performance, ease of use, and their ability to deliver value across diverse lab types and needs.

Comparison Table

This comparison table streamlines the evaluation of sample manager software, highlighting top tools like LabWare LIMS, STARLIMS, Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS, LabVantage, Benchling, and more, to assist readers in identifying the right solution. It offers insights into key features, scalability, integration options, and user experience, empowering informed choices for sample tracking, workflow efficiency, and lab operations.

Comprehensive enterprise LIMS for end-to-end sample management, workflow automation, and regulatory compliance across industries.

Features
9.8/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
9.2/10
2STARLIMS logo9.1/10

Flexible LIMS solution tailored for life sciences labs with robust sample tracking and quality management features.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
8.4/10

Scalable LIMS platform for precise sample lifecycle management and integration with lab instruments.

Features
9.3/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
8.1/10
4LabVantage logo8.4/10

AI-powered LIMS that unifies sample management, data analytics, and lab workflows in a single platform.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
8.0/10
5Benchling logo8.4/10

Cloud-native platform for biotech R&D with advanced sample tracking, inventory, and collaboration tools.

Features
9.2/10
Ease
8.0/10
Value
7.5/10
6Dotmatics logo8.3/10

Integrated scientific informatics suite including LIMS for sample handling and research data management.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
7.8/10
7CloudLIMS logo7.9/10

Secure cloud-based LIMS for efficient sample accessioning, processing, and reporting in labs.

Features
8.4/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
7.5/10
8QBench logo8.4/10

Modular LIMS and workflow system designed for streamlined sample management and automation.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.8/10
Value
7.6/10
9Labguru logo8.4/10

Web-based ELN and LIMS hybrid for real-time sample tracking and team collaboration.

Features
9.0/10
Ease
8.0/10
Value
7.8/10
10SciNote logo7.6/10

Electronic lab notebook with built-in LIMS for sample inventory and experiment management.

Features
7.8/10
Ease
8.2/10
Value
7.2/10
1
LabWare LIMS logo

LabWare LIMS

enterprise

Comprehensive enterprise LIMS for end-to-end sample management, workflow automation, and regulatory compliance across industries.

Overall Rating9.7/10
Features
9.8/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
9.2/10
Standout Feature

Zero-code configurability through Web Designer and Report Designer tools, allowing infinite customization to match unique lab processes.

LabWare LIMS is a leading enterprise-grade Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that excels in sample management, tracking samples throughout their lifecycle from receipt to disposal. It automates workflows, integrates with lab instruments, ensures regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 17025), and supports data integrity with audit trails and electronic signatures. Designed for complex lab environments in pharma, biotech, environmental testing, and food safety, it scales from single-site to global operations with robust reporting and analytics.

Pros

  • Highly configurable without coding via proprietary tools, enabling tailored workflows
  • Seamless instrument integration and real-time data capture
  • Proven scalability and compliance for regulated industries

Cons

  • Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
  • Lengthy implementation timeline (6-12 months typical)
  • High upfront costs for enterprise deployment

Best For

Large, regulated laboratories in pharmaceuticals, biotech, or environmental testing requiring comprehensive sample lifecycle management and scalability.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing; typically $100K+ annually based on users, modules, and deployment, with quotes required.

2
STARLIMS logo

STARLIMS

enterprise

Flexible LIMS solution tailored for life sciences labs with robust sample tracking and quality management features.

Overall Rating9.1/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
8.4/10
Standout Feature

Advanced workflow engine with no-code configuration for fully tailored, auditable lab processes

STARLIMS is a robust Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) from Abbott Informatics, specializing in end-to-end sample management for regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, biotech, clinical, and food & beverage labs. It handles sample accessioning, tracking, testing workflows, instrument integration, and result reporting while ensuring compliance with standards such as FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 17025, and GxP. The platform's modular design supports scalability, customization, and integration with ELNs, LES, and enterprise systems for streamlined operations.

Pros

  • Exceptional compliance tools with audit trails, electronic signatures, and validation support
  • Highly configurable workflows and seamless integrations with 1000+ instruments and systems
  • Scalable deployment options (cloud, on-premise, hybrid) for global enterprises

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation (often 6-12 months)
  • High upfront costs and ongoing fees, not ideal for small labs
  • Customization requires specialized expertise or consulting

Best For

Large-scale laboratories in highly regulated industries needing enterprise-grade sample management and compliance.

Pricing

Quote-based enterprise pricing; typically $50,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and deployment, with implementation fees extra.

Visit STARLIMSstarlims.com
3
Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS logo

Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS

enterprise

Scalable LIMS platform for precise sample lifecycle management and integration with lab instruments.

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

Integrated workflow engine with drag-and-drop designer for building highly customized, auditable lab processes without extensive coding

Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS is a robust enterprise-grade Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) designed for comprehensive sample lifecycle management in highly regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and chemicals. It automates workflows from sample receipt and tracking through testing, analysis, results approval, and disposal, while integrating seamlessly with lab instruments and chromatography data systems (CDS). The platform ensures regulatory compliance (e.g., 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 17025) and provides advanced reporting, auditing, and data integrity features to support GLP/GMP environments.

Pros

  • Extensive instrument integration, especially with Thermo Fisher hardware and CDS like Chromeleon
  • Powerful workflow automation and customizable templates for complex lab processes
  • Strong compliance tools with electronic signatures, audit trails, and data security

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring IT expertise
  • High implementation costs and long deployment timelines
  • Limited flexibility for small labs due to its enterprise-scale architecture

Best For

Large-scale pharmaceutical, biotech, or manufacturing labs requiring end-to-end sample management, regulatory compliance, and deep instrument integrations.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing; typically $100,000+ for initial license plus annual maintenance/subscription fees scaling with users and modules.

4
LabVantage logo

LabVantage

enterprise

AI-powered LIMS that unifies sample management, data analytics, and lab workflows in a single platform.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Viable configuration engine enabling no-code customization of sample workflows and business rules

LabVantage is a comprehensive Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that excels in sample management, offering end-to-end tracking from receipt and processing to storage, testing, and disposal. It provides robust workflow automation, instrument integration, and compliance tools tailored for regulated environments like pharmaceuticals, biotech, and clinical labs. The platform supports scalability across enterprise operations with modules for inventory, quality control, and reporting.

Pros

  • Highly configurable no-code workflows for complex sample management
  • Strong regulatory compliance (21 CFR Part 11, GxP)
  • Seamless integration with lab instruments and enterprise systems

Cons

  • Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
  • High implementation and customization costs
  • Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives

Best For

Large enterprise labs in regulated industries requiring scalable, customizable sample lifecycle management.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing for enterprise deployments; typically starts at $100K+ annually depending on users, modules, and hosting (cloud or on-premise).

Visit LabVantagelabvantage.com
5
Benchling logo

Benchling

enterprise

Cloud-native platform for biotech R&D with advanced sample tracking, inventory, and collaboration tools.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.2/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Molecular registry linking samples directly to editable DNA/AA sequences, plasmids, and experimental designs

Benchling is a cloud-based R&D platform tailored for life sciences, with robust sample management tools for tracking biological samples, reagents, and inventory. It supports barcode scanning, location-based storage organization, full sample lineage tracing, and real-time inventory updates to prevent stockouts and ensure compliance. Integrated with ELN, molecular design tools, and collaboration features, it streamlines workflows from experiment planning to data analysis.

Pros

  • Comprehensive sample lineage and inventory tracking with barcode integration
  • Seamless integration with ELN and molecular biology tools
  • Strong collaboration and cloud accessibility for teams

Cons

  • High enterprise-level pricing not ideal for small labs
  • Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
  • Customization requires admin setup and support

Best For

Mid-to-large biotech and pharma teams needing integrated sample management within broader R&D workflows.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing based on team size and modules; typically starts at $5,000+/month for mid-sized teams—contact sales for quote.

Visit Benchlingbenchling.com
6
Dotmatics logo

Dotmatics

enterprise

Integrated scientific informatics suite including LIMS for sample handling and research data management.

Overall Rating8.3/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Unified platform integration that connects sample data directly to experiments, assays, and analytics for closed-loop R&D workflows

Dotmatics Sample Manager is a robust enterprise-grade solution for tracking and managing chemical, biological, and material samples across the research and development lifecycle. It offers advanced inventory control, automated workflows, barcode/RFID tracking, and seamless integration with ELNs, LIMS, and other Dotmatics tools for end-to-end data connectivity. Ideal for high-throughput labs, it supports compliance with regulations like GLP/GMP and scales to handle millions of samples in pharma and biotech environments.

Pros

  • Comprehensive integration with ELN, informatics platforms, and third-party systems
  • Advanced automation for sample registration, storage, and retrieval
  • Scalable for enterprise-level operations with strong compliance features

Cons

  • Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
  • High implementation and maintenance costs for smaller organizations
  • Interface can feel dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives

Best For

Large pharmaceutical, biotech, or CRO organizations requiring integrated, scalable sample management for complex R&D pipelines.

Pricing

Custom enterprise licensing; annual subscriptions typically range from $100K+ depending on users, modules, and deployment (cloud or on-premise).

Visit Dotmaticsdotmatics.com
7
CloudLIMS logo

CloudLIMS

enterprise

Secure cloud-based LIMS for efficient sample accessioning, processing, and reporting in labs.

Overall Rating7.9/10
Features
8.4/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Sample genealogy tracking that provides a complete hierarchical lineage and audit-proof history for every aliquot and derivative

CloudLIMS is a cloud-based Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) tailored for efficient sample management across industries like biotech, clinical research, food testing, and environmental labs. It provides end-to-end sample lifecycle tracking, from intake and aliquoting to storage, testing, and disposal, with built-in workflow automation and inventory management. The platform emphasizes regulatory compliance with features like electronic signatures and audit trails, while integrating ELN and instrument connectivity for streamlined operations.

Pros

  • Comprehensive sample genealogy and lifecycle management
  • Strong compliance tools for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO 17025
  • Scalable cloud deployment with mobile access

Cons

  • Customization often requires vendor support
  • Pricing lacks transparency without a quote
  • Interface can feel cluttered for new users

Best For

Mid-sized laboratories in regulated sectors needing robust sample tracking and compliance without on-premise hardware.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $500-$1,000/month depending on users, modules, and storage needs.

Visit CloudLIMScloudlims.com
8
QBench logo

QBench

enterprise

Modular LIMS and workflow system designed for streamlined sample management and automation.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.8/10
Value
7.6/10
Standout Feature

No-code workflow builder for creating complex, lab-specific automation without programming

QBench is a cloud-based Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) that specializes in sample lifecycle management, from intake and tracking to processing, analysis, and reporting. It enables labs to automate workflows, manage inventory, integrate with lab instruments, and generate customizable dashboards for real-time insights. Designed for biotech, clinical, and research labs, QBench supports scalability and compliance with standards like ISO 17025 and GLP.

Pros

  • Robust sample tracking and chain-of-custody features
  • Extensive integrations with 100+ instruments and tools
  • Highly customizable no-code workflows and reporting

Cons

  • Pricing can be steep for smaller labs
  • Initial setup and customization require training
  • Limited advanced analytics compared to enterprise competitors

Best For

Mid-sized biotech and clinical labs seeking scalable sample management with strong automation and integration needs.

Pricing

Custom quote-based pricing starting around $500/month for basic plans, scaling with users, samples processed, and modules (annual contracts common).

Visit QBenchqbench.net
9
Labguru logo

Labguru

enterprise

Web-based ELN and LIMS hybrid for real-time sample tracking and team collaboration.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.0/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Deep integration linking individual samples directly to experiment protocols and real-time inventory updates

Labguru is a cloud-based Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) and Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) platform that includes robust sample management capabilities for tracking samples, reagents, and inventory throughout their lifecycle. It supports sample registration, storage location tracking, barcode integration, and workflow automation, making it suitable for labs handling complex sample workflows. The platform integrates sample data seamlessly with experiment protocols and ELN entries for comprehensive data management.

Pros

  • Seamless integration of sample tracking with ELN and inventory management
  • Customizable workflows and barcode support for efficient sample handling
  • Scalable cloud platform with strong data security and compliance features

Cons

  • Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
  • Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small labs
  • Limited standalone sample management without adopting the full platform

Best For

Mid-to-large research labs needing integrated sample management with ELN and LIMS functionalities.

Pricing

Custom enterprise pricing starting around $100-200/user/month, depending on modules and scale; quote-based.

Visit Labgurulabguru.com
10
SciNote logo

SciNote

enterprise

Electronic lab notebook with built-in LIMS for sample inventory and experiment management.

Overall Rating7.6/10
Features
7.8/10
Ease of Use
8.2/10
Value
7.2/10
Standout Feature

Seamless linking of inventory items directly to ELN experiments and protocols for end-to-end traceability

SciNote is a cloud-based electronic lab notebook (ELN) platform with integrated sample and inventory management tools tailored for research labs. It enables tracking of samples, reagents, and consumables through barcode scanning, custom fields, expiry tracking, and hierarchical storage organization. While not a dedicated LIMS, its sample manager module supports workflows like check-in/out, stock alerts, and linking samples to experiments for traceability.

Pros

  • Intuitive interface with mobile barcode scanning for quick sample tracking
  • Strong integration with ELN for linking samples to protocols and data
  • 21 CFR Part 11 compliance and customizable templates for lab workflows

Cons

  • Sample management is a module within ELN, lacking depth of standalone LIMS systems
  • Advanced reporting and analytics for samples are limited
  • Per-user pricing can become expensive for large teams

Best For

Small to mid-sized research labs seeking an affordable, integrated ELN with basic-to-moderate sample tracking needs.

Pricing

Free plan for individuals; Team ($9/user/month), Business ($19/user/month), Enterprise (custom); inventory features require paid plans.

Visit SciNotescinote.net

Conclusion

The top sample management tools reviewed showcase exceptional capabilities, with LabWare LIMS leading as the standout choice for its comprehensive enterprise features, seamless workflow automation, and robust cross-industry compliance. STARLIMS excels as a flexible solution tailored for life sciences labs, offering strong tracking and quality management, while Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS stands out for scalability and integration with lab instruments, making it a top alternative. Each tool addresses diverse needs, ensuring there’s a strong option for nearly every lab requirement.

LabWare LIMS logo
Our Top Pick
LabWare LIMS

Ready to enhance your sample management? Begin with LabWare LIMS to experience end-to-end efficiency, automated workflows, and compliance confidence—your lab’s success relies on the right tools, and this one delivers.