As labs evolve, the pressure to manage data, equipment, and operations in a more connected, intelligent way has never been higher. Benchling has built a strong following for its molecular biology and collaborative ELN features, but it’s not the only option for labs seeking digital transformation.
Whether you’re scaling R&D operations or optimizing workflows, here are two top alternatives to Benchling, followed by one platform that brings your entire lab ecosystem together.
1. Labguru
Why labs choose it:
Labguru offers a solid ELN with integrated inventory management and protocol tracking. It’s designed for life sciences labs that need more structured documentation, storage, and experiment management.
- Strengths: Data traceability, flexible workflows, good integration with scientific protocols.
- Best for: Labs balancing documentation with equipment and sample tracking.
2. LabArchives
Why labs choose it:
A go-to solution for academic research environments, LabArchives provides a simple, cloud-based ELN focused on reproducibility and collaboration. It’s lightweight and affordable, making it easy to adopt across institutions.
- Strengths: Simplicity, version control, accessibility for non-technical users.
- Best for: Universities and public research labs.
The new missing layer: newLab®
While ELNs and LIMS manage experimental data and documentation, they aren’t built to unify lab operations or integrate fragmented systems. That’s where newLab® comes in, not as a competitor, but as the “operating layer” for your lab’s ecosystem.
Rather than replacing ELNs or LIMS, newLab® connects them, bridging gaps between teams, tools, and workflows. It’s the operational brain of modern R&D labs.
Why labs add newLab®:
- Ready for AI & analytics: Structures operational data for downstream analytics and AI-driven insights (without storing scientific data itself).
- Connect everything: Integrates seamlessly with Benchling, Labguru, Quartzy, and other lab tools. No need to rip and replace.
- Centralized operations: One portal for scientists, lab managers, and IT to manage resources, schedule equipment, automate service requests, and harmonize workflows.
- Native ServiceNow integration: Ensures true enterprise scalability, governance, and digital workflows.
It’s not one tool, It’s the ecosystem
Choosing the right ELN or inventory tool is just one step. But as labs grow and complexity increases, real efficiency comes from how systems work together.
“newLab® doesn’t compete with tools like Benchling, it completes them.”
If your lab is ready to move from disconnected tools to unified operations, it’s time to explore what newLab® can do.
Request a demo today and see how newLab® connects your lab from bench to enterprise.
