Benchling Notebook vs Labfolder

Benchling Notebook is a cloud-based electronic lab notebook for capturing, accessing, and sharing scientific work. It keeps experiments, metadata, collaboration, and analysis together, with search, templates, and schemas for organizing records. Teams can share and co-edit entries using tags, comments, task assignments, and role-based permissions. Entries can link results to samples and experimental data, while the product describes LIMS integration for connecting samples and results. Benchling says the notebook supports 21 CFR Part 11 requirements through audit-ready electronic records and signatures. Listed ecosystem integrations include AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Jupyter, Snowflake, and Titian Mosaic, with instrument connections through Benchling Automation. Developer tools include REST APIs, a Python SDK, webhooks, an application framework, and a Postgres SQL data warehouse. Benchling states that data is encrypted at rest with AES 256-bit encryption and in transit with TLS 1.2 or higher, and that it maintains SOC 2 Type 2 attestation and ISO 27001:2022 certification. The free academic plan includes Notebook and Molecular Biology; industry pricing is customized.

Labfolder is a browser-based electronic lab notebook for documenting, organizing, and managing experiments. Researchers can work with different data types, track changes, and export research data. Teams can share projects with custom access settings, message each other, assign tasks, and use electronic signatures. Labregister links inventory records to Labfolder notes and is included at no extra cost. Labfolder offers an HTTP-based REST API for working with data in third-party applications, and lists Dropbox, Figshare, and Labregister among its in-ELN apps. The company says data is processed and stored in Germany, protected with 256-bit SSL encryption, and backed up daily. The browser product needs no installation, and on-premise deployment is available. The site says it works in modern browsers on Windows, Mac, and Linux, including desktop, tablet, and smartphone devices. It has no mobile app and does not support offline editing. Labfolder describes support for GLP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 through record history, electronic signatures, secure storage, and role-based access control. A free plan and 14-day trial are listed, but pricing depends on user count and requires a quote.