Benchling Notebook vs Labforward

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.

Labforward offers a suite of laboratory tools for experiment records, inventory, workflows, and digital assistance. Labfolder is a browser-based electronic lab notebook for documenting, organizing, and managing experiments and collaborating with team members. Labregister covers laboratory inventory and sample management, Laboperator is a laboratory execution system, and Labtwin uses voice to capture data and exchange it with ELN, LIMS, and other lab informatics systems through an API. Labfolder lists integrations with Labregister, FigShare, Dropbox, and Laboperator instrument integration, which is subject to additional fees. It runs in modern browsers on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Basic is free and includes up to three group members, 3 GB of cloud storage, and a 25 MB per-file limit. Advanced costs €204.00 per year per user, equivalent to €17.00 per user/month billed annually, and includes 300 GB per group member, adjustable group size, and compliant digital signatures. Dedicated cloud and on-premises deployment are Advanced options with additional fees.