Chemotion ELN vs Labfolder

Chemotion ELN is a web-based electronic laboratory notebook for research data, with a focus on chemistry. It organizes projects into collections and supports records for samples, reactions, wellplates, research plans, QR codes, barcodes, and analytical data through ChemSpectra. Sample records can hold molecular structures, amounts, and properties such as purity, while reaction records capture conditions and products. Instrument data can be added by email, networked storage, or manual transfer, with documented examples including NMR, GC, and LC. Accounts belong to individual users, while shared and synchronized collections allow sharing elements and assigning roles. The system can transfer selected information to Chemotion Repository for sharing and archiving, and supports OpenStats and a TLC Image Annotation Tool. Groups, institutions, and universities can install it on their own IT facilities using the documented Docker-based approach. Free academic use is a project principle. A test version is available for demonstration and time-limited evaluation, but data may be lost and some functions are unavailable. Chemotion requires a network connection, has no standalone version, and recommends Chrome because some functions are limited in Firefox and Edge.

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.