eLabFTW vs SciNote
eLabFTW
elabftw.net
SciNote
scinote.netSide by side
| Figure | eLabFTW | SciNote |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | €250/mo | $0/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 8 | 5 |
| Spec score · Electronic Lab Notebook Software | 9.2 (#1) | 8.6 (#5) |
| API | The REST API lets external programs read and write eLabFTW data, and the documentation links to a Python library. | SciNote provides a REST API for bidirectional connections with LIMS, ERP, CRM, data-management and instrument systems. |
| Headquarters | Villejuif, France | Middleton, Wisconsin, USA |
| Integrations | Documented external integrations include PubChem, Bloxberg blockchain certification and Keeex timestamp processing. | Documented integrations include Microsoft Office Online, ChemAxon Marvin, protocols.io, Ganymede, Quartzy, Gilson Connect, FLUICS Print and Zebra printers. |
| Inventory | The resource database manages items such as plasmids, compounds, antibodies and cell lines, and links those resources to experiments. | Inventory tools track supplies, equipment, stock usage, locations and labels and link those records to experiments. |
| Rating on G2 | 4.4 out of 5 from 4 reviews. | 4.2 out of 5 from 303 reviews |
| Security | The project describes static code analysis, dependency vulnerability scanning, container vulnerability scanning, and security practices to prevent SQL injection and XSS. | SciNote's Trust Center lists ISO/IEC 27001:2022, SOC 2 Type 1, and SOC 2 Type 2 among its compliance materials. |
| Self-hosting | Self-hosting requires installation on a server and administration of Docker, Podman or Kubernetes and GNU/Linux infrastructure. | SciNote can run on a customer local server or private cloud, with Premium plans offering installation and a separate instance. |
| What it does | eLabFTW is a browser-based electronic laboratory notebook and laboratory inventory system for recording experiments, protocols, resources and collaboration. | SciNote is a cloud-based electronic laboratory notebook and research-data platform with inventory, compliance and team-management functions. |
Plans
eLabFTW
- eLabFTW (self-hosted software)Free
- Self-hosted eLabFTWFree
- Training Session€470, paid once
- PRO Support€3,000 a year
- PRO Hosting 32€3,200 a year
- PRO Hosting Plus€4,985 a year
- PRO Hosting Universe€7,900 a year
- PRO Hosting SecNumCloud€8,700 a year
SciNote
- FreeFree
- Free PlanFree
- Listed starting price$0.01 a year
- PremiumPriced on request
- Premium plansPriced on request
In their own words
eLabFTW
eLabFTW is an electronic lab notebook for storing experiments and protocols, organizing records, and supporting collaboration. Users can tag and categorize entries, search them, manage lab resources and quantities, link resources to experiments, and book shared equipment with its Scheduler. One instance can host several teams, with entry-level visibility and editing controls plus Team Groups permissions. Research data can be imported and exported in formats including PDF, ZIP, CSV, JSON, and ELN. Its REST API lets external programs read and write data, and documentation links to a Python library. Listed integrations include PubChem, the Bloxberg blockchain, and Keeex timestamping workflows; authentication options include LDAP, SAML2, and two-factor authentication. The self-hosted software costs nothing under AGPLv3, with no features behind a paywall. It must be installed on a server and configured and maintained by a systems administrator; the site recommends managed hosting for people unfamiliar with server administration. Paid options include PRO Support at €3,000 a year and PRO Hosting plans from €3,200 a year to €8,700 a year.
SciNote
SciNote is a cloud-based electronic lab notebook for organizing research, managing lab inventory, and coordinating teams. Researchers can structure work as projects, experiments, and tasks, then attach notes, files, protocols, and results. Global search covers research data, and a report generator produces project reports. The platform supports protocol and SOP management, including imports from protocols.io, and provides a RESTful API with integrations such as Ganymede, Quartzy, Gilson Connect, ChemAxon Marvin, Microsoft Office, and Zebra label printers. Android and iOS apps support completing protocol steps, commenting, uploading files, and posting results. SciNote says its regulated-lab workflows include electronic signatures, audit trails, timestamps, and user roles and permissions for 21 CFR Part 11 support. Its Trust Center lists ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 materials. The Free Plan is free for one user. Premium pricing requires a quote; installation can be cloud-based or on a local server.