eLabFTW vs Signals Notebook

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.

Signals Notebook is a cloud-based electronic laboratory notebook for capturing, organizing, and sharing research data. It is presented for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, materials, and food, flavor, and fragrance teams. Experiment records support flexible templates, rich text, embedded media, folders, tags, full-text search, automatic versioning, and audit trails. Native ChemDraw integration handles stoichiometry and searches by CAS number, structure, or name, with PubChem safety information. Teams can share notebooks, comment, review and approve entries with electronic signatures, receive notifications, and apply granular permissions. Named connections include Spotfire, Signals DLX instrument capture, inventory management, and open APIs for LIMS, ERP, and other systems. The product describes 21 CFR Part 11 support, SOC 2 and ISO 27001 security programs, encryption, multifactor authentication, and automated backups. It runs in browsers on web, macOS, Windows, and API environments.