Once upon a time, the lab notebook was the symbol of the scientist a reliable, albeit dusty companion to all experiments. But today, when every milligram of data can be worth a grant or a publication, pen and paper no longer do the trick. Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELNs) are replacing the classics, offering not just convenience, but a new standard in scientific work.
Among hundreds of available solutions, we have selected 9 of the most flexible, reliable and cost-effective platforms suitable for academic environments and small teams.
SciNote
If you’re just starting your journey into the world of ELN, SciNote is the perfect place to start. It offers a simple and intuitive interface, an open license, and the ability to connect an unlimited number of users. Its experimental workflow is especially handy for biomedical and chemical projects. The molecule drawing functions are still under development, but the overall system architecture is well done.
Benchling
Benchling is a platform especially loved by molecular biologists. Its built-in tools for working with DNA, support for CRISPR design, and sequence templates make It a great choice for geneticists. The free version is limited to one user but offers up to 10 GB of storage, which is enough for individual work.
RSpace
This solution is a true hybrid for labs that need to both visualize chemical structures and perform detailed analytics. Built-in connectivity with eCAT for samples makes RSpace convenient for biobanks and labs working with physical materials. There is no open-source code, but the platform is free and regularly updated.
Labfolder
It’s one of the few platforms where it’s really convenient to draw schematics and sketches directly in ELN. The integration with Mendeley makes it easy to work with scientific references. Although the interface is not the most stylish, and the intuitiveness could be better, for small teams, this system is a good fit, especially with the free mobile version.
LabArchives
If interacting with publications and statistics is important in your work, LabArchives might be a good fit thanks to its integration with Pubmed and GraphPad Prism. However, the interface takes time to master, and the free version has very limited disk space. For serious projects, a paid plan may be necessary.
Docollab
This platform is perfect for those looking for minimalism and simplicity. Helpful tips, quick connectivity, and clear navigation all make Docollab attractive. However, the lack of commenting capabilities and weak support for mobile devices slightly hold back the system’s potential.
Labguru
Labguru’s strength is its ability to track every detail of an experiment, from the reagent batch to the concentration of solutions. However, the interface is rather cluttered, and the lack of free access makes it less attractive for small teams.
Hivebench
It is notable for its tablet design and visualization capabilities. The free
account is for up to 10 users, but there are limitations in creating tables and protocols. It only works on iOS, making it a non-universal solution.
Mbook
This is a platform that stakes on universality: it supports all browsers and operating systems. It is suitable for different areas of science, but it does not offer a free tariff and does not have the friendliest interface.
Digital footprint in science
Every lab is unique, and no ELN will be a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. However, open platforms and free versions with customization options allow for customization. Digital lab notebooks are not only about convenience, but also about transparency, interoperability, and the future of science.
If you’re still working with a paper notebook, perhaps now is the right time to try something new. There are choices. And it’s gotten a lot more interesting.
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