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Head-to-head · Logbook Software

eLabFTW vs Pilot Pro

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score eLabFTW #3 in Logbook Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit eLabFTW
Pilot Pro #6 in Logbook Software 8.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Pilot Pro

eLabFTW leads on 0 checks, Pilot Pro on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreeLabFTW · 8.9/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresPilot Pro · 2 of 2

eLabFTW scores higher on our rubric for logbook software: 8.9 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

eLabFTW is the better fit for teams wanting an open-source, self-hostable ELN. Pilot Pro is the better fit for solo pilots who want a free, customizable flight log.

  • eLabFTW fits best

    Teams wanting an open-source, self-hostable ELN

  • Pilot Pro fits best

    Solo pilots who want a free, customizable flight log

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature eLabFTW 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Pilot Pro 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.2
Ranking #3 in Logbook Software #6 in Logbook Software
Best for Teams wanting an open-source, self-hostable ELN Solo pilots who want a free, customizable flight log
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Email, Community, Docs Email, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features eLabFTW 0/2 · Pilot Pro 2/2
Offline entry Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Digital signatures Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Logbook type Not checked yet Aviation
Mobile access Not checked yet Both
Export formats PDF, ZIP, CSV, JSON, ELN PDF, CSV
Record retention Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines experiment records with laboratory inventory and compound management.
  • Includes signatures, trusted timestamping, revisions, and audit logs.
  • Supports offline desktop entry, REST API access, and multiple export formats.
  • Custom dashboards, flight totals and night-flight calculations
  • Tracks endorsements, certifications, ratings and currency reminders
  • Supports offline entry, digital signatures and PDF or CSV exports
Cons
  • Managed hosting and support are separate paid offerings.
  • Self-hosting requires organizations to manage their own deployment.
  • SecNumCloud-qualified hosting is tied to a specific PRO Hosting plan.
  • The free plan is limited to 20 logbook entries
  • Unlimited entries and devices require a subscription
  • Dropbox is the only listed integration
Our verdict

Research teams that need a shared record of experiments, protocols, and laboratory resources can use eLabFTW as an electronic lab notebook. It is open source, and organizations can either self-host it on GNU/Linux containers or purchase…

Read the review →

Pilot Pro is an electronic aviation logbook for pilots who want to record flights and manage related totals and qualifications. It runs on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, and supports offline entry until the next Dropbox synchronization.…

Read the review →
  1. eLabFTWLogbook Software 8.9Free plan
  2. Pilot ProLogbook Software 8.2Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • eLabFTW — where it wins

    • Combines experiment records with laboratory inventory and compound management.
    • Includes signatures, trusted timestamping, revisions, and audit logs.
    • Supports offline desktop entry, REST API access, and multiple export formats.

    Where it doesn't

    • Managed hosting and support are separate paid offerings.
    • Self-hosting requires organizations to manage their own deployment.
    • SecNumCloud-qualified hosting is tied to a specific PRO Hosting plan.

  • Pilot Pro — where it wins

    • Custom dashboards, flight totals and night-flight calculations
    • Tracks endorsements, certifications, ratings and currency reminders
    • Supports offline entry, digital signatures and PDF or CSV exports

    Where it doesn't

    • The free plan is limited to 20 logbook entries
    • Unlimited entries and devices require a subscription
    • Dropbox is the only listed integration

More comparisons

All logbook software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update