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Head-to-head · Logbook Software

eLabFTW vs SHIFTGURU

  • 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
SHIFTGURU #8 in Logbook Software 7.7/10 Pricing on request ✓ 2 of 2 features Request a demo

eLabFTW leads on 0 checks, SHIFTGURU 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 planonly eLabFTW
  • Most featuresSHIFTGURU · 2 of 2

eLabFTW scores higher on our rubric for logbook software: 8.9 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

eLabFTW is the better fit for teams wanting an open-source, self-hostable ELN. SHIFTGURU is the better fit for industrial teams documenting shifts and handovers.

  • eLabFTW fits best

    Teams wanting an open-source, self-hostable ELN

  • SHIFTGURU fits best

    Industrial teams documenting shifts and handovers

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 ↗ SHIFTGURU 7.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 7.7
Ranking #3 in Logbook Software #8 in Logbook Software
Best for Teams wanting an open-source, self-hostable ELN Industrial teams documenting shifts and handovers
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price — Pricing on request
Free plan ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, Linux Web
Support Email, Community, Docs Email, Phone
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market, Enterprise
Features eLabFTW 0/2 · SHIFTGURU 2/2
Offline entry Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Digital signatures Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Logbook type Not checked yet Industrial
Mobile access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Export formats PDF, ZIP, CSV, JSON, ELN Not checked yet
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.
  • Records shift events, tasks, instructions and handovers in one system
  • Offline use, configurable forms and digital checklists support shift workflows
  • Cloud or self-hosted deployment, with a REST API and audit trails
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.
  • Pricing requires contacting sales
  • Offline records synchronize with the main system later
  • No 24/7 support; support is available by email and phone
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 →

SHIFTGURU is a digital shift logbook for industrial operations, aimed at teams in production, maintenance and warehouse settings. Its dashboard brings shift-relevant events and tasks together, while digital handovers, an infoboard and…

Read the review →
  1. eLabFTWLogbook Software 8.9Free plan
  2. SHIFTGURULogbook Software 7.7Pricing on request

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.

  • SHIFTGURU — where it wins

    • Records shift events, tasks, instructions and handovers in one system
    • Offline use, configurable forms and digital checklists support shift workflows
    • Cloud or self-hosted deployment, with a REST API and audit trails

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires contacting sales
    • Offline records synchronize with the main system later
    • No 24/7 support; support is available by email and phone

More comparisons

All logbook software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update