Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

This page's audience our own tag's counts — open to see them
–Visits
–Page views
–Clicks to vendors
–Time on page
–Reading now
Clicks to vendors, by tool
  • –
Top countries
  • –
Devices
  • –

– · visits, page views and clicks counted by our own tag, which counts more than our checked analytics; every figure rounded down · how we count

Head-to-head · Laboratory Management Software

STARLIMS vs LabKey LIMS

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score STARLIMS #1 in Laboratory Management Software 9.2/10 Pricing on request ✓ 1 of 4 features Visit STARLIMS
LabKey LIMS #7 in Laboratory Management Software 8.5/10 Pricing on request ✓ 4 of 4 features Visit LabKey

STARLIMS leads on 0 checks, LabKey LIMS on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSTARLIMS · 9.2/10
  • Most featuresLabKey LIMS · 4 of 4

STARLIMS scores higher on our rubric for laboratory management software: 9.2 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

STARLIMS is the better fit for labs needing a mature, broad LIMS. LabKey LIMS is the better fit for labs combining LIMS, assays, and biobanking.

  • STARLIMS fits best

    Labs needing a mature, broad LIMS

  • LabKey LIMS fits best

    Labs combining LIMS, assays, and biobanking

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 STARLIMS 9.2/10 Visit ↗ LabKey LIMS 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.5
Ranking #1 in Laboratory Management Software #7 in Laboratory Management Software
Best for Labs needing a mature, broad LIMS Labs combining LIMS, assays, and biobanking
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Pricing on request Pricing on request
Free plan — Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market, Enterprise
Features STARLIMS 1/4 · LabKey LIMS 4/4
Sample tracking Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Workflow automation Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Instrument integration ✓ ✓
Compliance controls Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Deployment Hybrid Hybrid
Primary lab focus Not checked yet Multi_purpose
Our review
Pros
  • Tracks samples, specimens, batches, plates, and stability workflows
  • Connects instruments and systems through REST, SOAP, and named integrations
  • Includes audit trails, electronic signatures, inventory, and analytics
  • Tracks samples from accessioning through their lifecycle
  • Combines configurable workflows with inventory and biobank management
  • Supports data integration, role-based access, and electronic-record controls
Cons
  • Pricing requires a sales inquiry and tailored quote
  • Deployment and configuration vary by solution
  • Published support channel is documentation
  • Pricing requires contacting LabKey
  • Configuration may require planning for varied laboratory workflows
  • May be more scope than a lab seeking only basic sample tracking
Our verdict

STARLIMS is a laboratory information management system for clinical, public health, research and development, and quality-manufacturing laboratories. It tracks samples and specimens through their lifecycles, supports configurable…

Read the review →

Labs coordinating samples, workflows, assay data, and biobanking can bring those operations into LabKey LIMS. It is a configurable laboratory information management system designed for research, clinical, biobanking, and other regulated…

Read the review →
  1. STARLIMSLaboratory Management Software 9.2Pricing on request
  2. LabKey LIMSLaboratory Management Software 8.5Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • STARLIMS — where it wins

    • Tracks samples, specimens, batches, plates, and stability workflows
    • Connects instruments and systems through REST, SOAP, and named integrations
    • Includes audit trails, electronic signatures, inventory, and analytics

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires a sales inquiry and tailored quote
    • Deployment and configuration vary by solution
    • Published support channel is documentation

  • LabKey LIMS — where it wins

    • Tracks samples from accessioning through their lifecycle
    • Combines configurable workflows with inventory and biobank management
    • Supports data integration, role-based access, and electronic-record controls

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires contacting LabKey
    • Configuration may require planning for varied laboratory workflows
    • May be more scope than a lab seeking only basic sample tracking
  • STARLIMS9.2/10 · Pricing on request

    A mature, broad LIMS for lifecycle control, workflow automation, integrations, and compliance.

    Visit STARLIMSFull verdict →
  • LabKey LIMS8.5/10 · Pricing on request

    Connect sample tracking, workflows, assays, and biobanking in a configurable LIMS.

    Visit LabKeyFull verdict →

More comparisons

All laboratory management software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update