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Head-to-head · Laboratory Management Software

Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS vs LabKey LIMS

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS #2 in Laboratory Management Software 9.1/10 Pricing on request ✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Thermo Fisher
LabKey LIMS #7 in Laboratory Management Software 8.5/10 Pricing on request ✓ 4 of 4 features Visit LabKey

Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS 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 scoreThermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS · 9.1/10
  • Most featuresLabKey LIMS · 4 of 4

Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS scores higher on our rubric for laboratory management software: 9.1 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.

Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS is the better fit for enterprise labs with complex instrument workflows. LabKey LIMS is the better fit for labs combining LIMS, assays, and biobanking.

  • Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS fits best

    Enterprise labs with complex instrument workflows

  • 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 Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS 9.1/10 Visit ↗ LabKey LIMS 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.5
Ranking #2 in Laboratory Management Software #7 in Laboratory Management Software
Best for Enterprise labs with complex instrument workflows 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, Windows Web
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS 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 Not checked yet Hybrid
Primary lab focus Not checked yet Multi_purpose
Our review
Pros
  • Tracks sample lifecycles with barcode-based traceability.
  • Connects instruments, Chromeleon CDS, and enterprise systems.
  • Combines configurable workflows with audit logs and electronic signatures.
  • 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 quote.
  • Configurable workflows and integrations may need implementation planning.
  • Deployment choices require selecting a cloud or customer-managed model.
  • 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

Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS is a laboratory information management system for labs managing samples, resources, scientific data, and procedural work. Its listed sectors include pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, energy, water,…

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. Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMSLaboratory Management Software 9.1Pricing on request
  2. LabKey LIMSLaboratory Management Software 8.5Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS — where it wins

    • Tracks sample lifecycles with barcode-based traceability.
    • Connects instruments, Chromeleon CDS, and enterprise systems.
    • Combines configurable workflows with audit logs and electronic signatures.

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires a sales quote.
    • Configurable workflows and integrations may need implementation planning.
    • Deployment choices require selecting a cloud or customer-managed model.

  • 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
  • Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS9.1/10 · Pricing on request

    An enterprise-focused LIMS for managing samples, laboratory resources, and instrument workflows.

    Visit Thermo FisherFull 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