Labforward Review: Overview, Features, Pricing & Alternatives in 2025

Paper lab notebooks getting in your way again?

If you’re feeling stuck with scattered data, missed information, or hours lost to manual record-keeping, it’s no wonder you’re researching Labforward for a smarter fix.

But we both know the truth—wasted hours tracking down information end up slowing your experiments, making collaboration much harder than it should be.

Labforward stands out by connecting your notebooks, inventory, devices, and even AI-powered voice assistants into one user-friendly digital lab ecosystem. I’ve put their platform through its paces to see how it actually solves daily laboratory chaos with integrated automation, remote device control, and real-time data capture.

Throughout this review, I’ll show you how you can finally streamline your lab workflows and see if Labforward really delivers on its promise.

In this Labforward review, you’ll get a hands-on look at features, usability, pricing options, and how Labforward stacks up against top alternatives—so you can make the best decision for your team.

Get ready to discover the features you need to finally digitize, organize, and automate your lab work with confidence.

Let’s get started with the full review.

Labforward Overview

Labforward is a German tech company based in Berlin, active since 2013. Their core mission is practical: building the digital lab of the future by connecting scientists with their data and instruments.

I noticed they serve a broad market, from academic research institutions to global biotech and pharmaceutical companies. What really sets them apart is their focus on creating a modular yet integrated digital ecosystem, which feels more flexible than rigid, all-in-one platforms.

Their recent 2024 merger with LabTwin, an AI voice assistant, was a particularly savvy move. Through this Labforward review, you will see how this adds a powerful, hands-free data capture element right at the bench.

Unlike some massive R&D platforms like Benchling, Labforward’s approach seems more grounded. They emphasize vendor-agnostic instrument control and automation, a focus that feels like it was built by scientists who genuinely understand the frustrations of working with disconnected equipment.

They work with a wide range of organizations, from university labs just starting to digitize to large-scale life science companies. All are looking to replace paper notebooks and siloed data to improve efficiency and traceability.

From my perspective, their current strategy is clearly centered on open, flexible integration. This directly addresses your need for a system that can connect with your existing lab equipment without forcing a complete and costly operational overhaul.

Now, let’s examine their capabilities.

Labforward Features

Tired of lab chaos and fragmented data?

Labforward solutions offer an integrated digital ecosystem that streamlines lab operations. Here are the five core Labforward solutions that transform how labs work.

1. Labfolder (Electronic Lab Notebook – ELN)

Paper notebooks still slowing you down?

Manual documentation leads to lost data, difficult sharing, and slow information retrieval. This often hinders collaboration and reproducibility.

Labfolder is your digital ELN for documenting, organizing, and managing experiments from anywhere. From my testing, its protocol templates and rich text formatting truly simplify data entry, supporting everything from images to scientific formulas. This solution ensures data integrity and traceability.

This means you can easily find your research data in seconds and improve collaboration with secure sharing and review workflows.

2. Labregister (Laboratory Inventory Management System)

Struggling with disorganized lab inventory?

Inefficient stock management and difficulty tracking materials can lead to waste and budget issues. This impacts research progress.

Labregister provides a centralized, browser-based system to oversee your lab’s entire inventory, from samples to equipment. What I love about this approach is how you can track items through their lifecycle with barcodes and custom attributes, seamlessly integrating with Labfolder.

The result is accurate, traceable inventory management that helps you reduce waste and improve budget control dramatically.

3. Laboperator (Laboratory Execution System)

High-tech equipment working in silos?

Fragmented instruments and data silos cause errors and manual data transfers. This prevents real-time insights and automation.

Laboperator connects your lab equipment to a central platform, enabling remote control, monitoring, and real-time data collection. This is where Labforward shines – it’s vendor-agnostic, integrating devices regardless of manufacturer. I found this flexibility incredibly powerful for automating workflows.

This means you get real-time data insights, improved precision, and the ability to manage your lab remotely, regardless of location.

4. LabTwin (AI- & Voice-Powered Digital Lab Assistant)

Need hands-free data capture at the bench?

Manual data entry at the lab bench disrupts focus and can introduce errors. This often slows down your experimental workflow.

LabTwin is an AI- and voice-controlled mobile app that lets you capture notes and photos with your voice, hands-free. This feature integrates directly with your ELN and LIMS, pushing collected data instantly. It’s the world’s first ELN with out-of-the-box voice integration, a definite game-changer.

So you can maintain focus, improve data quality, and save significant time by avoiding manual interruptions during experiments.

5. Open API Architecture

Integration headaches with your existing systems?

Proprietary systems often create closed environments, making it difficult to connect with other essential lab software. This limits flexibility.

Labforward’s open API architecture ensures their solutions can integrate seamlessly with your existing third-party applications. From my testing, this flexibility means you’re not locked into a closed ecosystem, which is crucial for modern labs. This feature supports extensive customization.

This means your lab can build a truly connected digital environment that adapts to your unique workflows and future needs, not the other way around.

You’ll actually appreciate how these Labforward features work together as an integrated platform rather than disparate tools that you have to stick together.

Labforward Pricing

Worried about budget surprises?

Labforward pricing offers a clear tiered structure for its Labfolder ELN, including a free plan, which makes budgeting straightforward for your lab management needs.

Plan	Price & Features
Free	Free • Unlimited research documentation • Group work (up to 3 members) • 3 GB cloud storage • Integrated inventory management (Labregister)
Advanced	€17 per user per month • Unlimited research documentation • Enhanced administration (adjustable group size) • 300 GB cloud storage per group member (unlimited on-premise) • FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant digital signatures
Special/Enterprise	Custom quote – contact sales • Special plans for startups • Tailored for larger organizations • Custom modifications & integrations • On-premise or private cloud options

1. Value Assessment

Transparent pricing brings value.

Labforward’s tiered model clearly outlines what you get at each level, ensuring no hidden surprises. What I found regarding pricing is how the Advanced plan provides extensive compliance and storage for a predictable monthly fee, scaling effectively for growing teams.

This means your lab’s digital transformation stays within budget while meeting critical regulatory and data needs.

2. Trial/Demo Options

Evaluate before you commit.

You can try the Labfolder Advanced Edition completely free for two weeks, giving you full access to all its features. What makes their pricing approach stand out is how this trial provides a risk-free evaluation period without any obligation or cost, expiring automatically.

This helps you thoroughly test its fit for your lab’s workflows before spending any money on a subscription.

3. Plan Comparison

Choose the right plan for your lab.

The Free plan is excellent for small groups, while the Advanced plan offers substantial upgrades like increased storage and FDA compliance. From my cost analysis, the Advanced plan provides scalable functionality that meets the demands of more complex research environments.

This helps you match Labforward pricing to actual usage requirements, ensuring you invest wisely in the right features.

My Take: Labforward’s pricing is structured to support labs from small teams to enterprises, with a clear value proposition that scales with your operational demands and regulatory needs.

The overall Labforward pricing reflects excellent value with clear, scalable options for any lab.

Labforward Reviews

What do real customers actually think?

This customer reviews section analyzes real user feedback and experiences with Labforward, drawing insights from various sources to provide a balanced perspective on what actual customers think about the software, especially in the context of Labforward reviews.

1. Overall User Satisfaction

Users report high satisfaction.

From my review analysis, Labforward users generally express strong satisfaction, particularly with its foundational capabilities for data management. What stood out in customer feedback is how users appreciate streamlined workflows and data accessibility, especially compared to traditional methods.

This suggests you can anticipate significant improvements in how your lab manages and accesses information.

2. Common Praise Points

Users consistently love centralized data.

Users repeatedly highlight the ability to centralize all types of research data, from text to images, as a major benefit. From customer feedback, Labforward’s browser-based access and compliance features are frequently praised, ensuring data is secure and available remotely.

This means your team can collaborate more efficiently and access critical data anywhere, anytime.

3. Frequent Complaints

Design updates are a common request.

While functionality is strong, some reviews mention that the user experience (UX) and design could benefit from modernization. What stands out in feedback is how a slightly dated interface occasionally impacts initial impressions for new users, though it rarely affects core utility.

These concerns appear to be minor aesthetic points rather than fundamental deal-breakers for functionality.

The overall Labforward reviews reflect strong user satisfaction rooted in core functionality, with minor suggestions for interface improvements.

Best Labforward Alternatives

Still searching for your perfect lab software?

The best Labforward alternatives include several strong options, each better suited for different business situations and priorities. From my competitive analysis, I found key distinctions that will guide your choice.

1. Benchling

Focused on complex biological R&D workflows?

Benchling is a market leader for biotech and pharma, offering an incredibly integrated R&D Cloud platform with advanced biological data management. What I found comparing options is that Benchling provides a deeper biological research focus, ideal for large enterprises handling intricate molecular biology or sequence design, though it’s typically more expensive.

Choose Benchling if your primary need is extensive biological R&D tools and scalable, complex data management.

2. Thermo Fisher SampleManager LIMS

Need rigorous sample management and compliance?

SampleManager LIMS excels in highly regulated industries like pharma or environmental testing, emphasizing robust sample management and extensive configurability for complex operations. Alternative-wise, it’s a traditional LIMS powerhouse for large-scale, strictly compliant environments, often at a higher price point due to its enterprise focus.

Opt for SampleManager LIMS if deep LIMS functionality and strict regulatory compliance are your top priorities.

3. Labguru

Searching for a modern, all-in-one biomedical platform?

Labguru offers a comprehensive ELN, inventory, and automation solution primarily for biomedical labs, featuring a modern interface and a complete ecosystem. From my analysis, Labguru provides a cohesive all-in-one experience for life science research, integrating inventory and automation seamlessly, though it may require mastering its specific interface.

Consider Labguru if you’re a biomedical lab seeking a comprehensive, integrated solution with a contemporary user experience.

4. eLabJournal

Are you an academic user needing a free ELN option?

eLabJournal is another comprehensive ELN solution that integrates LIMS and sample management, focusing on data management and compliance. What I found comparing options is that eLabJournal offers a free version for academic users, making it an accessible alternative, though its corporate features are extensive.

You might choose eLabJournal if you’re an academic user, or its specific integrations align with your existing lab systems.

The best Labforward alternatives depend on your lab’s specific needs, budget, and industry focus rather than just features alone.

Labforward Setup

Will Labforward’s implementation be a smooth process?

Labforward setup is generally straightforward for cloud deployments, but on-premise installations increase complexity. This section offers practical guidance to set realistic expectations for your Labforward review.

1. Setup Complexity & Timeline

Not a one-size-fits-all deployment.

Labforward’s cloud solutions are browser-based, simplifying initial setup to needing just an internet connection. However, on-premise Labforward implementation requires your IT team to configure servers, backups, and security. What I found about deployment is that personalized onboarding can streamline the process for new teams.

Plan for different timelines depending on your deployment choice, allocating more time and resources for on-premise setups.

2. Technical Requirements & Integration

Mind your infrastructure and API needs.

Your technical requirements for Labforward setup primarily involve a stable internet connection for cloud access and modern browser compatibility. For on-premise, expect specific server configurations like Linux and MySQL. What I found about deployment is that API integration for Laboperator is robust, using OAuth 2.0, meaning complex third-party system connections are feasible.

Ensure your IT team is ready to manage server requirements or leverage existing hardware and integrate with other systems.

3. Training & Change Management

User adoption can be a learning curve.

While Labforward aims for intuitive interfaces, new users might find the platform initially overwhelming due to its comprehensive features. From my analysis, effective training is crucial to maximize feature utilization, from advanced search to full Laboperator capabilities.

Invest in dedicated training sessions beyond self-help resources to accelerate user proficiency and ensure smooth daily operations.

4. Support & Success Factors

Vendor support makes a real difference.

Labforward highlights “First Class Support” and provides a help desk, which is essential for addressing technical issues and user queries promptly. From my analysis, proactive engagement with their support channels and providing direct feedback can greatly enhance your implementation experience and ongoing satisfaction.

Actively leverage their support resources and ensure your team understands how to access assistance for a successful deployment and usage.

Overall, Labforward setup can be agile for cloud users, but successful implementation requires thoughtful planning for user training and technical readiness.

Bottom Line

What’s the final verdict on Labforward?

This Labforward review synthesizes my comprehensive analysis to help you understand precisely who this lab management software serves best and why it stands out for digitalizing your research.

1. Who This Works Best For

Labs seeking an integrated digital transformation.

Labforward is ideal for biotech, pharmaceutical, academic, and chemical labs of all sizes aiming to move away from paper, centralize data, and automate workflows. What I found about target users is that teams needing robust compliance features (FDA 21 CFR Part 11, GLP) for R&D and QC processes will find it invaluable.

You’ll see significant gains if your current systems lead to fragmented data and inefficient documentation practices.

2. Overall Strengths

Integrated lab solutions drive unparalleled efficiency.

The software excels through its unified ELN (Labfolder), inventory (Labregister), instrument connectivity (Laboperator), and AI assistant (LabTwin), eliminating data silos and streamlining operations. From my comprehensive analysis, its compliance features and audit trails are a major advantage for regulated industries where data integrity is paramount.

These strengths will translate into enhanced collaboration, reduced manual errors, and a more compliant, productive lab environment for you.

3. Key Limitations

Some UX areas could benefit from refinement.

While highly functional, some users have noted that the overall design and user experience of Labfolder could be modernized for a more intuitive feel. Based on this review, new users might experience a slight learning curve to fully leverage the platform’s extensive features beyond basic note-taking.

I consider these limitations manageable trade-offs for the comprehensive functionality you receive, not critical barriers to adoption.

4. Final Recommendation

Labforward earns a strong recommendation for integrated lab digitalization.

You should choose Labforward if your priority is a compliant, integrated digital ecosystem for your lab, combining robust ELN, inventory, and instrument automation. From my analysis, this solution is perfect for centralizing fragmented lab data and achieving operational excellence through intelligent automation and collaboration.

My confidence level is high for organizations seeking a complete, scalable solution to modernize their scientific operations.

This Labforward review demonstrates strong value for labs seeking a digital transformation, offering a comprehensive and compliant suite to streamline your research and operations.