# STARLIMS vs Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software Comparison

---
## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between STARLIMS vs Thermo Scientific...?

STARLIMS stands out for its higher G2 rating, stronger support scores, and customization strengths, while Thermo Scientific... is noted for its billing management features and robust sample traceability.

| [STARLIMS](https://www.g2.com/products/starlims/reviews) | [Thermo Scientific...](https://www.g2.com/products/thermo-scientific-samplemanager-lims-software/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews): 4.5/5 (159 reviews) | G2 Rating (reviews): 4.3/5 (111 reviews) |
| Largest Segment: Enterprise | Largest Segment: Enterprise |
| Ease of Setup: 8.3 | Ease of Setup: 7.7 |
| Quality of Support: 8.9 | Quality of Support: 8.7 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength: Customization (3 all-time mentions) | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength: Sample traceability and billing management features |



### How do the pricing models of STARLIMS and Thermo Scientific... compare?

STARLIMS is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing more satisfaction with its pricing compared to Thermo Scientific....

- **STARLIMS:** Reviewers note that while licensing and annual maintenance fees are relatively expensive, the system's compliance and integration capabilities justify the investment.
- **Thermo Scientific...:** Reviewers mention the need for more affordable price management and note that the software is considered expensive, especially for initial setup and licensing.



### What are the best alternatives to STARLIMS and Thermo Scientific...?

The top three alternatives to STARLIMS and Thermo Scientific... are Labguru ELN LIMS, Benchling, and LabWare LIMS.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [STARLIMS](https://www.g2.com/products/starlims/reviews) | 4.5/5 (159 reviews) | Enterprise | Relatively expensive, justified by compliance and integration | Customization (3 all-time mentions) |
| [Thermo Scientific...](https://www.g2.com/products/thermo-scientific-samplemanager-lims-software/reviews) | 4.3/5 (111 reviews) | Enterprise | Expensive, with requests for more affordable pricing | Sample traceability and billing management features |
| [Labguru ELN LIMS](https://www.g2.com/products/labguru-eln-lims/reviews) | 4.6/5 (165 reviews) | Small-Business | — | User-friendly interface and strong ELN capabilities |
| [Benchling](https://www.g2.com/products/benchling/reviews) | 4.5/5 (65 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Modern UI and collaborative features |



### Which LIMS features should I prioritize when comparing STARLIMS and Thermo Scientific...?

Buyers comparing STARLIMS and Thermo Scientific... should prioritize customization, sample management, integration capabilities, compliance features, and billing management.

- **Customization:** STARLIMS is cited for customization in 3 all-time mentions; Thermo Scientific... is described as customizable in recent reviews.
- **Sample Management:** Both products are frequently praised for sample management, with STARLIMS and Thermo Scientific... each receiving multiple recent positive mentions.
- **Integration Capabilities:** STARLIMS is noted for integrations in 3 all-time mentions; Thermo Scientific... is described as compatible with other instruments in recent reviews.
- **Compliance Features:** STARLIMS is recognized for compliance and audit trails in recent reviews; Thermo Scientific... is praised for regulatory compliance and traceability.
- **Billing Management:** Thermo Scientific... offers billing management features not present in STARLIMS.



### What are the pros and cons of STARLIMS vs Thermo Scientific...?

STARLIMS is strongest in customization and integration, while Thermo Scientific... excels in sample traceability and billing management.

- **STARLIMS strengths:** Customization (3 all-time mentions), integrations (3 all-time mentions), comprehensive modules (2 all-time mentions), configuration ease (2 all-time mentions), data accuracy (2 all-time mentions), flexibility (2 all-time mentions), lab automation (2 all-time mentions).
- **STARLIMS trade-offs:** Outdated system (4 all-time mentions), poor usability (4 all-time mentions), difficult usability (3 all-time mentions), module issues (2 all-time mentions), poor documentation (2 all-time mentions), slow performance (2 all-time mentions).
- **Thermo Scientific... strengths:** Sample traceability, billing management features, regulatory compliance, and ease of use in recent reviews.
- **Thermo Scientific... trade-offs:** Reviewers mention expensive licensing, initial setup complexity, and requests for more affordable pricing.



### Is STARLIMS or Thermo Scientific... better for small businesses?

Labguru ELN LIMS and Benchling are better suited for small businesses, as both STARLIMS and Thermo Scientific... are primarily used by enterprise customers.

- **STARLIMS:** Largest reviewer segment is Enterprise; reviewers highlight its suitability for large, complex environments.
- **Thermo Scientific...:** Largest reviewer segment is Enterprise; reviewers describe it as robust for enterprise-scale sample management and compliance.



### Which LIMS platform has better integrations?

STARLIMS is favored for integrations, with more reviewer-cited mentions than Thermo Scientific....

- **STARLIMS:** Integrations are cited in 3 all-time mentions, including compatibility with SAP, WMS, and API integration.
- **Thermo Scientific...:** Reviewers mention compatibility with other instruments and Chromeleon, but no all-time integration mention count is supplied.



### How do STARLIMS and Thermo Scientific... compare on customer support?

STARLIMS and Thermo Scientific... are rated nearly equally on Quality of Support, with STARLIMS at 8.9 and Thermo Scientific... at 8.7, indicating parity.

- **STARLIMS:** Reviewers consistently praise responsive support, strong service, and effective troubleshooting, with several citing high satisfaction in recent reviews.
- **Thermo Scientific...:** Reviewers describe support as helpful and responsive, with positive experiences noted in recent reviews.



### Which is easier to implement, STARLIMS or Thermo Scientific...?

STARLIMS is rated higher for Ease of Setup at 8.3 versus Thermo Scientific... at 7.7, indicating STARLIMS is easier to implement.

- **STARLIMS:** Reviewers highlight straightforward setup, ease of configuration, and minimal IT resource requirements.
- **Thermo Scientific...:** Reviewers note initial setup can be complex and time-consuming, with some describing the process as daunting for nonstandard workflows.



### Which product has better Sample Management?

Both STARLIMS and Thermo Scientific... are highly rated for Sample Management, with strong reviewer sentiment and feature coverage.

- **STARLIMS:** Sample Management is frequently praised in recent reviews, with multiple mentions of flexible sample tracking, audit trails, and automation; Meets Requirements score is 8.8.
- **Thermo Scientific...:** Reviewers highlight robust sample traceability, barcode/RFID tracking, and full sample lifecycle management; Meets Requirements score is 8.6.



| | STARLIMS | Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 159 | 111 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Enterprise (45.5% of reviews) | Mid-Market (36.1% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### STARLIMS

Pros:
- Customization (3 reviews)
- Functionality (3 reviews)

Cons:
- Outdated System (4 reviews)
- Poor Usability (4 reviews)

### Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software

**Not enough data**

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | STARLIMS | Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (138 reviews) | 8.6 (86 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.4 (141 reviews) | 8.4 (89 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.3 (71 reviews) | 7.7 (60 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.6 (64 reviews) | 8.1 (47 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.9 (140 reviews) | 8.7 (87 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 9.2 (63 reviews) | 8.3 (46 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.5 (139 reviews) | 7.5 (85 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### STARLIMS

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **STARLIMS** | 8.9/10 | 49 |
| **Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software** | 9.0/10 | 17 |

#### Process

| Feature | STARLIMS | Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Storage** | 8.9 (47 reviews) | 9.2 (16 reviews) | 
| **Inventory Management** | 8.8 (46 reviews) | 9.1 (16 reviews) | 
| **Protocol Templates** | 8.8 (46 reviews) | 8.7 (15 reviews) | 
| **Intellectual Protection and Compliance** | 9.0 (44 reviews) | 8.8 (15 reviews) | 
| **Comprehensive Search Functionality** | 9.1 (46 reviews) | 9.0 (16 reviews) | 
| **Data Access Authorization** | 8.9 (48 reviews) | 9.1 (16 reviews) | 
| **Task Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Protocol/SOP Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Electronic Laboratory Notebook** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Sample Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Lab Information Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Barcode/Label Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Label Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Additional Functionality

| Feature | STARLIMS | Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software | 
|---|---|---|
| **Project Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Import/Export** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **For Labs** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting/Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Lab Results** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile Signature Capture** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Collaboration Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Role-Based Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Electronic Signature** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **File Sharing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### LIMS

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **STARLIMS** | 8.6/10 | 115 |
| **Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software** | 8.1/10 | 55 |

#### Lab Informatics

| Feature | STARLIMS | Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software | 
|---|---|---|
| **Instrument Management** | 8.6 (105 reviews) | 8.0 (52 reviews) | 
| **ELN Support** | 8.2 (88 reviews) | 8.2 (34 reviews) | 
| **Workflow Management** | 8.9 (106 reviews) | 8.6 (47 reviews) | 
| **Billing Management** | Feature Not Available | 7.5 (33 reviews) | 
| **Order Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Rules-Based Workflow** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Configurable Workflow** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Chain of Custody

| Feature | STARLIMS | Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software | 
|---|---|---|
| **Sample Management** | 9.2 (108 reviews) | 8.7 (47 reviews) | 
| **Data Warehouse** | 8.8 (100 reviews) | 8.1 (41 reviews) | 
| **Inventory Management** | 8.2 (91 reviews) | 8.0 (40 reviews) | 
| **Document Management** | 8.4 (99 reviews) | 7.9 (38 reviews) | 
| **QA/QC** | 8.6 (97 reviews) | 8.3 (46 reviews) | 
| **Resource Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Storage Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Specimen Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Patient Records Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Quality Control Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Lab Order Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - LIMS

| Feature | STARLIMS | Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Lab Instruments Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Additional Functionality

| Feature | STARLIMS | Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software | 
|---|---|---|
| **Electronic Laboratory Notebook** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Audit Trail** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Document Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Capture and Transfer** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Client Portal** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Search/Filter** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Collaboration Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Barcode Printing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting/Analytics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Reporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Role-Based Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Summary Reports** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Fields** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **EDI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Electronic Signature** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **HIPAA Compliant** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Quality Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Barcode/Ticket Scanning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Inventory Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Approval Process Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Certification of Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Secure Data Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Quality Assurance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting & Statistics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Import/Export** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Reports** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Barcode Recognition** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Barcoding/RFID** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Patient Portal** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Test Panels** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Billing & Invoicing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Scientific Data Management System (SDMS)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **STARLIMS** | 8.6/10 | 45 |
| **Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software** | 9.0/10 | 17 |

#### Data Management

| Feature | STARLIMS | Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software | 
|---|---|---|
| **Document Management System** | 8.5 (41 reviews) | 9.0 (16 reviews) | 
| **Lab Systems Integration** | 8.8 (45 reviews) | 8.9 (15 reviews) | 
| **Operational Database** | 8.8 (43 reviews) | 9.1 (15 reviews) | 
| **Query and Search** | 8.9 (44 reviews) | 9.3 (16 reviews) | 
| **Audit Security** | 8.9 (45 reviews) | 9.1 (15 reviews) | 
| **Variety File Support** | 8.6 (44 reviews) | 9.2 (16 reviews) | 
| **Library Collections** | 8.4 (37 reviews) | 8.8 (15 reviews) | 
| **Metadata Management** | 8.7 (43 reviews) | 8.6 (16 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Scientific Data Management System (SDMS)

| Feature | STARLIMS | Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software | 
|---|---|---|
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (3):** [Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/electronic-lab-notebook-eln), [LIMS Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/lims), [Scientific Data Management Systems (SDMS)](https://www.g2.com/categories/scientific-data-management-system-sdms)




---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | STARLIMS | Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 12.8% | 29.6% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 41.7% | 36.1% | 
| **Enterprise** | 45.5% | 34.3% | 

### By Industry

#### STARLIMS

- **Pharmaceuticals:** 39.7%
- **Biotechnology:** 10.9%
- **Oil & Energy:** 7.7%
- **Chemicals:** 5.1%
- **Food & Beverages:** 4.5%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 3.8%
- **Environmental Services:** 2.6%
- **Food Production:** 2.6%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.6%
- **Accounting:** 1.9%
- **Other:** 18.6%

#### Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software

- **Pharmaceuticals:** 17.6%
- **Oil & Energy:** 10.2%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 9.3%
- **Research:** 8.3%
- **Chemicals:** 8.3%
- **Environmental Services:** 5.6%
- **Mining & Metals:** 4.6%
- **Biotechnology:** 4.6%
- **Utilities:** 3.7%
- **Higher Education:** 3.7%
- **Other:** 24.1%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to STARLIMS

- [Benchling](https://www.g2.com/products/benchling/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (65 reviews)
- [Labguru ELN LIMS](https://www.g2.com/products/labguru-eln-lims/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (165 reviews)
- [LabWare LIMS](https://www.g2.com/products/labware-lims/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (102 reviews)
- [LabVantage](https://www.g2.com/products/labvantage/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (20 reviews)
- [SciNote](https://www.g2.com/products/scinote/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (303 reviews)
- [CrelioHealth LIMS](https://www.g2.com/products/creliohealth-for-diagnostics-product/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (261 reviews)
- [QBench](https://www.g2.com/products/qbench/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (150 reviews)
- [CloudLIMS](https://www.g2.com/products/cloudlims/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (59 reviews)
- [SciSure (formerly known as eLabNext and SciShield)](https://www.g2.com/products/scisure-formerly-known-as-elabnext-and-scishield/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (207 reviews)
- [Clinisys](https://www.g2.com/products/clinisys/reviews) — 3.5/5 stars (22 reviews)

### Alternatives to Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software

- [Labguru ELN LIMS](https://www.g2.com/products/labguru-eln-lims/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (165 reviews)
- [Benchling](https://www.g2.com/products/benchling/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (65 reviews)
- [SciNote](https://www.g2.com/products/scinote/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (303 reviews)
- [LabWare LIMS](https://www.g2.com/products/labware-lims/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (102 reviews)
- [LabVantage](https://www.g2.com/products/labvantage/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (20 reviews)
- [CrelioHealth LIMS](https://www.g2.com/products/creliohealth-for-diagnostics-product/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (261 reviews)
- [Clinisys](https://www.g2.com/products/clinisys/reviews) — 3.5/5 stars (22 reviews)
- [CloudLIMS](https://www.g2.com/products/cloudlims/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (59 reviews)
- [Uncountable Web Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/uncountable-web-platform/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (39 reviews)
- [QBench](https://www.g2.com/products/qbench/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (150 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### STARLIMS

No discussions available for this product.

### Thermo Scientific SampleManager LIMS Software

- Title: [What is Watson LIMS?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-watson-lims) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Hi there, Thermo Scientific Watson LIMS software is designed specifically to manage bioanalytical studies, from initiation through study close out, and was..."
- Title: [What is LIMS software in pharma?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-lims-software-in-pharma) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Hello, LIMS software in pharmaceutical labs have different requirements depending on the specifications of the lab. Drug discovery and development requires..."
- Title: [How can i know more about your products](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-can-i-know-more-about-your-products) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hi Shipra. Please visit www.thermofisher.com/samplemanager"
- Title: [What are the unique features of LIMS?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/thermo-scientific-samplemanager-lims-software-what-are-the-unique-features-of-lims) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Hello, please visit https://www.thermofisher.com/ca/en/home/digital-solutions/lab-informatics/lab-information-management-systems-lims.html to learn about the..."
- Title: [What is SampleManager LIMS?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-samplemanager-lims) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Hi there, please visit https://www.thermofisher.com/ca/en/home/digital-solutions/lab-informatics/samplemanager-lims.html to learn more about Thermo..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/starlims-vs-thermo-scientific-samplemanager-lims-software)