6 of the Worst LIMS Reviews on G2

A Must Read Before Choosing a new LIMS Vendor

Choosing a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) isn’t just a technical decision; it’s a decision that directly impacts lab productivity, efficiency, and scientific progress. The wrong system doesn’t just create frustration; it slows research, wastes time, and makes routine tasks unnecessarily complex.

Before selecting a LIMS, it’s critical to examine real-world LIMS user reviews on sites like G2 and seek client references—especially from labs using legacy LIMS systems, on-premises software, or VC-backed solutions that may not prioritize your specific needs or experience.

Our research on review sites shows that user complaints tend to revolve around a number of common areas, including inflexible or complicated systems, poor LIMS performance, lack of LIMS integration, or customer support challenges. If you are considering a LIMS vendor, reading these G2 LIMS reviews can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure you select a modern LIMS solution that enhances lab efficiency.

LIMS Review Issue 1: Clunky Interfaces & Slow Performance

Many users struggle with outdated, cluttered, and unintuitive LIMS interfaces. One reviewer described their LIMS software as so inefficient that even printing a label required multiple screens. Others reported slow load times, system freezes, and frequent crashes, severely disrupting lab work. A modern LIMS should be clear, responsive, and designed for efficiency without unnecessary complexity.

LIMS Review Issue 2: Frustrating Search & Data Retrieval Issues

One of the most critical LIMS functions is the ability to quickly find and retrieve data. Yet, many users report that LIMS search functionality is inadequate, requiring exact file names to locate records. One scientist described search as “painful” and nearly unusable, which is not ideal when managing high volumes of critical lab data. Smart search features in a configurable LIMS can resolve these inefficiencies.

LIMS Review Issue 3: Overcomplicated Setup & Configuration

While configurability is invaluable, some LIMS require excessive setup just to perform basic functions. Users reported spending weeks manually configuring features that should be standard or requiring the assistance of IT to make what should be a simple change. This lack of awareness of what a scientist requires makes the system more of a burden than a solution.

LIMS Review Issue 4: Lack of Integration with Other Tools

A modern lab informatics platform should integrate seamlessly with other research tools. Unfortunately, many legacy LIMS solutions fail to connect with essential software, forcing users to manually transfer data between solutions. One user described their LIMS as so poorly integrated it required them to manage data across multiple disconnected platforms. Instead of automating processes and reducing duplication, these systems create additional manual work. The best LIMS for scientific research should offer seamless integrations with lab equipment and informatics platforms.

LIMS Review Issue 5: Hard-to-Use Systems That Complicate Workflows

A LIMS should simplify lab work, but many users report the opposite. One scientist noted that their LIMS software made plate-to-plate transfers so frustrating that it actually slowed down their workflow. Others found sample tracking needlessly complicated, making lab and experiment organization a constant challenge. Instead of creating a streamlined, intuitive experience, these systems force scientists to troubleshoot software instead of focusing on research. The best LIMS for clinical diagnostics, biopharma, and research should prioritize usability and workflow efficiency.

LIMS Review Issue 6: Poor Customer Support & Training

Science is difficult, but that doesn’t mean your LIMS needs to be. A LIMS should provide the scientist with a tool that improves productivity and workflow efficiency, but when it’s not, users rely on strong customer support and training resources. Unfortunately, some legacy LIMS vendors are slow to respond or provide minimal assistance. One reviewer noted that while their system was marketed as a collaborative tool, even simple actions like adding new team members were unnecessarily complicated, with little real-person support available. When evaluating LIMS vendor reviews, be sure to assess customer service and onboarding quality.

A Smarter Approach: A Fully Configurable, AI-Powered LIMS

These real-world reviews make one thing clear: a LIMS should empower scientists, not create extra work. A modern, AI-powered LIMS should be part of a fully configurable, AI-driven informatics platform that seamlessly integrates LIMS, ELN, and SDMS, ensuring: