Microplate Reader Choices for your Lab, Including Price Guide

Managing a lab brings with it a lot of responsibilities and choices. Not the least of which is choosing what equipment to purchase for the types of research being done currently and in the future. Balancing the needs of the researchers with the fiduciary restrictions of your budget can be challenging enough, but combine that with the seemingly endless breadth of options from different equipment manufacturers and the challenge can become a daunting one indeed. This can be especially true for relatively commonly used devices like microplate readers.

Microplate reader features to consider

Throughput

Widely used in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic research, microplate readers are spectrophotometers that analyze multiple samples at once on a multi-well plate—ranging anywhere from 6 to 1,536 wells. Typically, academic labs use microplate readers on the lower throughput end, while larger, high-throughput readers are used in screening applications. Microplate readers can vary in terms of cost, functionality, and throughput capabilities, with some readers offering multi-mode functions while others are only capable of specific detection methods.

Detection modes

The most basic readers have one or two detection modes, such as absorbance, fluorescence intensity, and luminescence. More complex readers can have multiple detection modes, with the most advanced readers capable of detecting fluorescence polarization while also having advanced features such as temperature and agitation control.

Microplate reader price considerations

The two major factors that impact the price of a microplate reader are whether it is new or used and what features the machine has. New machines with the most advanced technology and the most options will run a much higher cost than used machines that are single-modal with fewer bells and whistles. Because there is such a large disparity between different types of machines and what they can do, the price range is relatively vast, with the cheapest options often floating between $1,000 to $10,000 USD—such as the ThermoScientific Multiskan EX(used)—and the more expensive newer machines reaching between $60,000 and $100,000 USD—such as the MolecularDevices FLIPR TETRA(refurbished).

With the wide range of options available on the market, this buying guide may help narrow down your choices by examining a few examples of different microplate readers.

Good quality and affordability

Good quality options might include basic, single-mode readers designed for standard assays, such as absorbance or luminescence assays, which are cost-effective and suitable for routine tasks. These readers tend to have lower throughput and can’t perform more complex assays, but as a standard workhorse for labs looking to do non-specialized tasks, they are an affordable and high-quality option.

SpectraMax ABS Plus Microplate Reader

Made by Molecular Devices, the SpectraMax ABS Plus is a single-mode absorbance microplate reader that measures UV and visible spectra and is capable of running a wide range of fundamental assays like ELISAs and protein quantitation, for example. Part of the SpectraMax line, the ABS Plus has a wavelength range of 190-1,000 nm and can accommodate 96 to 384 well plates. Able to be integrated with other, automated products, the SpectraMax can have its throughput massively increased with microplate stackers and can have a barcode reader added on. With a reading speed maximum of 29 seconds, the ABS Plus is a fast and affordable addition to any lab. In addition to the ABS Plus, other members of the SpectraMax line, such as the QuickDrop or the ABS, represent simpler options with higher reading speeds but lower throughput. A used SpectraMax ABS Plus can cost around $16,500 USD, with other members of the SpectraMax line, such as the M2, typically being at or around $10,000 USD.

Spectrostar Nano Microplate Reader

From BMG LABTECH, the Spectrostar Nano is a single-mode absorbance microplate reader that can perform assays effectively and efficiently. The Spectrostar can capture a full UV and visible spectrum at a speed of 1 second per well, meaning this microplate reader is ideal for labs looking to perform absorbance assays. Able to run plates as large as 1,536 wells, the Spectrostar Nano can meet mid or even high-throughput demands. Because this is a single-mode reader, it is limited to one type of assay, in this case, absorbance. However, this can keep costs down, with refurbished models potentially reaching under $9,000 USD. This is only a problem if multiple assay types are being run in your lab. If you are only focusing on absorbance assays, then the Spectrostar Nano may be the best option for you.

Higher throughput and more modes

High-quality microplate readers are typically multi-mode readers that offer flexibility with additional detection methods like fluorescence or time-resolved fluorescence, catering to more complex applications. These readers often fall in the mid to high throughput range and offer a wider range of options, but they also come at higher costs.

VICTOR Nivo Microplate Reader

The VICTOR Nivo from Revvity offers one of the smallest and most affordable multi-modal plate readers in the industry, with used versions costing around $10,000 USD. Designed for research labs that want to perform low-throughput assays, this reader is built for everyday biochemical and cell-based research. Capable of measuring at almost any relevant wavelength, the VICTOR comes with easy-to-use software and remote access, making it ideal for a multi-user environment. The VICTOR’s small size and lower cost make it a viable option for many academic labs. The primary drawback to this reader is its small size means its usefulness diminishes significantly as throughput demand rises, but for labs looking to run smaller plate sizes, this reader is an excellent option.

Berthold Tristar 3 Microplate Reader

Never compromising performance regardless of mode, the Tristar 3 developed by Berthold boasts one-4-all optics, which combines the stability of multimodal systems with the sensitivity and versatility of dedicated optics. Capable of running multiple different assay types, the Tristar is a high throughput machine designed to accommodate the needs of your lab both today and in the future. Tristar series also offers a quick-change filter feature, enhancing the flexibility of these devices. This exchangeable filter system allows for more efficient measurements of time-resolved fluorescence. It also gives the user the flexibility to analyze fluorophores with wider spectra.

Top of the line

The highest-quality readers offer advanced features like fluorescence polarization, temperature control, and agitation options and are designed for highly specialized or high-throughput applications requiring the utmost precision and versatility.

Tecan Spark Microplate Reader

Delivering fast solutions to complex microplate reading demands, the Spark from Tecan is a customizable and upgradable option with automated plate loading/unloading. Capable of meeting any throughput demand from 6 to 1,536 well plates, the Spark is an excellent fit for research labs looking to run various experiments or for larger industrial labs focused on things like quality control. The true strength of the Spark is the ability the user has to configure the platform to meet their needs on purchase. Suitable for a wide range of different tasks and research, the Spark represents a powerful choice, with costs coming as low as $7,000 USD for used models.

BioTek Cytation 5 Microplate Reader

The first step to deciding what microplate reader is the best fit for your facility is a clear grasp of what types of assays need to be done both now and in the future. From there, you can ascertain whether you’d be best served by a low throughput, single-mode microplate reader, a higher throughput multi-mode reader, or a high throughput multi-mode reader with specialized options. Balancing the needs of the lab with budgetary constraints can be challenging, but by keeping the speed, throughput, and capability requirements in mind, you can make the right choice.

Price Summary Table