How to Buy Microplate Readers

31 Mar 2025

Matilde Marques

Assistant Editor

This essential guide provides you with all the information you need to make the right decisions when investing in a microplate reader. Learn about key factors and application considerations for your lab needs. Plus, read reviews from your peers to help you buy with confidence.

How-to-buy ebook

Choose the best microplate reader for your applications

Microplate reader technologies are advancing rapidly to meet the increasing demands of life sciences, drug discovery, and assay development. With cutting-edge features designed to enhance efficiency, automate workflows, and ensure accurate results, choosing the right microplate reader is crucial for optimizing your lab’s performance.

Download our How to Buy Microplate Readers eBook to learn more about:

Comparison of single-mode vs. multi-mode microplate readers to help you select the best fit for your research.
Key detection modes explained, from absorbance and fluorescence to luminescence, TR-FRET, BRET, and AlphaScreen.
Essential features to consider like dynamic range, whole-well analysis, reagent injectors, and automation capabilities.
Application-focused recommendations on the best technologies for ELISAs, enzyme kinetics, 3D cell culture assays, live-cell imaging, and more.
Top tips and trend insights from leading scientists and industry specialists to help you stay ahead in the field.
Editor’s picks of the top microplate readers currently available on the market.

Make an informed decision and equip your lab with the best technology for your needs. Get your free eBook now.

Resource details:

Document type: SelectScience guide
Page count: 28
Read time: 42 mins
Edition: 14th

Editors picks

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Spark® Multimode Microplate Reader
Tecan
Increase your productivity for advanced research and drug discovery with Spark, the first multimode microplate reader with integrated cooling.
(52)
CLARIOstar® Plus Multi-mode Microplate Reader
BMG LABTECH
Most flexible Multi-mode Microplate Reader for Assay Development
(124)
SpectraMax i3x Multi-Mode Microplate Reader with MiniMax Imaging Cytometer
Molecular Devices®
Measures Absorbance, Fluorescence, and Luminescence with the added functionality of modular upgrades
(10)
Tristar Multimode Readers
BERTHOLD TECHNOLOGIES GmbH & Co. KG
THE TRISTAR FAMILY OF MODULAR MULTIMODE PLATE READERS: USER-FRIENDLY, SENSITIVE AND FLEXIBLE
(74)
Absorbance 96
Byonoy
The Absorbance 96 is the world’s most compact microplate reader. The vision behind the device was to give the user complete flexibility. The result is the first truly portable microplate reader featuring a unique design comprising 96-individual detection units and maintenance-free, solid-state technology. Together with the modern, highly intuitive user software, the Absorbance 96 ushers in the new category of microplate reader.
(19)
Agilent BioTek Synergy Neo2 Hybrid Multimode Reader
Agilent Technologies
Agilent BioTek Synergy Neo2 multimode microplate reader features proprietary Hybrid Technology, with independent optical paths that ensure excellent performance in all detection modes. Variable bandwidth quad monochromators, sensitive high transmission filter-based optics, laser TRF, and up to 4 PMTs provide ultrafast measurements.
(61)