ConductColony vs SoftMouse.NET
Both tools help research labs manage rodent colonies. Here's how they compare on features, pricing, and usability so you can make an informed decision for your lab.
Feature comparison
An honest, side-by-side look at both platforms.
| Feature | SoftMouse.NET | ConductColony |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Limited | Full (2 users, 50 cages) |
| Pricing (small lab) | $350/yr | $0 (free tier) |
| Pricing (10 users) | $835/yr | $348/yr ($29/mo) |
| Modern UI | ||
| Mobile responsive | Limited | |
| Pedigree trees | Basic | 3-gen interactive |
| Genotype tracking | ||
| Breeding pairs | ||
| IACUC alerts | ||
| CSV import | ||
| QR cage cards | ||
| Activity audit log | Basic | Full |
| API access | Pro plan | |
| Support | Email + priority (Pro) | |
| Founded | 2008 | 2026 |
| Backed by | Iseehear Inc. | ConductScience |
Why labs choose ConductColony
Generous free tier
ConductColony offers a fully functional free tier with 2 users and 50 cages — enough for small labs to manage their entire colony at no cost. No credit card required to start.
Mobile-first design
Built with a responsive interface from the start. ConductColony works on phones and tablets in the vivarium, not just desktop browsers in the office. Print QR cage cards and scan them from any device.
Modern tech stack
Built on Next.js and React with a modern UI that feels fast and responsive. AI-powered import recognizes hundreds of column name variations automatically. Interactive 3-generation pedigree trees are rendered client-side, not as static images.
A note on fairness
SoftMouse.NET has been serving the research community since 2008 and is a capable tool. This comparison is based on publicly available information as of early 2026. We encourage you to try both tools and choose the one that fits your lab's workflow. ConductColony's free tier makes it easy to evaluate without commitment.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Export your SoftMouse data as CSV files and use ConductColony's import wizard. The AI column mapper recognizes common field names and normalizes sex codes, date formats, genotype notation, and strain aliases automatically.
SoftMouse.NET uses per-user pricing that scales with lab size. ConductColony's Lab plan is a flat $29/month for up to 10 users and 500 cages. For larger teams, the Pro plan at $59/month supports 25 users and 2,000 cages. Institution pricing is available for unlimited use.
API access is available on the Pro plan ($59/month). This allows programmatic integration with LIMS systems, institutional databases, or custom scripts.
ConductColony is newer (2026), but it's built by ConductScience, an established scientific equipment and software company. The platform uses Neon PostgreSQL for the database with automatic backups and runs on Vercel's enterprise infrastructure. Your data is safe.
If you want a mature product with a long track record, SoftMouse.NET is a solid choice. If you want modern UX, a generous free tier, mobile access, and AI-powered import, try ConductColony. The free tier lets you evaluate with real data at no cost.
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