Direct comparison
Bioanalyzer vs. TapeStation: Buying Guide
Agilent Bioanalyzer vs. TapeStation vs. Fragment Analyzer compared: consumable format, throughput, integrity scores, and what to check before buying.
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How do Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer, Agilent TapeStation (4150/4200), Agilent Fragment Analyzer compare side by side?
The table below compares Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer, Agilent TapeStation (4150/4200), Agilent Fragment Analyzer across 8 procurement-relevant dimensions, from underlying technology through market position (2026).
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer | Agilent TapeStation (4150/4200) | Agilent Fragment Analyzer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underlying technology | Microfluidic lab-on-a-chip capillary electrophoresis | Tape-cassette (ScreenTape) capillary electrophoresis | Multi-capillary array electrophoresis |
| Consumable format | User-loaded, single-use microfluidic chip + gel-dye mix | Pre-sealed, ready-to-use ScreenTape cassette | Reusable capillary array + separation gel/buffer, replaced far less often per sample |
| Hands-on prep per run | Highest — chip loading, vortexing, limited run window | Low — load samples, insert ScreenTape and tips | Low — plate-based loading, minimal per-run prep |
| Walk-away throughput | Lowest of the three (single chip per run) | Higher on the 4200 configuration than the 4150 | Highest — built for unattended 96-well plate runs |
| Integrity metric reported | RIN (RNA Integrity Number) | RINᵉ (RIN-equivalent); DIN for DNA | Instrument-specific quality scores (e.g., RQN for RNA); not numerically interchangeable with RIN/RINᵉ |
| Assay breadth | Broadest legacy catalog — RNA, DNA, protein, some cell-analysis kits | Focused on gDNA, RNA, NGS library sizing, cfDNA | Focused on high-throughput gDNA, RNA, and NGS library QC |
| Best fit | Legacy installed base; low/occasional sample volume | Low-to-moderate volume labs wanting ready-to-use consumables | High-volume NGS core facilities running many plates per week |
| Market position (2026) | Legacy platform — confirm current availability/support with Agilent before purchasing | Actively sold and developed by Agilent | Actively sold and developed by Agilent (acquired from AATI in 2019) |
Common questions
Common questions about Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer vs Agilent TapeStation (4150/4200) vs Agilent Fragment Analyzer
What is the Agilent TapeStation used for?
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Checking the size distribution, concentration, and integrity of DNA or RNA samples, most often as NGS library-prep QC, genomic DNA integrity checks, or cfDNA sizing.
What is the Agilent Bioanalyzer used for?
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The same general QC function as TapeStation and Fragment Analyzer, using single-use microfluidic chips rather than tape cassettes or a capillary array; it remains in service at many established core facilities.
Bioanalyzer or TapeStation — which should I buy?
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TapeStation is generally the more future-proof choice for a new purchase — less hands-on prep, higher walk-away throughput, and the platform Agilent is actively developing — unless you already have validated Bioanalyzer-based methods and low sample volume.
TapeStation vs. Fragment Analyzer — which is better for NGS library QC?
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Fragment Analyzer generally wins on marginal cost per sample and throughput at high plate volumes; TapeStation has a lower entry cost and less setup overhead for lower or variable volume. Match the platform to your actual throughput, not a general ranking.
How much does a TapeStation 4150 cost?
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Agilent does not publish public list pricing; request a formal quote from Agilent or an authorized distributor, since price varies by configuration, software licenses, service-contract tier, and any institutional or group-purchasing agreement in place.
Going deeper
