# Microplate readers at a glance: 21 practical questions

By Andrew Stewart · CC BY 4.0

https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-readers-at-a-glance/

A question-led overview of nine microplate readers, with the conditions behind each answer and links to the detailed comparison.

Start with the capabilities that matter to your assay. The answers below retain the conditions that distinguish a standard feature from an option, a partial capability or an unconfirmed specification. Follow each question to the detailed finding.

[Specifications](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/)[At a glance](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-readers-at-a-glance/)[Performance charts](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-performance-charts/)

Find a feature Show a reader All readersCLARIOstar PlusEnVision NexusPHERAstar FSXSpectraMax iD3 / iD5Synergy H1Synergy Neo2Tecan SparkVANTAstarVarioskan LUX

## Dichroic mirror that tracks the wavelength on the monochromator path

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-12)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | LVD, 340–740 nm |
| EnVision Nexus | No monochromator |
| PHERAstar FSX | Matched dichroic in each module |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | No dichroic on mono path |
| Synergy H1 | No dichroic on mono path |
| Synergy Neo2 | No dichroic on mono path |
| Tecan Spark | One fixed (510 nm) on standard |
| VANTAstar | LVD, 340–740 nm |
| Varioskan LUX | No dichroic |

## Bandwidth the user can set

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-10)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | 8–100 nm |
| EnVision Nexus | Set by module |
| PHERAstar FSX | Set by module |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Fixed 15 / 25 nm |
| Synergy H1 | M2 builds only; else fixed 16 nm |
| Synergy Neo2 | 3–50 nm |
| Tecan Spark | Enhanced only; standard fixed 20 nm |
| VANTAstar | 8–100 nm |
| Varioskan LUX | Emission fixed 12 nm |

## Gain chosen per well inside one read, kinetics included

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-8)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | EDR |
| EnVision Nexus | No gain on the counter; no ceiling published |
| PHERAstar FSX | EDR |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Endpoints only |
| Synergy H1 | User sets; saturates at 99,999 |
| Synergy Neo2 | Auto-range adds minutes |
| Tecan Spark | User picks; extended = two passes |
| VANTAstar | EDR |
| Varioskan LUX | Per well; kinetics not published |

## Two emission colors read at the same instant (top)

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-9)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | Sequential |
| EnVision Nexus | Filter path only |
| PHERAstar FSX | Matched PMT pairs |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Sequential |
| Synergy H1 | Sequential |
| Synergy Neo2 | Dual-top builds; unmatched tubes; special cube |
| Tecan Spark | Sequential |
| VANTAstar | Sequential |
| Varioskan LUX | Sequential |

## Two emission colors read at the same instant (bottom)

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-9)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | Sequential |
| EnVision Nexus | Not confirmed |
| PHERAstar FSX | Same modules, top or bottom |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Sequential |
| Synergy H1 | Sequential |
| Synergy Neo2 | One bottom PMT |
| Tecan Spark | Sequential |
| VANTAstar | Sequential |
| Varioskan LUX | Sequential |

## Same optics read top and bottom, switched in software

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-14)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | Autofocus both sides |
| EnVision Nexus | Not FP, sensitive lum or Alpha |
| PHERAstar FSX | All modes |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Bottom lum a factory option, 20–30× weaker |
| Synergy H1 | Filters top only |
| Synergy Neo2 | Separate bottom cubes |
| Tecan Spark | FI yes; bottom lum unconfirmed |
| VANTAstar | Autofocus both sides |
| Varioskan LUX | No focus; adapter sets height |

## Injection at the read position

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-26)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | At the read position |
| EnVision Nexus | Not published |
| PHERAstar FSX | 50 readings/s through injection |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Waits 500 ms after injection |
| Synergy H1 | Not published |
| Synergy Neo2 | Read starts up to 1 s after dispense |
| Tecan Spark | Injects elsewhere; plate moves |
| VANTAstar | Injects, then reads |
| Varioskan LUX | Only with head set to L by hand |

## Crosstalk mask between plate and detector

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-22)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | Aperture spoon over the well |
| EnVision Nexus | Hand-swapped; mismatch not enforced |
| PHERAstar FSX | Spoon per plate format |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | None; “use every other well” |
| Synergy H1 | None |
| Synergy Neo2 | Inside the cube, after the lens |
| Tecan Spark | Separate line item |
| VANTAstar | Automatic to 384 |
| Varioskan LUX | Shield after collection |

## Laser excitation for TRF

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-27)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | Flash lamp |
| EnVision Nexus | Option (343 nm DPSS) |
| PHERAstar FSX | Option, 60 flashes/s |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Flash lamp |
| Synergy H1 | Flash lamp |
| Synergy Neo2 | Dual-top builds only (7 of 19) |
| Tecan Spark | Flash lamp |
| VANTAstar | Flash lamp |
| Varioskan LUX | Flash lamp |

## Decay-curve tool for setting the TRF window

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-29)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | No (BMG: an FSX feature) |
| EnVision Nexus | Fixed default curve only |
| PHERAstar FSX | Decay Curve Monitoring |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Not offered |
| Synergy H1 | Not published |
| Synergy Neo2 | No |
| Tecan Spark | Not offered |
| VANTAstar | No (BMG: an FSX feature) |
| Varioskan LUX | Not offered |

## HTRF in black plates

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-28)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | Certified black and white |
| EnVision Nexus | “Only… in WHITE plates” |
| PHERAstar FSX | Certified black and white |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Not confirmed |
| Synergy H1 | Filter mode, white plates only |
| Synergy Neo2 | White only |
| Tecan Spark | Not on the monochromator path |
| VANTAstar | Figures for black and white |
| Varioskan LUX | Certified; plate color not stated |

## AlphaScreen / AlphaLISA

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-33)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | 680 nm laser module |
| EnVision Nexus | Enhanced or HT mode, never both |
| PHERAstar FSX | 680 nm laser |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Not offered |
| Synergy H1 | Not offered |
| Synergy Neo2 | 768 cube moves per 384 plate |
| Tecan Spark | Corrected for heat in software |
| VANTAstar | Not offered |
| Varioskan LUX | LED, no laser, no cooling |

## Fluorescence polarization

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-30)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | <0.5 mP; UV option |
| EnVision Nexus | Top only |
| PHERAstar FSX | Both planes at once |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | iD5 only; mono needs 10× dye |
| Synergy H1 | Filters, top only |
| Synergy Neo2 | Dual cube special order |
| Tecan Spark | Top only; not on Cyto 300/400 |
| VANTAstar | Top and bottom |
| Varioskan LUX | Never |

## 1536-well plates

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-39)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | To 1536 |
| EnVision Nexus | 1–1536 |
| PHERAstar FSX | To 3456 |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Stops at 384 |
| Synergy H1 | Stops at 384 |
| Synergy Neo2 | Injectors to 384 only |
| Tecan Spark | Enhanced modules only |
| VANTAstar | Stops at 384 |
| Varioskan LUX | Own adapter; no lid, no dispensing |

## Full absorbance spectrum in about a second per well

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-37)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | <1 s |
| EnVision Nexus | Filters only, no spectrum |
| PHERAstar FSX | <1 s (spectrometer option) |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Not published |
| Synergy H1 | “An hour or more” per plate |
| Synergy Neo2 | ~60 s per well |
| Tecan Spark | ≤5 s |
| VANTAstar | <1 s |
| Varioskan LUX | ~18 s (calculated) |

## Chamber held at or below room temperature

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-50)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | Ambient +3 |
| EnVision Nexus | Ambient +5 |
| PHERAstar FSX | AAS option, 18–45 °C |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Ambient +5 |
| Synergy H1 | Ambient +4 |
| Synergy Neo2 | Ambient +4 |
| Tecan Spark | Te-Cool at incubation position only |
| VANTAstar | Ambient +4 |
| Varioskan LUX | Ambient +4 |

## CO₂ / O₂ control inside the reader

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-53)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | ACU, 0.1–20% |
| EnVision Nexus | Not offered |
| PHERAstar FSX | Not offered |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | User-installed mixer |
| Synergy H1 | G builds, separate unit |
| Synergy Neo2 | External add-on |
| Tecan Spark | At incubation position |
| VANTAstar | ACU, 1–20% |
| Varioskan LUX | Option module |

## Humidity control

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-52)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | No |
| EnVision Nexus | No; lids barred in sensitive modes |
| PHERAstar FSX | No |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | No; injected reads unlidded |
| Synergy H1 | No |
| Synergy Neo2 | No |
| Tecan Spark | Cassette + Lid Lifter |
| VANTAstar | No |
| Varioskan LUX | No |

## No plate adapters or hand-set read height

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-42)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | Autofocus |
| EnVision Nexus | Hand-swapped apertures fix the height |
| PHERAstar FSX | Plate defined in software |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Re-tune per plate lot |
| Synergy H1 | Auto Z-focus |
| Synergy Neo2 | Fixed bottom focus |
| Tecan Spark | Auto Z-focus |
| VANTAstar | Autofocus |
| Varioskan LUX | Adapter per plate and lid |

## Software on any number of PCs, no fee

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-55)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | Unlimited |
| EnVision Nexus | One bound PC |
| PHERAstar FSX | Unlimited |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | Per seat; Import license extra |
| Synergy H1 | 5 installs |
| Synergy Neo2 | 5 installs + USB dongle |
| Tecan Spark | 2 installs |
| VANTAstar | Unlimited |
| Varioskan LUX | Unlimited |

## 21 CFR Part 11 without a per-seat fee

[Read the detailed comparison →](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#finding-57)

| Reader | Answer and condition |
| --- | --- |
| CLARIOstar Plus | No per-seat fee |
| EnVision Nexus | Option |
| PHERAstar FSX | Included, no fee |
| SpectraMax iD3 / iD5 | GxP edition |
| Synergy H1 | Option |
| Synergy Neo2 | Option |
| Tecan Spark | Paid option |
| VANTAstar | No per-seat fee |
| Varioskan LUX | Separate edition |

## Sources

The [document library accompanying the detailed matrix](https://discoveryinpractice.com/compare/microplate-reader-specifications/#sources) lists the documents, editions, links and availability notes for these comparisons.