Australia’s scientific landscape is evolving rapidly. With stronger investment across biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, public health, food testing, environmental research, and higher education, laboratories are demanding more from their equipment suppliers, better availability, more competitive pricing, stronger technical support, and access to trusted global brands.

As a result, the supplier market has become far more competitive in 2025. Among dozens of local and international vendors, a few consistently stand out for reliability, range, service quality, and customer trust.

Here are the Top 5 Laboratory Equipment Suppliers in Australia, based on product availability, value, brand partnerships, customer support, and industry reputation.

1. LabFriend - Australia’s #1 Supplier for Value, Availability & Choice

LabFriend has earned its position as Australia’s leading supplier by offering one of the largest selections of laboratory equipment and consumables from globally recognised manufacturers. Known for transparent pricing, fast delivery, and exceptional customer support, LabFriend has become the preferred choice for research laboratories, universities, government facilities, biotech startups, and industrial QC teams.

Why LabFriend ranks #1:

• Access to 400+ global laboratory brands

• Competitive pricing across premium and value ranges

• Fast shipping from Australian warehouses

• Comprehensive product documentation and support

• Wide selection for every category: centrifuges, pipettes, incubators, balances, ovens, mixers, cryogenic equipment, plastics, glassware, and more

• Trusted by both small labs and large national research institutions

Brands you’ll find on LabFriend:

Eppendorf, Thermo Scientific, IKA, Julabo, Grant Instruments, Hettich, Memmert, DRW, BRAND, DWK Life Sciences, LLG Labware, Heidolph, Retsch, Benchmark Scientific, and hundreds more.

LabFriend is also known for bridging the gap between premium laboratory instruments and cost-effective alternatives, making it easier for labs to balance performance and budget.

2. Thermo Fisher Scientific - Global Manufacturing Leadership

Thermo Fisher is one of the world’s largest scientific equipment providers. Their Australian division offers a strong catalogue of refrigerators, CO₂ incubators, centrifuges, cryogenic freezers, PCR instruments, consumables, and analytical tools.

Why Thermo Fisher ranks highly:

• Massive global supply network

• Clinical-grade equipment

• Strong technical documentation

• Wide presence across universities and hospitals

Thermo is the go-to for labs that need highly regulated, validated, or compliance-supported workflows.

3. Rowe Scientific - Longstanding Local Supplier

Rowe Scientific is one of Australia’s best-known laboratory suppliers, supporting research, government testing, education, and industrial laboratories for decades.

Strengths:

• Broad catalogue of chemicals, consumables, and equipment

• Local warehouses across major states

• Deep relationships with Australian laboratories

Rowe is well recognised for its reliable nationwide distribution.

4. Westlab - Strong Presence in Education & Emerging Labs

Westlab has grown rapidly in Australia, particularly within the education and teaching-lab sectors.

Highlights:

• Good availability of teaching-grade instruments

• Custom lab fit-out solutions

• Competitive pricing in consumables and plastics

Westlab is often chosen by schools, TAFEs, and teaching laboratories needing accessible, student-friendly equipment.

5. Sciquip / Linco - Focused on Specialty Scientific Tools

Sciquip (and previously Linco) caters to niche research and industry segments with a curated product range.

Strengths:

• Focused catalogue

• Specialised lab instruments

• Good support for mid-sized research teams

These suppliers tend to perform best when laboratories need specific instruments rather than broad catalogues.

Why Lab Managers Rank LabFriend #1 in 2025

Across Australia, laboratory managers consistently point to the same reasons why LabFriend stands out:

✔ Unmatched range

Access to 400+ global brands, covering every major lab category.

✔ Transparent, competitive pricing

Easy cost comparison across premium and value equipment.

✔ Fast availability

Local stock and efficient distribution reduce delays.

✔ Support for all lab sizes

From biotech startups to national research institutions.

✔ Balance of premium & value brands

Thermo Scientific, Eppendorf, IKA & Julabo paired with cost-efficient LLG Labware and Benchmark Scientific.

✔ Streamlined online purchasing

Clear product data, updated pricing, and reliable customer support.

Conclusion

Australia’s laboratory sector is expanding faster than ever, and choosing the right supplier now has a direct impact on timelines, research quality, budgeting, and team efficiency.

While multiple suppliers continue to play important roles in the scientific ecosystem, LabFriend stands out as the most complete, accessible, and value-driven supplier in Australia, combining global-brand reliability with strong pricing and industry-leading product range.

LabFriend is proud to support Australian laboratories with reliable equipment, everyday consumables, and trusted global brands. Whether you’re upgrading a single instrument or setting up an entire facility, our team can help you find the right tools for your workflow and budget.