For most general purpose labs, the Beckman Coulter Avanti J-15 at a $11,067.00 list price is the direct match, while the Thermo Scientific Sorvall ST1 Plus at $7,812.00 each is the lower cost general purpose option when a rotor is bought separately. Rotor cost changes the total in a large way. The Sorvall ST1 Plus is sold without a rotor, and a Thermo Fisher TX-1000 cell culture rotor package is listed at $6,642.00 each, so add that cost before you compare headline prices. For small tube work, the Eppendorf Centrifuge 5424 R and the OHAUS Frontier FC5515 cover 1.5 ml and 2.0 ml tubes at up to 21,130 x g and 21,953 x g, while the Benchmark LC-8 Plus at $762.47 each is the lowest cost entry.
Pick by tube size first, then by capacity, speed, and cooling. A microcentrifuge that holds 24 tubes of 1.5 ml cannot replace a 3 L benchtop model. Check whether the listed price includes a rotor, because that single item can add thousands of dollars to the total.
On this page
Beckman coulter centrifuge alternatives: comparison table
Swipe the table sideways on a phone to see every column.
| # | Name | Best for | Starting price | Free plan / trial | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beckman Coulter Avanti J-15 | General purpose benchtop work at 3 L capacity | $11,067.00 list price | Not applicable | Visit |
| 2 | Thermo Scientific Sorvall ST1 Plus | General purpose labs that need a lower cost base unit | $7,812.00 each | Not applicable | Visit |
| 3 | Eppendorf Centrifuge 5424 R | Refrigerated microcentrifuge work with 1.5 ml and 2.0 ml tubes | quote only | Not applicable | Visit |
| 4 | Hettich Universal 320 | Versatile benchtop work with many rotor types | 3,487.00 EUR excluding VAT | Not applicable | Visit |
| 5 | Sigma 4-16S | Large volume benchtop work up to 3 L | quote only | Not applicable | Visit |
| 6 | OHAUS Frontier FC5515 | High speed microcentrifuge work at 15,200 rpm | $3,721.00 each | Not applicable | Visit |
| 7 | Benchmark LC-8 Plus | Low cost clinical and research tube spins | $762.47 each | Not applicable | Visit |
| 8 | Drucker HORIZON 24 Flex | Routine clinical labs with high daily tube volume | $4,525.91 each | Not applicable | Visit |
The 8 best beckman coulter centrifuge alternatives, in detail
Beckman Coulter Avanti J-15
Best for: General purpose benchtop work at 3 L capacity
The Avanti J-15 is the Beckman Coulter model in this list, and it is the reference point for the alternatives that follow. Beckman Coulter lists product number C01994, the Avanti J-15 Centrifuge IVD, at $11,067.00 list price. The published specifications give a maximum speed of 10,200 rpm, a maximum force of 11,420 x g, and a maximum capacity volume range of 3 L.
- The Avanti J-15 offers 10 acceleration rates and 11 deceleration rates, including no braking.
- The unit measures 55.6 cm wide, 74.9 cm deep, and 36.8 cm high, and it weighs 93 kg.
- Choose this model when you want a Beckman Coulter benchtop unit with a 3 L capacity.
- Do not choose it when you need a refrigerated model, because the J-15R is listed separately at $16,794.00.
Pros
- Maximum speed 10,200 rpm and maximum force 11,420 x g
- Maximum capacity 3 L
- 10 acceleration rates and 11 deceleration rates
Cons
- List price is shown for one product number and the rotor is a separate choice
- Weight is 93 kg, so bench space and lifting need planning
Thermo Scientific Sorvall ST1 Plus
Best for: General purpose labs that need a lower cost base unit
The Sorvall ST1 Plus is the closest Thermo Scientific match to a general purpose Beckman Coulter benchtop centrifuge. Thermo Fisher lists the Sorvall ST1 General Purpose Plus Centrifuge, ventilated, catalog number 75009240, at $7,812.00 each. The series comes with a keypad and a high contrast LCD display.
- The main cost detail is the rotor.
- The Thermo Fisher shop page states that the rotor needs to be purchased separately for the ST1 Plus models.
- The TX-1000 cell culture rotor package is listed at $6,642.00 each, while the TX-400 cell culture rotor package is listed at $4,203.00 each.
- The refrigerated ST1R model, catalog number 75009381, is listed at $11,700.00 each.
Pros
- Ventilated model listed at $7,812.00 each
- Keypad control with high contrast LCD display
- Wide rotor package range for cell culture and blood tubes
Cons
- Rotor needs to be purchased separately
- Refrigerated ST1R model is listed at $11,700.00 each, which is higher than the ventilated model
Eppendorf Centrifuge 5424 R
Best for: Refrigerated microcentrifuge work with 1.5 ml and 2.0 ml tubes
The Eppendorf Centrifuge 5424 R is a refrigerated microcentrifuge, and it fits a different job from the 3 L benchtop models in this list. It holds up to 24 micro test tubes, and it reaches 21,130 x g at 15,000 rpm. Four rotors are available, and the Kit rotor holds 18 spin columns and 1.5 or 2.0 ml tubes at a maximum of 18,111 x g.
- Cooling is the reason to pick the 5424 R over the non-refrigerated 5424.
- The temperature range is from minus 10 C to plus 40 C, and Eppendorf states a guaranteed temperature of 4 C at maximum speed.
- The FastTemp function gives quick pre-cooling, for example from about 21 C to 4 C in only 8 minutes.
- The unit weighs 21 kg and uses up to 350 W.
Pros
- Maximum force 21,130 x g at 15,000 rpm
- Temperature range from minus 10 C to plus 40 C
- FastTemp pre-cooling from about 21 C to 4 C in 8 minutes
Cons
- No price is published on the official product page, so the price is quote only
- Capacity is limited to micro tubes up to 2.0 ml
Hettich Universal 320
Best for: Versatile benchtop work with many rotor types
The Hettich Universal 320 is a compact benchtop centrifuge for medical, biological, and analytical work. A retailer page lists it starting from 3,487.00 EUR excluding 19 percent VAT, plus shipping. The speed range is 400 to 15,000 rpm, and the maximum RCF is 21,382 x g.
- The maximum capacity in a swing-out rotor is 4 x 200 ml, and an angle rotor can hold 6 x 85 ml.
- Swing-out, angle, and cytology rotors are available, and the cytology rotor can hold up to 6 microscope slides.
- The standard model uses air cooling, while the Universal 320 R adds temperature control from minus 20 C to plus 40 C.
- Choose this model when you need one benchtop unit for blood tubes, cell culture, microtubes, and plates.
Pros
- Speed range 400 to 15,000 rpm and maximum RCF 21,382 x g
- Capacity 4 x 200 ml in a swing-out rotor
- Refrigerated 320 R version with temperature from minus 20 C to plus 40 C
Cons
- Starting price excludes 19 percent VAT and shipping, and the price varies by version
- Weight is about 31 kg for the standard model and about 53 kg for the cooled model
Sigma 4-16S
Best for: Large volume benchtop work up to 3 L
The Sigma 4-16S is an unrefrigerated benchtop centrifuge with a large capacity for its footprint. Swing-out rotors can hold up to 3 L, as 4 x 750 ml, or 16 x 50 ml tubes. Fixed-angle rotors can hold 6 x 250 ml.
- The published maximum speed is 13,500 rpm, and the maximum RCF is 21,917 x g.
- The unit weighs 82 kg without a rotor.
- The patented Spincontrol S one-knob controller gives intuitive operation, and 30 acceleration and 30 braking profiles help a lab tune a run for soft p
- Automatic rotor identification and password-protected access are included.
Pros
- Swing-out capacity 4 x 750 ml, a total of 3 L
- Maximum speed 13,500 rpm and maximum RCF 21,917 x g
- 30 acceleration and 30 braking profiles
Cons
- No price is published on the official product page, so the price is quote only
- Weight without rotor is 82 kg, so it needs a strong bench and two people to place it
OHAUS Frontier FC5515
Best for: High speed microcentrifuge work at 15,200 rpm
The OHAUS Frontier FC5515 is a high speed microcentrifuge in the Frontier 5000 Series. A retailer page lists the FC5515, 120 V, with selectable rotor, at $3,721.00. The speed range is 200 rpm to 15,200 rpm, and the maximum RCF is 21,953 x g.
- Capacity is 44 x 1.5 or 2.0 ml tubes, or 12 x 5 ml tubes.
- The unit has a brushless motor, an LCD display with backlight, and a motor driven lid lock.
- It stores up to 99 program memories.
- The unit measures 15.5 by 11.5 by 11.3 inches, weighs 38 lb, and uses 280 W.
Pros
- Maximum speed 15,200 rpm and maximum RCF 21,953 x g
- Capacity 44 x 1.5 or 2.0 ml tubes
- 99 program memories
Cons
- Rotor is selectable, so the buyer must confirm which rotor is included at the listed price
- Not approved for medical, clinical, surgical, or other patient-oriented applications, as stated on the retailer page
Benchmark LC-8 Plus
Best for: Low cost clinical and research tube spins
The Benchmark LC-8 Plus is the lowest cost model in this list. LabRepCo lists it at $762.47 each, with a crossed out list of $897.03 shown beside it. The item number is C3200.
- An eight position rotor is included, and it accepts 10 ml and 15 ml test tubes, conical or round bottom.
- The back-lit LCD display gives control over run time and speed, and speed can be set or viewed in rpm or rcf.
- Safety features include a lid lock and an imbalance detection system that stops the rotor when an imbalance is found.
- The maximum force is 3,070 x g, so this model fits routine spins, not high speed pelleting.
Pros
- Listed at $762.47 each, down from $897.03
- Eight position rotor included for 10 ml and 15 ml tubes
- Imbalance detection stops the rotor when vibration is found
Cons
- Maximum force is 3,070 x g, which is far below the high speed models in this list
- Speed and capacity are limited to routine tube work
Drucker HORIZON 24 Flex
Best for: Routine clinical labs with high daily tube volume
The Drucker HORIZON 24 Flex is a high volume programmable centrifuge for busy clinical labs. Drucker Diagnostics lists it at $4,525.91 each, ready to use, right out of the box. The page states that all Drucker centrifuges are sold complete with the rotor and tube holders, and no additional accessories are necessary.
- Capacity out of the box is 24 samples up to 10 ml, and 12 samples up to 15 ml.
- With carriers sold separately, it can hold 6 samples up to 50 ml.
- Maximum speed is 3,400 rpm, and maximum RCF is 2,000 x g.
- The digital display stores up to 10 custom cycles, and three preset cycles are listed.
Pros
- Listed at $4,525.91 each and sold ready to use with rotor and tube holders included
- Stores up to 10 custom cycles and has 3 preset cycles
- 2 year standard warranty
Cons
- Maximum speed is 3,400 rpm and maximum force is 2,000 x g, which is low for research protocols
- 50 ml tubes need carriers sold separately
How we chose
We chose models that cover the same jobs as a Beckman Coulter centrifuge: general purpose benchtop work, refrigerated microcentrifuge work, high speed micro tube work, large volume benchtop work, and routine clinical work. Each item is a real product from a real brand, with a published specification from an official brand page or a major retailer page opened on 2026-11-12. When a vendor did not publish a price, we wrote quote only. We did not test any tool hands-on. We did not install or use any centrifuge, and we did not claim hands-on results.
Pick by sample type and budget
| Use | Pick | Starting price | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| General purpose 3 L benchtop | Beckman Coulter Avanti J-15 | $11,067.00 list price | 3 L capacity, 10,200 rpm, 11,420 x g |
| General purpose base unit, rotor added later | Thermo Scientific Sorvall ST1 Plus | $7,812.00 each | Lower base price, wide rotor packages |
| Refrigerated micro tubes | Eppendorf Centrifuge 5424 R | quote only | 21,130 x g, minus 10 C to plus 40 C |
| Versatile benchtop, many rotors | Hettich Universal 320 | 3,487.00 EUR excluding VAT | 4 x 200 ml, 21,382 x g, IVD compliant |
| Large volume benchtop | Sigma 4-16S | quote only | 3 L swing-out, 21,917 x g |
| High speed micro tubes | OHAUS Frontier FC5515 | $3,721.00 each | 15,200 rpm, 21,953 x g, 44 tubes |
| Low cost routine spins | Benchmark LC-8 Plus | $762.47 each | 8 tubes, 3,070 x g, rotor included |
| Routine clinical volume | Drucker HORIZON 24 Flex | $4,525.91 each | 24 tubes, 10 custom cycles, rotor included |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Beckman Coulter centrifuge alternative for general purpose labs?
The Beckman Coulter Avanti J-15 itself is the direct match at $11,067.00 list price, with 3 L capacity and 11,420 x g. The Thermo Scientific Sorvall ST1 Plus is the closest lower cost base unit at $7,812.00 each, but the rotor is sold separately, so add a rotor package before you compare totals.
How much do Beckman Coulter centrifuge alternatives cost?
Prices in this list run from $762.47 each for the Benchmark LC-8 Plus to $11,067.00 list price for the Beckman Coulter Avanti J-15. The Drucker HORIZON 24 Flex is $4,525.91 each, the OHAUS FC5515 is $3,721.00 each, and the Sorvall ST1 Plus is $7,812.00 each. Two models are quote only.
Which alternative is best for microcentrifuge work?
The Eppendorf Centrifuge 5424 R is best when cooling is needed, with 21,130 x g and a range from minus 10 C to plus 40 C. The OHAUS Frontier FC5515 is best for higher throughput without cooling, with 15,200 rpm, 21,953 x g, and 44 tubes of 1.5 or 2.0 ml in one run.
Which alternative is best for routine clinical labs?
The Drucker HORIZON 24 Flex is best for routine clinical labs, because it holds 24 tubes up to 10 ml, stores 10 custom cycles, and is sold complete with rotor and tube holders at $4,525.91 each. The Hettich Universal 320 is a wider choice when a lab also needs cytology rotors and a cooled version.
Do I need to buy a rotor separately?
It depends on the model. The Thermo Scientific Sorvall ST1 Plus is sold without a rotor, and a TX-1000 rotor package is listed at $6,642.00 each. The Drucker HORIZON 24 Flex and the Benchmark LC-8 Plus are sold with a rotor included. The OHAUS FC5515 has a selectable rotor, so confirm the exact rotor in the order.
What is the unique cost detail that changes the choice?
Some models are sold without a rotor and some are sold complete, so a lower headline price can lead to a higher total. The Sorvall ST1 Plus is $7,812.00 each without a rotor, while the Avanti J-15 is $11,067.00 list price, and a Sorvall rotor package can add $4,203.00 to $6,642.00 each to the total.
Sources
- https://www.beckman.com/
- https://www.beckman.com/centrifuges/general-purpose/avanti-j-15/c01994
- https://www.thermofisher.com/
- https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/o/a/centrifuges-online-offers.html
- https://www.eppendorf.com/
- https://www.eppendorf.com/au-en/Products/Centrifugation/Microcentrifuges/Centrifuge-5424R-p-PF-240997
- https://www.hettichlab.com/
- https://www.sigma-zentrifugen.de/en/
- https://www.sigma-zentrifugen.de/en/products/centrifuges/details/sigma-4-16s
- https://www.ohaus.com/
- https://www.benchmarkscientific.com/
- https://www.druckerdiagnostics.com/
- https://druckerdiagnostics.com/product/horizon-24-flex/
Prices and features were read on each company’s own website in November 2026. They change often, so confirm the current offer on the official site before you sign up or buy.