Independent comparison of the best automated cell counters and cell counting microscopes for UK research labs. Compare EVOS M3000, Countess 3, LUNA-II, LUNA-FL and higher-throughput systems with indicative prices.
An automated cell counter saves hours in a busy UK research lab. Instead of counting cells by hand through a haemocytometer, you load a sample and receive total cell number, viability and size distribution in under a minute. Some systems also capture images for audit trails, GLP records and publication-quality figures.
This guide focuses on the best automated cell counters available in the UK in 2026: benchtop dedicated counters for quick trypan-blue counts, imaging counters that double as microscopes, and higher-throughput options for screening labs.
The EVOS M3000 is more than a counter. It is a compact digital inverted microscope with brightfield, phase contrast and two-channel fluorescence, plus automated cell counting and confluence detection. Labs that want one instrument for routine checks, GFP imaging and publication snapshots get the most value.
Why it wins: touchscreen interface, no external PC, fits in biosafety cabinets, integrated analysis.
Indicative UK price: £8,995 – £10,500 exc. VAT
Read EVOS M3000 Review → Thermo Fisher UK →The Logos Biosystems LUNA-II is a brightfield-only counter that uses trypan blue for total and viable cell counts. It is fast, accurate and easy to clean. Optional built-in printer makes it ideal for GLP/GMP environments where paper records are required.
Why it wins: low cost per sample, fast throughput, minimal maintenance, compact.
Indicative UK price: £2,500 – £4,000 exc. VAT
Camlab UK → SciQuip UK →The Countess 3 handles high-throughput trypan-blue counting with a large touchscreen and autofocus. The Countess 3 FL adds fluorescence for viability dyes and GFP. It is the natural choice for labs already invested in Thermo Fisher reagents and workflows.
Why it wins: familiar interface, fast sample-to-result, optional fluorescence.
Indicative UK price: £8,000 – £15,000 exc. VAT
Thermo Fisher UK →The LUNA-FL combines brightfield and dual fluorescence channels. It can count cells stained with AO/PI, run GFP reporter assays and handle debris-heavy primary samples better than pure brightfield systems.
Why it wins: fluorescence capability at a lower price than imaging counters, portable size.
Indicative UK price: £4,500 – £6,500 exc. VAT
Camlab UK →When counting needs to sit alongside four-colour fluorescence imaging, the EVOS M5000 is the next step up. It adds Z-stacking and time-lapse, making it suitable for live/dead assays, transfection efficiency and long-term cultures.
Indicative UK price: £12,000 – £18,000 exc. VAT
Read EVOS M5000 Review → Thermo Fisher UK →For labs running multi-well assays, the EVOS M7000 automates plate scanning, stitching and analysis. On-stage incubation enables long time-lapse experiments. It is not a simple counter, but it counts and analyses cells across entire plates faster than manual methods.
Indicative UK price: £22,000 – £35,000 exc. VAT
M7000 Guide → Thermo Fisher UK →| Counter / Microscope | Method | Fluorescence | Best For | Indicative UK Price (excl. VAT) | UK Seller Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EVOS M3000 | Imaging + auto count | 2 channels | All-in-one imaging counter | £8,995 – £10,500 | Thermo UK |
| LUNA-II | Brightfield / trypan blue | No | Budget dedicated counter | £2,500 – £4,000 | Camlab UK |
| Countess 3 / 3 FL | Brightfield / trypan blue (FL adds fluorescence) | Optional | High-throughput counting | £8,000 – £15,000 | Thermo UK |
| LUNA-FL | Brightfield + 2 fluorescence | Yes (AO/PI, GFP) | Fluorescence on a budget | £4,500 – £6,500 | Camlab UK |
| EVOS M5000 | Imaging + auto count | 4 channels | Multi-colour fluorescence research | £12,000 – £18,000 | Thermo UK |
| EVOS M7000 | Automated plate scanning | 4 channels + time-lapse | High-throughput screening | £22,000 – £35,000 | Thermo UK |
If you only need total/viable counts, a dedicated counter such as the LUNA-II or Countess 3 is faster and cheaper. If you also capture cell images for lab books, publications or morphology review, an imaging counter such as the EVOS M3000 is more versatile.
Brightfield counters work for clean cell lines. Primary cells, debris-heavy samples and fluorescence reporter assays need a fluorescence-capable system such as the LUNA-FL or EVOS M5000.
Counting slides, trypan blue and reagents can add running costs. Verify that your preferred supplier stocks consumables locally and offers UK service cover. Lead times for spare parts can be weeks longer if everything ships from the US or EU.
Ask for a demo with your own cells. Automated counters can struggle with small cells, clumps, debris or unusual shapes. A demo reveals whether the default counting algorithm suits your work before you commit budget.
For imaging plus counting, the EVOS M3000 is the best all-rounder. For dedicated fast counting on a budget, the LUNA-II is hard to beat. For fluorescence work, choose the LUNA-FL or Countess 3 FL.
For throughput and consistency, yes. Automated counters reduce user error and record images. A haemocytometer remains useful for occasional manual checks.
Dedicated brightfield counters start around £2,500-£4,000. Imaging counters such as the EVOS M3000 range from £8,995-£10,500. High-content screening platforms exceed £50,000. All prices exclude VAT.
Brightfield plus trypan blue is enough for routine counts. Fluorescence is needed for transfection efficiency, GFP reporters, apoptosis stains and debris-heavy samples.
Read our full automated cell counting microscope comparison or browse all buying guides.
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