LabJack vs Arduino for data acquisition

What each side means here

• Product line

  LabJack

  LabJack T7 (T-series DAQ device). T7-Pro adds Wi-Fi and a 24-bit low-speed ADC; T4/T8 differ and are not covered.

  Shown with:

  • LabJack T7

• Platform

  Arduino

  Shown with UNO R3 and UNO R4 WiFi. Other Arduino boards have different ADCs.

  Shown with:

  • Arduino UNO R3
  • Arduino UNO R4 WiFi

Side by side

Values come from each product's own BenchRove record. A blank cell means our records have no sourced value for it.

What they have in common

• Both can turn a voltage on a wire into a number on a computer. Both have analog inputs, digital I/O and analog outputs (on the T7 and the UNO R4 WiFi), and both connect to a PC over USB. Evidence: Documented

  Evidence (4)

  • analog_inputs: 14 count Evidence: Documented

    From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • analog_inputs: 6 count Evidence: Documented

    From Arduino UNO R3 · Arduino · Product page, intro paragraph + 'EEPROM'/'Replaceable chip' sections · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • analog_outputs: 2 count Evidence: Documented

    From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • analog_outputs: 1 count Evidence: Documented

    From Arduino UNO R4 WiFi · Arduino · Description; Features; 2 Recommended Operating Conditions; 11.3 Pin Current · retrieved 2026-10-18

• Both can run on their own after setup: the T7 through on-board Lua scripts, an UNO through its sketch. Evidence: Documented

  Evidence (2)

  • T-series devices support on-board Lua scripting for headless operation. Evidence: Documented

    From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • In an Arduino sketch, setup() runs once when the sketch starts, after each power-up or reset of the board. Evidence: Documented

    From Arduino vs Raspberry Pi · Arduino · setup() Description · retrieved 2026-10-19

Key differences

• They solve different problems. The T7 is a data-acquisition device. You keep your program on the computer, the LJM library talks to the T7, and readings come back already converted to volts using the device's calibration constants. With an Arduino you write the measuring program yourself, and analogRead() gives you a raw integer that your code has to convert. Evidence: Documented

  Evidence (3)

  • LJM is LabJack's free, cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux including Raspberry Pi) library for T-series devices, MIT X11-licensed, with LabJack-maintained wrappers for languages including C/C++, Python, MATLAB, C# .NET and LabVIEW. Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · LJM Library Overview: intro, Features, Cross-Platform, Supported In Multiple Languages · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • During streaming, LJM converts each 16-bit analog reading to a voltage on the host using calibration constants it reads from the device before the stream starts. Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · 3.2 Stream Mode: "T4 / T7" max-rate section; Stream-In and/or Stream-Out; 16-bit data; Simultaneous Sampling - T8 Only · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Arduino analogRead() maps input voltages between 0 and the board operating voltage (5 V on an UNO) to integers 0-1023 at 10 bits, about 4.9 mV per step on an UNO; the input range can be changed with analogReference(), and the function returns an integer reading, not a voltage. Evidence: Documented

    Arduino · analogRead() Description (2nd and 3rd paragraphs); Returns · retrieved 2026-10-19

• Input ranges are the clearest difference. An UNO measures from 0 V to 5 V (by default) on single-ended inputs. The T7 has bipolar ranges from +/-10 V down to +/-0.01 V, gains up to x1000, and differential inputs, which suit small sensor signals and signals that go negative. Evidence: Inferred

  Evidence (3)

  • Arduino analogRead() maps input voltages between 0 and the board operating voltage (5 V on an UNO) to integers 0-1023 at 10 bits, about 4.9 mV per step on an UNO; the input range can be changed with analogReference(), and the function returns an integer reading, not a voltage. Evidence: Documented

    Arduino · analogRead() Description (2nd and 3rd paragraphs); Returns · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • The T7 has 14 analog inputs (single-ended) or 7 differential, with programmable gains of x1, x10, x100 and x1000. Evidence: Documented

    From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • Inference: an UNO analog input reads only from 0 V up to its reference (5 V by default) and is single-ended, whereas the T7 offers bipolar ranges down to +/-0.01 V with gains up to x1000 and differential inputs; measuring small or negative voltages with an UNO would need extra front-end circuitry. Not tested by BenchRove. Evidence: Inferred

    Arduino · analogRead() Description (2nd and 3rd paragraphs); Returns · retrieved 2026-10-19

• Resolution is 10-bit on the UNO R3 (about 4.9 mV per step at 5 V), up to 14-bit on the UNO R4 WiFi (10-bit unless you change it), and 16 bits or more on the T7. More bits do not automatically mean a more accurate reading, and we have not reviewed any of these boards' accuracy specifications. Evidence: Documented

  Evidence (3)

  • Arduino's analogRead() reference says an Arduino UNO contains a multichannel 10-bit ADC that maps input voltages from 0 V to the +5 V operating voltage onto 0-1023, and that the default analogRead() resolution on Arduino boards is 10 bits, for compatibility, changeable with analogReadResolution(). Evidence: Documented

    From Arduino vs Raspberry Pi · Arduino · analogRead() Description (2nd and 3rd paragraphs); Returns · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Arduino analogRead() maps input voltages between 0 and the board operating voltage (5 V on an UNO) to integers 0-1023 at 10 bits, about 4.9 mV per step on an UNO; the input range can be changed with analogReference(), and the function returns an integer reading, not a voltage. Evidence: Documented

    Arduino · analogRead() Description (2nd and 3rd paragraphs); Returns · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • analog_input_resolution: 16 bit Evidence: Documented

    From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

• Speed: the T7 can stream up to 100,000 samples per second in total, shared across channels (five channels gives 20,000 scans per second each), at resolution index 0 or 1 with all inputs on the +/-10 V range. The current Arduino analogRead() reference gives no reading rate for the UNO. The T7 samples its channels one after another, not at the same instant. Evidence: Documented

  Evidence (2)

  • The T7 maximum stream sample rate is 100 ksamples/second in total; for multi-channel streams this applies only at resolution index 0 or 1 with all analog inputs on the +/-10 V range, and sample rate = number of channels x scan rate (for example 5 channels give at most 20 kscans/second). Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · 3.2 Stream Mode: "T4 / T7" max-rate section; Stream-In and/or Stream-Out; 16-bit data; Simultaneous Sampling - T8 Only · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • The T8 is the only T-series device that samples its analog inputs simultaneously; the T7 samples them sequentially, one after another. Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · 3.2 Stream Mode: "T4 / T7" max-rate section; Stream-In and/or Stream-Out; 16-bit data; Simultaneous Sampling - T8 Only · retrieved 2026-10-19

• Channels and I/O: T7 14 analog inputs and 23 digital I/O; UNO 6 analog inputs and 14 digital pins. Evidence: Documented

  Evidence (4)

  • analog_inputs: 14 count Evidence: Documented

    From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • gpio_pins: 23 count Evidence: Documented

    From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • analog_inputs: 6 count Evidence: Documented

    From Arduino UNO R3 · Arduino · Product page, intro paragraph + 'EEPROM'/'Replaceable chip' sections · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • digital_io_pins: 14 count Evidence: Documented

    From Arduino UNO R3 · Arduino · Product page, intro paragraph + 'EEPROM'/'Replaceable chip' sections · retrieved 2026-10-16

• Software: LJM has LabJack-maintained wrappers for Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, C/C++ and C#, so measurements can go straight into analysis or test software. An UNO usually sends its readings over Serial to whatever program you write. Evidence: Documented

  Evidence (2)

  • LJM is LabJack's free, cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux including Raspberry Pi) library for T-series devices, MIT X11-licensed, with LabJack-maintained wrappers for languages including C/C++, Python, MATLAB, C# .NET and LabVIEW. Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · LJM Library Overview: intro, Features, Cross-Platform, Supported In Multiple Languages · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Arduino Serial is used for communication between the board and a computer or other devices; on the UNO (R3) pins 0 and 1 are used for communication with the computer, and TX/RX pins use TTL logic levels (5 V or 3.3 V depending on the board). Evidence: Documented

    From Arduino vs Raspberry Pi · Arduino · Serial Description and Notes · retrieved 2026-10-19

When LabJack fits

• Choose a LabJack T7 when measuring is the job itself: logging many channels to a PC, small or bipolar voltages, readings converted to volts with calibration constants, or measurements that need to go into Python, MATLAB or LabVIEW. Evidence: Documented

  Evidence (3)

  • The T7 has 14 analog inputs (single-ended) or 7 differential, with programmable gains of x1, x10, x100 and x1000. Evidence: Documented

    From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16

  • During streaming, LJM converts each 16-bit analog reading to a voltage on the host using calibration constants it reads from the device before the stream starts. Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · 3.2 Stream Mode: "T4 / T7" max-rate section; Stream-In and/or Stream-Out; 16-bit data; Simultaneous Sampling - T8 Only · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • LJM is LabJack's free, cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux including Raspberry Pi) library for T-series devices, MIT X11-licensed, with LabJack-maintained wrappers for languages including C/C++, Python, MATLAB, C# .NET and LabVIEW. Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · LJM Library Overview: intro, Features, Cross-Platform, Supported In Multiple Languages · retrieved 2026-10-19

• Choose it when you need hardware-timed streaming at rates up to its 100 kS/s total, over USB or (fastest) Ethernet. Evidence: Documented

  Evidence (2)

  • The T7 maximum stream sample rate is 100 ksamples/second in total; for multi-channel streams this applies only at resolution index 0 or 1 with all analog inputs on the +/-10 V range, and sample rate = number of channels x scan rate (for example 5 channels give at most 20 kscans/second). Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · 3.2 Stream Mode: "T4 / T7" max-rate section; Stream-In and/or Stream-Out; 16-bit data; Simultaneous Sampling - T8 Only · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • In stream mode the LabJack device collects data and streams it to the host computer; Ethernet gives the fastest stream rates, USB is typically a little slower and WiFi much slower. Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · 3.2 Stream Mode: "T4 / T7" max-rate section; Stream-In and/or Stream-Out; 16-bit data; Simultaneous Sampling - T8 Only · retrieved 2026-10-19

When Arduino fits

• Choose an Arduino UNO when measurement is part of a larger project that also controls things, the signals are 0-5 V and change slowly, and you are happy to write and calibrate the measuring code yourself. Evidence: Documented

  Evidence (2)

  • Arduino analogRead() maps input voltages between 0 and the board operating voltage (5 V on an UNO) to integers 0-1023 at 10 bits, about 4.9 mV per step on an UNO; the input range can be changed with analogReference(), and the function returns an integer reading, not a voltage. Evidence: Documented

    Arduino · analogRead() Description (2nd and 3rd paragraphs); Returns · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • After setup(), an Arduino sketch's loop() function runs repeatedly and is used to actively control the board. Evidence: Documented

    From Arduino vs Raspberry Pi · Arduino · loop() Description · retrieved 2026-10-19

• Choose it for learning how ADCs, sampling and serial logging work from the ground up, or for an embedded device that has to run without a PC. Evidence: Documented

  Evidence (2)

  • In an Arduino sketch, setup() runs once when the sketch starts, after each power-up or reset of the board. Evidence: Documented

    From Arduino vs Raspberry Pi · Arduino · setup() Description · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Arduino Serial is used for communication between the board and a computer or other devices; on the UNO (R3) pins 0 and 1 are used for communication with the computer, and TX/RX pins use TTL logic levels (5 V or 3.3 V depending on the board). Evidence: Documented

    From Arduino vs Raspberry Pi · Arduino · Serial Description and Notes · retrieved 2026-10-19

Using them together

• They can share a bench. The Arduino runs the experiment (moving a servo, switching LEDs, sending trigger pulses), and the T7 does the measuring. A T7 digital input can read an UNO's 5 V output, because T-series digital inputs are 5 V tolerant. The reverse direction (a 3.3 V T7 output into an UNO input) has not been checked. Both statements are inferences, not tests. Evidence: Inferred

  Evidence (2)

  • Inference: because all T-series digital I/O lines are 5 V tolerant for input, a T7 digital input can read an UNO 5 V digital output; the reverse direction (a 3.3 V T7 output into an UNO input) was not checked against UNO input thresholds. Not tested by BenchRove. Evidence: Inferred

    LabJack · 13.0 Digital I/O, "Logic Levels" and "5V Tolerance" paragraphs · retrieved 2026-10-18

  • All T-series digital I/O lines, including the T7, are 5 V tolerant for input. Evidence: Documented

    From LabJack T7 · LabJack · 13.0 Digital I/O, "Logic Levels" and "5V Tolerance" paragraphs · retrieved 2026-10-18

• LJM also runs on a Raspberry Pi under Linux, so a Pi can host the T7 while an Arduino handles control. This is the computer + microcontroller split described on cmp-arduino-vs-raspberry-pi. Evidence: Documented

  Evidence (2)

  • LJM is LabJack's free, cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux including Raspberry Pi) library for T-series devices, MIT X11-licensed, with LabJack-maintained wrappers for languages including C/C++, Python, MATLAB, C# .NET and LabVIEW. Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · LJM Library Overview: intro, Features, Cross-Platform, Supported In Multiple Languages · retrieved 2026-10-19

  • Arduino Serial is used for communication between the board and a computer or other devices; on the UNO (R3) pins 0 and 1 are used for communication with the computer, and TX/RX pins use TTL logic levels (5 V or 3.3 V depending on the board). Evidence: Documented

    From Arduino vs Raspberry Pi · Arduino · Serial Description and Notes · retrieved 2026-10-19

Caveats and limits

• Sample rates are not like-for-like: the T7 figure is a hardware-timed stream total with conditions, and no UNO reading rate is given on the current Arduino reference page. Evidence: Documented

  Evidence (1)

  • The T7 maximum stream sample rate is 100 ksamples/second in total; for multi-channel streams this applies only at resolution index 0 or 1 with all analog inputs on the +/-10 V range, and sample rate = number of channels x scan rate (for example 5 channels give at most 20 kscans/second). Evidence: Documented

    LabJack · 3.2 Stream Mode: "T4 / T7" max-rate section; Stream-In and/or Stream-Out; 16-bit data; Simultaneous Sampling - T8 Only · retrieved 2026-10-19

Guides

• Arduino
• LabJack T-series (LabJack Corporation)

Sources

Last updated 2026-10-19. Audited by BenchRove (documentation review; nothing was tested hands-on).

1. Arduino · analogRead() Description (2nd and 3rd paragraphs); Returns · retrieved 2026-10-19
2. LabJack · LJM Library Overview: intro, Features, Cross-Platform, Supported In Multiple Languages · retrieved 2026-10-19
3. LabJack · 3.2 Stream Mode: "T4 / T7" max-rate section; Stream-In and/or Stream-Out; 16-bit data; Simultaneous Sampling - T8 Only · retrieved 2026-10-19
4. LabJack · 13.0 Digital I/O, "Logic Levels" and "5V Tolerance" paragraphs · retrieved 2026-10-18
5. LabJack · 1.0 Device Overview: T7 section; T7 vs T7-Pro · retrieved 2026-10-16 · via LabJack T7
6. Arduino · Product page, intro paragraph + 'EEPROM'/'Replaceable chip' sections · retrieved 2026-10-16 · via Arduino UNO R3
7. Arduino · Description; Features; 2 Recommended Operating Conditions; 11.3 Pin Current · retrieved 2026-10-18 · via Arduino UNO R4 WiFi
8. Arduino · Features p.2; 1.2 Related Products p.5; 2.2 Power Consumption p.6; 3.2 Processor p.7; 4.1 p.9 · retrieved 2026-10-16 · via Arduino UNO R3
9. Arduino · setup() Description · retrieved 2026-10-19 · via Arduino vs Raspberry Pi
10. Arduino · Serial Description and Notes · retrieved 2026-10-19 · via Arduino vs Raspberry Pi
11. Arduino · loop() Description · retrieved 2026-10-19 · via Arduino vs Raspberry Pi