Nanoparticle Size & Zeta Potential Analyzers (DLS / ELS / SLS)
We put three dynamic light scattering instruments side by side using manufacturer technical data. The goal is practical, not promotional: see, on a single page, the measurement range, angle configuration and module differences you need when choosing the right zeta/size analyzer for your laboratory. Where the competing instruments are stronger, we say so.
Overview
All three measure size by DLS, zeta potential by ELS and molecular weight by SLS. The differences emerge in laser power, angle combination, temperature range and additional measurement modes.
Technical Comparison
All values are taken from manufacturer brochures and technical documents. They are not independent test results; we recommend requesting current brochures before a purchase decision.
| Specification | BeNano 180 Zeta MaxBettersize | Zetasizer UltraMalvern Panalytical | Litesizer 701Anton Paar |
|---|---|---|---|
| System | |||
| Laser source | 50 mW solid-state laser, 671 nm (optional 10 mW He-Ne, 633 nm) | 4 mW He-Ne, 632.8 nm (optional 10 mW) | 40 mW diode laser, 658 nm |
| Detector | APD (avalanche photodiode) | APD | APD |
| Correlator channels | 4000 channels; linear range > 10¹¹ | Manufacturer does not publish channel count | Max. 248 channels |
| Temperature control range | −15 °C – 120 °C (± 0.1 °C) | 0 °C – 120 °C | 0 °C – 120 °C |
| Condensation control | Dry air / nitrogen purge | Dry air / nitrogen purge | Dry air / nitrogen purge |
| Detection angles | 90° + 173° + 12° | 90° + 173° + 13° | 175° + 90° + 15° |
| Size Measurement — DLS | |||
| Measurement angle | 90° + 173° + 12° | 90° + 173° + 13° | 90° + 175° + 15° |
| Size range | 0.3 nm – 15 µm | 0.3 nm – 10 µm | 0.3 nm – 12 µm |
| Max. sample concentration | 40% w/v | 40% w/v | 50% w/v |
| Min. sample volume | 3 µL | 3 µL | 1.5 µL |
| Accuracy / repeatability | ± 1% / ± 1% | Not published by manufacturer | ± 2% / ± 2% |
| Min. sample concentration | 0.1 mg/mL (14.3 kDa lysozyme) | 0.1 mg/mL (14.3 kDa lysozyme) | 0.1 mg/mL protein (15 kDa) |
| Zeta Potential — ELS | |||
| Measurement angle | 12° | 13° | 15° |
| Max. conductivity | 270 mS/cm | 260 mS/cm | 200 mS/cm |
| Particle range for zeta | 1 nm – ≥120 µm | 3.8 nm – 100 µm | 1.3 nm – 100 µm |
| Zeta potential range | −500 mV – 500 mV | No effective limit | > ±1000 mV |
| Min. sample volume (zeta) | 20 µL | 20 µL | 50 µL |
| Zeta accuracy | ± 3% | Not published by manufacturer | ± 3% (repeatability) |
| PALS technique | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Molecular Weight — SLS | |||
| Mw measurement | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Absolute Mw range | 980 Da – 2 × 10⁷ Da | 980 Da – 2 × 10⁷ Da | Varies per manufacturer statement |
| Other Measurement Modes | |||
| Microrheology | Yes | No | No |
| Refractive index measurement | Yes | No | Yes |
| Concentration measurement | Yes (10⁸ – 10¹² particles/mL) | Yes (Red Label / MADLS only) | Yes |
| Sedimentation measurement | Yes | No | No |
| Transmittance | Yes | No | Yes |
| DLS flow mode | Optional | No | No |
| pH autotitration | Optional (BAT-1 module) | Optional (MPT-2) | Optional (FM 11 dosing system) |
| Software and Compliance | |||
| SOP automation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Report designer | Yes | Yes | — |
| 21 CFR Part 11 | Optional | Optional | Yes |
* Accuracy, repeatability and concentration values are manufacturer claims. The Litesizer 701 is the flagship of Anton Paar's DLS series; it includes MAPS multi-angle sizing, fluorescence/polarization filters and calibration-free concentration measurement. In the Zetasizer family, Ultra is the flagship; the Pro and Lab models differ in angles and modes. All data is compiled from the manufacturers' 2025 technical documents.
Honest Assessment
No instrument is the best choice in every scenario. The assessment below is based on manufacturer data and field experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Higher laser power allows a stronger signal to be collected from weakly scattering samples (small particles, low concentration, low contrast). This can shorten measurement time and improve reproducibility on borderline samples. In this respect BeNano's 50 mW solid-state laser is considerably more powerful than the Zetasizer Ultra's 4 mW He-Ne source; an optional He-Ne configuration is also available.
DLS-based microrheology is used to determine viscoelastic properties (viscosity, elastic/viscous modulus) in very small sample volumes. Polymer solutions, protein formulations and gels are typical examples. This mode is available on the BeNano series; it is not present on the Zetasizer Ultra or Litesizer 701. If your need points in this direction, the instrument choice becomes largely clear.
All three instruments operate under ISO 22412 (DLS) and ISO 13099 (zeta), so results are comparable in nature. Differences in laser wavelength and angle can still produce small deviations in D-values and zeta results. The right approach is to run parallel measurements with your critical samples and re-validate your acceptance criteria. Our demo process covers this.
The maximum conductivity limit is a critical parameter in zeta measurement. The BeNano 180 Zeta Max works up to 270 mS/cm; the Zetasizer Ultra is limited to 260 mS/cm and the Litesizer 701 to 200 mS/cm. For physiological buffers, seawater or high-salt formulations, BeNano's wider range is an advantage.
Yes. In zeta and size measurement, the most reliable way to choose an instrument is to base the decision on results from your own sample. Send us your sample; we will run the measurement and share the report. We also provide comparative evaluation against your current instrument's results.
Quote and Information
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