| Votes | By | Price | Discipline | Year Launched |
| Protocol Online | FREE | Interdisciplinary |
Protocol Online is one of the earliest community-driven repositories of life science protocols, serving researchers since the late 1990s. Built as a centralized index of laboratory methods, it provides links to thousands of protocols across molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and related fields. Unlike modern protocol platforms that focus on interactive formats or commercial publishing, Protocol Online functions as a curated gateway: it aggregates protocols from journals, universities, laboratories, and open websites, making it easier for researchers to locate reputable methods without navigating dozens of sources individually.
The site’s strength lies in its breadth and long-term persistence. It organizes protocols by topic—from PCR and cloning to protein purification and microscopy—and supplements these with forums, troubleshooting discussions, and a classifieds-style listing of lab resources. Although the interface is old-fashioned by today’s standards and many linked pages are externally hosted, Protocol Online remains a valuable starting point for students, early-career researchers, and labs seeking quick access to established techniques. Its continued relevance demonstrates the enduring need for simple, centralized access to practical laboratory knowledge in the life sciences.