Before You Choose a Vendor
Use this comparison after you know the approximate pool size, sequence length, required QC scope, and delivery format. For source detail, open the current public vendor specifications page.
Choosing the Right Synthesis Platform
When ordering tens of thousands of oligonucleotides for CRISPR screens, NGS target enrichment, or gene assembly, selecting the appropriate synthesis platform is as critical as the sequence design itself. Each vendor utilizes different synthesis chemistry — from silicon-based microchips to photolithographic arrays — leading to meaningful variations in error rates, maximum sequence length, uniformity, and delivery formats.
This guide compares public platform information to help you make an informed decision based on your specific application requirements.
Comprehensive Comparison Matrix
| Feature | Twist Bioscience | IDT (oPools™) | GenScript |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthesis Chemistry | Silicon-based chip | Array-based hybrid | CMOS chip |
| Max Oligo Length | Up to 350 nt | 40-350 bases | 170 nt |
| Min Pool Size | No stated public pool-size limit | Public tiers start at 100 oligos | Contact vendor |
| Max Pool Size | No stated public pool-size limit | Scale tiers through 20,000 oligos depending on pmol tier | Up to 8M/chip |
| Per-Base Error Rate | Public standard-pool page says error rate up to 1:3,000 | Public oPools page does not position QC/quantification as included | Public page emphasizes service-tier QC and optional sequencing add-ons |
| Uniformity (90/10) | Public specs publish >90% within <2.0x of mean | Confirm representation and QC scope directly with IDT | Confirm representation and QC scope for the selected GenTitan tier |
| Typical Turnaround | 2–4 business days | Contact vendor | 3–5 business days |
| Delivery Format | Confirm delivery amount and format in quote | Pooled DNA oligos delivered dry in a 2 mL tube on the public page | Confirm delivery amount and format for selected tier |
| Order File Format | Confirm current portal and CSV requirements | Confirm current portal and CSV requirements | Confirm current portal and CSV requirements |
Format Compatibility
Submitting sequences in the wrong column order is one of the most common reasons for order delays. Each vendor has strict CSV format requirements that vary in column names, ordering, and character restrictions. Always validate before uploading.
Detailed Vendor Profiles
Twist Bioscience
Twist uses a proprietary silicon-based synthesis technology. The public standard-pool page publishes uniformity >90% within <2.0x of mean and error rate up to 1:3,000; use those public claims as documented screening points, not as guaranteed project outcomes.
When to consider Twist: Large pooled CRISPR screens, projects requiring longer standard-pool oligos up to 350 nt, or experiments where publicly documented uniformity wording is central to the shortlist.
Quote check: Confirm current length tier, pool size, sub-pool handling, QC wording, delivery amount, and cloned-pool availability directly with Twist before treating this as the final order path.
IDT (oPools™ Oligo Pools)
IDT's oPools public page lists scale tiers covering 100-20,000 oligos depending on pmol-per-oligo tier, plus a 40-350 base range. Review the public QC and quantification wording carefully because the oPools page does not position those as included.
When to consider IDT: Focused pools, projects that need the 40-350 base public range, mixed bases, 5-prime phosphorylation, or IDT ordering workflows.
Quote check: Confirm whether the selected oPools scale includes the needed oligo count, delivery amount, modifications, and any separate QC or quantification requirement.
GenScript
GenScript uses CMOS chip-based synthesis through its GenTitan platform. Public service materials separate HIFI 92K and HD 8M chip tiers and list visual verification, purity/yield analysis, and add-on options for amplification, cloning, and sequencing.
When to consider GenScript: Projects where the public HD 8M density claim, short oligo range, or add-on QC/service options match the quote requirements.
Quote check: Confirm active HIFI/HD tier, delivery format, add-on QC scope, and whether sequencing or cloning is included or priced separately.
How to model error impact safely
The practical impact of synthesis error depends on oligo length, vendor tier, purification or QC scope, and downstream validation. Because vendors publish different QC concepts, do not compare every public error-rate or yield phrase as if it were the same metric.
Use the Error Rate Calculator to model a clearly stated per-base error assumption for your exact oligo length, then compare that model against the vendor's current quote, QC package, and validation plan.
Public-Page Shortlist Guidance
- Consider Twist when public numeric uniformity/error-rate wording, standard-pool length up to 350 nt, or cloned-pool availability is central to the shortlist.
- Consider IDT when oPools scale tiers, 40-350 base public range, mixed-base support, or 5-prime phosphorylation fit the design constraints.
- Consider GenScript when the GenTitan HIFI 92K or HD 8M public tiers, 20-170 nt range, or add-on service scope matches the quote requirements.
Format Conversion Before Upload
Once you have selected a vendor, convert FASTA or CSV lists into the expected order-file structure with theVendor Format Adapter. Review column names, character restrictions, and length limits before uploading.