---
canonical: https://biosonic.io/compare/batexplorer
---

# BioSonic vs BatExplorer

Last updated: 2026-04-26

**BioSonic** is a cloud-based bat call analysis platform that uses deep learning on spectrograms to identify species automatically. **BatExplorer**, made by Elekon, is a Windows desktop application that uses rule-based call parameter measurements matched against a species reference library. Both tools help ecologists turn raw ultrasonic recordings into species-level identifications, but they take fundamentally different approaches to the task. This page lays out what each tool does, where it fits, and where it falls short.

## At a glance

Fifteen dimensions that matter most when choosing bat analysis software.

| Feature | BioSonic | BatExplorer (Elekon) |
|---|---|---|
| Underlying approach | Deep learning image recognition on spectrograms | Rule-based + species library matching (call parameter measurements) |
| Training data | 2.5M bat calls + 4M noise files | Elekon's European species reference library |
| Benchmarked accuracy | 98.7% F1 (third-party benchmark by Wilder Sensing, 6,126 calls, 15 species) | Not publicly benchmarked at scale |
| Platform | Browser-based — works on any computer | Windows desktop only |
| Team workflow | Unlimited users per organisation; shared projects | Single-user desktop licence per seat |
| Species per recording | Up to 7 | One suggestion with probabilities |
| Social and feeding calls | Separated automatically | Manual identification |
| Noise filtering | Deep-learning noise model | Basic filters |
| Model updates | New AI model every weekend | Version updates (irregular cadence) |
| Storage | 9 years EU-hosted included | Local storage only |
| Report generation | One-click charts, maps, Word export | Diagrams, charts, GIS export |
| Detector compatibility | Any WAV-producing detector | Designed for Elekon BATLOGGER; accepts other WAV but with reduced functionality |
| Geographic coverage | UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Sweden | European + UK species |
| Pricing model | Per-GB-per-year, all-inclusive | Free Standard version; 249 CHF/yr (~£212) Pro per user |
| Free trial | Yes | Free Standard tier + time-limited Pro trial |

## How each tool identifies bats

The core difference is in the identification engine. BioSonic treats each recording as a spectrogram image and runs it through a deep convolutional neural network trained on over 2.5 million verified bat calls and 3.5 million noise samples. The model learns patterns across frequency, duration, shape and context, rather than relying on a fixed set of call parameter thresholds. It identifies up to seven species per recording and automatically separates social and feeding calls from echolocation passes.

BatExplorer takes a traditional parameter-based approach. It measures call characteristics such as start and end frequency, duration, and inter-pulse interval, then matches these measurements against Elekon's reference library of European species. The software presents a single species suggestion with associated probabilities. This approach is well-established and transparent: you can see exactly which parameters drove the classification. The trade-off is that it relies on clean, well-separated calls to produce reliable measurements, and it struggles with overlapping species, noisy environments, and social calls that fall outside standard parameter ranges.

Both approaches have merit. Parameter-based methods are interpretable and easy to audit. Deep learning methods handle ambiguity and noise better, but require trust in the training data and model validation. That is why independent benchmarking matters.

## What the benchmarks say

- **BioSonic F1 score:** 98.7% — third-party benchmark by Wilder Sensing (6,126 calls, 15 species).
- **BatExplorer benchmark:** No public data — No large-scale public benchmark for BatExplorer currently exists.

BioSonic achieved 98.7% F1 in a third-party benchmark by Wilder Sensing on 6,126 calls across 15 species. The methodology, dataset, and results are available for review. For a deeper look at all benchmark results, see the [benchmarks page](/benchmarks).

No public head-to-head benchmark between BioSonic and BatExplorer exists at the time of writing. We encourage independent testing. If you are a researcher or consultant who would like to run a comparison, we are happy to provide access and support. Contact us at [josef.carlson@biosonic.se](mailto:josef.carlson@biosonic.se).

We believe that transparent, reproducible benchmarking is the only honest way to compare analysis software. Claims without data are marketing. Numbers with methodology are evidence.

## Day-to-day workflow

The practical experience of using each tool differs significantly, starting with how you get recordings into the system.

**BioSonic workflow:** Open a browser, upload WAV files from any detector, and wait for the AI to process them. Results appear within minutes for typical survey datasets. Species identifications, spectrograms, activity charts, and maps are generated automatically. You can filter, review, adjust classifications, and export reports directly from the browser. There is nothing to install. Updates happen server-side every weekend. Your data is stored in the EU for up to nine years, accessible from any device.

**BatExplorer workflow:** Install the desktop application on a Windows machine. Connect your BATLOGGER via USB or import WAV files manually. BatExplorer reads recordings, displays spectrograms, and runs its auto-identification. You review results call by call, adjusting parameters and classifications as needed. Reports and charts can be generated locally. GIS export is available for spatial analysis. All data stays on your local machine or network drive.

If you value working from a single machine with no internet dependency, BatExplorer fits that requirement. If you need to process data from multiple detectors, access results from a tablet in the field, or hand off a project to a colleague without copying files, BioSonic is the more flexible option.

Processing speed matters at scale. A survey season generating hundreds of thousands of recordings takes considerably longer to work through in a desktop tool that processes files sequentially. BioSonic's cloud infrastructure handles large uploads in parallel, so a full season of data from ten detectors is processed in the same timeframe as data from one.

## Working as a team

Ecological consultancies rarely have just one person analysing bat data. Projects involve field technicians, junior analysts, senior ecologists, and report writers. The tools differ sharply on how they handle collaboration.

**BioSonic** includes unlimited users per organisation at no additional cost. Everyone on your team logs in to the same platform, sees the same projects, and works from the same dataset. When one analyst reviews and confirms a species identification, the update is visible to the whole team immediately. Project managers can track progress across multiple sites without requesting file transfers or status emails.

**BatExplorer** is licensed per seat. Each user works on their own installation with their own copy of the data. Sharing results means exporting files and sending them to colleagues, or saving to a shared network drive. There is no built-in mechanism for real-time collaboration or centralised project oversight. For a team of five analysts, you need five licences and a disciplined file-management protocol to avoid version conflicts.

> "Since joining BioSonic our analysis time has reduced significantly. The team is excellent in their support, super quick to respond."
> — Luke Waddison, Ecological Consultant, [Wharton](/wharton) (UK)

For solo consultants working exclusively with BATLOGGER hardware, the single-user model is fine. For any team with more than two people, centralised cloud-based collaboration removes a meaningful amount of administrative overhead.

## Pricing model

**BioSonic** uses a per-GB-per-year pricing model. You pay for the volume of data you store and process. All features are included. There are no per-user fees, no module add-ons, and no tier restrictions. Every user in your organisation gets access to the full platform.

**BatExplorer** offers a tiered model. The Standard version is free and includes basic spectrogram viewing and manual analysis. The Pro version, which adds auto-identification and advanced features, costs 249 CHF per year (approximately £212) for a Pro licence. Each seat requires its own licence. For a team of five ecologists, that is roughly £1,060 per year, and each person still works in isolation.

The free Standard tier is a genuine advantage for BatExplorer. If you are a student, hobbyist, or occasional surveyor who only needs to view and manually analyse spectrograms, it costs nothing. For professional use requiring auto-identification, the per-seat cost adds up as teams grow. BioSonic's model scales with data volume rather than team size, which tends to favour larger consultancies processing significant volumes of recordings.

Both tools offer trials. BioSonic provides a free trial with full functionality. BatExplorer offers the permanent free Standard tier plus a time-limited trial of Pro features. We encourage you to try both and compare results on your own data.

## Who should choose which

**BatExplorer may be the better fit if you:**

- Use Elekon BATLOGGER hardware exclusively and want tight integration with your detector
- Prefer a desktop application with no internet dependency
- Work solo and do not need team collaboration features
- Want a free tool for manual spectrogram review and basic analysis
- Are comfortable with parameter-based identification and prefer its interpretability

**BioSonic may be the better fit if you:**

- Want the highest benchmarked accuracy: 98.7% F1 means less time fixing wrong classifications
- Have a consultancy team: unlimited users, shared projects, single audit trail
- Use any bat detector brand, not just Elekon
- Want integrated spectrogram review with right-click bounding boxes, no switching apps
- Need one-click charts, maps, emergence graphs, weather overlays, and Word reports
- Want up to 7 species per recording with automatic feeding buzz and social call separation
- Value weekly model updates that improve accuracy continuously

BatExplorer is a mature, well-designed tool that serves Elekon users well. BioSonic addresses a different set of needs: higher accuracy, team collaboration, integrated review, and one-click reporting.

## Switching from BatExplorer to BioSonic

If you decide to move from BatExplorer to BioSonic, the process is straightforward. There is no proprietary file conversion or data lock-in to worry about.

**Step 1: Collect your WAV files.** BatExplorer stores recordings as standard WAV files on your local machine. Locate the folders containing your survey data. Any WAV file from any detector works with BioSonic.

**Step 2: Create a BioSonic account.** Sign up at [bat.biosonic.se/signup](https://bat.biosonic.se/signup) and create your organisation. Invite your team members at no additional cost.

**Step 3: Upload your recordings.** Drag and drop your WAV files into BioSonic. The platform processes them automatically. For large archives, contact our team and we can arrange bulk upload support.

**Step 4: Review and compare.** Once processing is complete, you can compare BioSonic's identifications against your previous BatExplorer results. Many users find this a useful exercise for building confidence in a new tool before switching their live projects.

Your BatExplorer installation continues to work alongside BioSonic. You do not need to delete or uninstall anything. Run both in parallel for a survey season and decide based on your own results. If you need assistance migrating, contact us at [josef.carlson@biosonic.se](mailto:josef.carlson@biosonic.se) or [book a 30-minute call](https://cal.com/biosonic/30min).

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I use BatExplorer with non-Elekon detectors?

BatExplorer can import WAV files from other detectors, but it is designed and optimised for Elekon BATLOGGER hardware. Some features and metadata integration may be reduced when using recordings from other manufacturers. BioSonic accepts standard WAV files from any detector without reduced functionality.

### Is BatExplorer free?

BatExplorer offers a free Standard version with basic spectrogram viewing and manual analysis features. The Pro version, which includes auto-identification and advanced analysis tools, costs 249 CHF per year (approximately £212) for a Pro licence. BioSonic uses a per-GB-per-year model with all features included from day one.

### How does BioSonic's accuracy compare to BatExplorer?

BioSonic achieved 98.7% F1 in a third-party benchmark by Wilder Sensing on 6,126 calls across 15 species. No public head-to-head benchmark between BioSonic and BatExplorer currently exists. We encourage independent testing and are happy to support any researcher who wants to run a comparison. See our [benchmarks page](/benchmarks) for full details.

### Can I switch from BatExplorer to BioSonic?

Yes. BioSonic accepts standard WAV files, so you can upload the same recordings you have been analysing in BatExplorer. There is no lock-in or conversion step required. Upload your files, and BioSonic processes them automatically. You can run both tools in parallel to compare results before committing to a switch.

### Does BioSonic work on Mac or Linux?

Yes. BioSonic is browser-based and runs on any operating system with a modern web browser, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and tablets. BatExplorer runs on Windows only.

### Which tool is better for team projects?

BioSonic is designed for team collaboration with unlimited users per organisation, shared projects, and centralised cloud storage. BatExplorer is a single-user desktop application with per-seat licensing. If multiple ecologists need to access the same project simultaneously, BioSonic is the more practical choice. For more on how teams use BioSonic, see the [Wharton case study](/wharton).

### How often are the AI models updated?

BioSonic deploys a new AI model every weekend, incorporating the latest training data and improvements. BatExplorer receives version updates on an irregular cadence, typically tied to software releases from Elekon. Weekly updates mean BioSonic's accuracy improves continuously without any action required from the user.

### What happens to my data in BioSonic?

All data uploaded to BioSonic is stored on EU-hosted servers and retained for up to nine years. You retain full ownership of your recordings and results. Data can be exported at any time. For questions about data handling, privacy, or GDPR compliance, see our [FAQ page](/faq) or contact us directly.

## Sources

- BatExplorer v2.3 (September 2025): 32-species European library, Windows 10/11 + .NET 4.8
- Elekon AG pricing: 249 CHF/year Pro subscription
- Wilder Sensing (2024). Third-party benchmark on 6,126 calls across 15 species — [see benchmarks page](/benchmarks)

Last verified: 2026-04-26.

## Get started

Upload your recordings, compare the results against your current workflow, and decide based on evidence. Free trial, no credit card required.

[Start free trial](https://bat.biosonic.se/signup) | [Book a demo](https://cal.com/biosonic/30min)

Questions? Email [josef.carlson@biosonic.se](mailto:josef.carlson@biosonic.se)