FAQ: Is NEBNext® Q5 Hot Start HiFi PCR Master Mix the same as NEBNext® High-Fidelity 2X PCR Master Mix (M0541), or Q5 Hot Start High-Fidelity 2X PCR Master Mix (M0494)?

No. Although all three master mixes contain Q5 High-Fidelity DNA Polymerase, only NEBNext Q5 Hot Start HiFi PCR Master Mix has been optimized for especially robust, low bias amplification. Its hot-start nature and ability to amplify in the presence of magnetic beads give it advantages over its predecessor, NEBNext High-Fidelity 2X PCR Master Mix, in NGS applications. Q5 Hot Start High-Fidelity 2X PCR Master Mix also contains the hot start aptamer for convenient room temperature setup, but it has been optimized for amplification of a variety of templates including longer amplicons.