Lab4U vs PhET Simulations
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Lab4U
This app transforms your device into a scientific tool for hands-on biology, physics, and chemistry experiments. Explore real-time data using your phone's sensors to learn and teach science in an engaging, inquiry-based manner.
- Real-time sensor experiments
- Biology, physics, and chemistry labs
- Inquiry-Based Learning methodology
- Curriculum-aligned content
- Scientific thinking development
- Device camera, microphone, and motion sensor integration
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Lab4U is an educational app that allows you to experiment with biology, physics and chemistry in a fun and easy way, transforming the way science is learned and taught. With Lab4U you will experiment in real time using the different sensors of your device, such as the camera, microphone, motion sensor, and others, turning your phone into a powerful scientific tool. Through our Inquiry-Based Learning, with Lab4U you will explore and analyze images of nature with Lab4Biology experiments, determine the color and concentration of chemical reactions with Lab4Chemistry experiences, and analyze the force and acceleration of a moving object with the experimentation activities offered by Lab4Physics. Find each of these contents in the Labs section of the app. Tools and experiments at Lab4U are aligned to the educational curriculum and thus carry out incredible, entertaining and deep learning experiences that will enhance the development of scientific thinking, preparing the talents that the 21st century requires. We invite you to download the new Lab4U app and experiment with us!
PhET Simulations
Explore science and math concepts through interactive simulations. This app provides over 75 HTML5 simulations for learning about atoms, energy, multiplication, and more. It's ideal for students, parents, and educators, offering offline access and multiple language support.
- Interactive science and math simulations
- Offline play capability
- Multiple language support
- Customizable favorites collection
- Automatic simulation updates
- Easy simulation sorting
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Engage in learning science and math with the award-winning PhET simulations! Whether understanding atoms, exploring energy, or mastering multiplication, there is a sim for every learner. Perfect for at home, in class, or on the road, this app delivers all PhET HTML5 sims (over 75 sims) in one easy-to-use package. Developed by experts at the University of Colorado Boulder, PhET sims are used by millions of students every year. The PhET iPad app delivers these exclusive features: • Offline play: learn on the bus or at the park without a WiFi connection. • Multiple languages: app translate in many languages (great for bilingual learners). • Favorites: pick your favorite sims and create your own custom collection. • Automatic updates: get the latest HTML5 sims as soon as they are released. • Easy sorting: find the right sims for you. • Fullscreen: maximize your screen real estate for optimal sim exploration. PARENTS: Engage your child in science and math discovery. TEACHERS: Your favorite HTML5 sims at your fingertips, even without internet access. ADMINISTRATORS: Optimized for school use, so your teachers will be seamlessly up to date. STUDENTS: Tell your parents there’s an exciting app for learning science and math. Note: The app does not include PhET’s Java or Flash sims. In addition, although we are currently working on improving the accessibility of our sims, most of the sims included in this app do not include keyboard navigation or screen reader access. As accessible sims become available, they will be updated within the app. Proceeds from the app support the development of more HTML5 sims. On behalf of the PhET team and the students whose lives you have helped improve — Thank you!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Lab4U at Free against PhET Simulations's $0.99. Lab4U also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 14 months). PhET Simulations's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and review sentiment (66% vs 36%). On rating, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Lab4U is free to download; PhET Simulations costs $0.99 up front. Lab4U sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. PhET Simulations asks for nothing beyond the download.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Lab4U against 4.5 for PhET Simulations. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 10 and 49 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 36% of Lab4U's written reviews are positive against 66% of PhET Simulations's.
Lab4U ships an update fortnightly, PhET Simulations every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Lab4U | PhET Simulations |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $0.99 |
| Rating | 4.5 (10 ratings) | 4.5 (49 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 36.4% of reviews | 65.5% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 10 | 49 — better |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly — better | Every 14 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | #29 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 104 MB | 125 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Lab4U Inc. | University of Colorado Boulder |
Customer experience
Lab4U
PhET Simulations
In-app purchases
Lab4U
- Lab4physics TrialFree
- Lab4U TrialFree
- Lab4Physics Premium$45.99
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- Lab4U Premium$45.99
PhET Simulations
No in-app purchases








