Comparison

WavesSimulator vs Huygens3D

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

WavesSimulator

Features
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You can conduct experiments related to waves on the app. In addition to the waves not attenuating unlike the real model, it also has useful functions such as slow playback, pause, and rewinding time. Main features - Pulse wave generation - Freehand wave generation - Generation of sine waves - Free end reflection - Fixed end reflection - Change the length of the string - Change playback speed - History display for up to 5 seconds - Glossary - 60 FPS or 120 FPS (ProMotion compatible devices only)

About

Huygens3D

Features
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Huygens3D brings the exploration of fundamental wave phenomena to iPad and iPhone, making it a full alternative to the classic ripple tank in physics lessons. Interference, diffraction, reflection and refraction are simulated just like in a real water tank. Thanks to the intuitive controls, every experiment is set up in seconds, so all students can experiment on their own. Features: • various wave sources (point, line, points on a line, circle), as a continuous wave or a wave packet • various obstacles, slits, prisms and lenses • rain field for random waves • pause and step-by-step mode • phase probes with an oscilloscope view showing the phase difference • tape measure for measuring in length units and in multiples of the wavelength • screen showing interference and diffraction patterns • share experiment setups via AirDrop, Messages or Mail

Screenshots

WavesSimulator3 screens
Huygens3D4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: WavesSimulator at none against Huygens3D's shown. WavesSimulator also leads on update cadence (every 8 months vs every 25 months) and price ($1.99 vs $3.99). On in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

WavesSimulator costs $1.99 and Huygens3D $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WavesSimulator ships an update every 8 months, Huygens3D every 25 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences Ā· 2 level
WavesSimulator versus Huygens3D: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWavesSimulatorHuygens3D
Price$1.99 — better$3.99
Update frequencyEvery 8 months — betterEvery 25 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS15.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size95 MB147 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTsuyoshi OhtsujiRoland Wejner

In-app purchases

None

WavesSimulator

No in-app purchases

None

Huygens3D

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is WavesSimulator free?
WavesSimulator costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Huygens3D free?
Huygens3D costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do WavesSimulator or Huygens3D have ads?
Huygens3D shows ads; WavesSimulator does not.
Which is updated more often, WavesSimulator or Huygens3D?
WavesSimulator ships an update every 8 months, and Huygens3D every 25 months. Most recently, WavesSimulator was updated on November 2, 2026 and Huygens3D on October 27, 2026.

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